[With an outburst.] Oh, it all seems to me so foolish--so foolish!

SOLNESS.

All what?

HILDA.

Not to be able to grasp at your own happiness--at your own life! Merely because some one you know happens to stand in the way!

SOLNESS.

One whom you have no right to set aside.

HILDA.

I wonder whether one really has not the right! And yet, and yet--. Oh!

if one could only sleep the whole thing away!

[She lays her arms flat don on the table, rests the left side of her head on her hands, and shuts her eyes.

SOLNESS.

[Turns the arm-chair and sits down at the table.] Had you a cosy, happy home--up there with your father, Hilda?

HILDA.

[Without stirring, answers as if half asleep.] I had only a cage.

SOLNESS.

And you are determined not to go back to it?

HILDA.

[As before.] The wild bird never wants to go back to the cage.

SOLNESS.

Rather range through the free air--

HILDA.

[Still as before.] The bird of prey loves to range--

SOLNESS.

[Lets his eyes rest on her.] If only one had the viking-spirit in life--

HILDA.

[In her usual voice; opens her eyes but does not move.] And the other thing? Say what that was!

SOLNESS.

A robust conscience.

[HILDA sits erect on the bench, with animation. Her eyes have once more the sparkling expression of gladness.

HILDA.

[Nods to him.] _I_ know what you are going to build next!

SOLNESS.

Then you know more than I do, Hilda.

HILDA.

Yes, builders are such stupid people.

SOLNESS.

What is it to be then?

HILDA.

[Nods again.] The castle.

SOLNESS.