Part 69 (1/2)

SOLNESS.

[More softly.] Then I think the builder will come.

HILDA.

[Nods.] The builder--he will come.

SOLNESS.

But he will never be able to build any more. Poor builder!

HILDA.

[Animated.] Oh, yes, he will! We two will set to work together. And then we will build the loveliest--the very loveliest--thing in all the world.

SOLNESS.

[Intently.] Hilda--tell me what that is!

HILDA.

[Looks smilingly at him, shakes her head a little, pouts, and speaks as if to a child.] Builders--they are such very--very stupid people.

SOLNESS.

Yes, no doubt they are stupid. But now tell me what it is--the loveliest thing in the world--that we two are to build together?

HILDA.

[Is silent a little while, then says with an indefinable expression in her eyes.] Castles in the air.

SOLNESS.

Castles in the air?

HILDA.

[Nods.] Castles in the air, yes! Do you know what sort of thing a castle in the air is?

SOLNESS.