Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/314

 Hilda.

[In a subdued voice.] Was that all you meant when you said you needed me?

Solness.

That was mainly what I meant—at all events, yesterday. For to-day I am not so sure—[Breaking off.] Come here and let us sit down, Hilda. Sit there on the sofa—so that you can look into the garden. [Hilda seats herself in the corner of the sofa. Solness brings a chair closer.] Should you like to hear about it?

Hilda.

Yes, I shall love to sit and listen to you.

Solness.

[Sits down.] Then I will tell you all about it.

Hilda.

Now I can see both the garden and you, Mr. Solness. So now, tell away! Begin!

Solness.

[Points towards the bow-window.] Out there on the rising ground—where you see the new house

Hilda.

Yes?

Solness.

Aline and I lived there in the first years of our married life. There was an old house up there that had belonged to her mother; and we inherited it, and the whole of the great garden with it.