HILDA.
Was that why?
SOLNESS.
Yes, don't you understand? He wanted to give me the chance of
becoming an accomplished master in my own sphere--so that I might
build all the more glorious churches for him. At first I did not
understand what he was driving at; but all of a sudden it flashed
upon me.
HILDA.
When was that?
SOLNESS.
It was when I was building the church-tower up at Lysanger.
HILDA.
I thought so.
SOLNESS.
For you see, Hilda--up there, amidst those new surroundings, I used
to go about musing and pondering within myself. Then I saw plainly
why he had taken my little children from me. It was that I should
have nothing else to attach myself to. No such thing as love and
happiness, you understand. I was to be only a master builder--
nothing else. and all my life long I was to go on building for him.
[Laughs.] But I can tell you nothing came of that!
HILDA.
What did you do then?
SOLNESS.
First of all, I searched and tried my own heart---
HILDA.
And then?
SOLNESS.
The I did the impossible--I, no less than he.
HILDA.
The impossible?
SOLNESS.
I had never before been able to climb up to a great, free height.
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