Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/318

 Solness.

Homes for human beings, Hilda.

Hilda.

But homes with high towers and pinnacles upon them.

Solness.

If possible. [Adopts a lighter tone.] But, as I said before, that fire was the making of me—as a builder, I mean.

Hilda.

Why don't you call yourself an architect, like the others?

Solness.

I have not been systematically enough taught for that. Most of what I know I have found out for myself.

Hilda.

But you succeeded all the same.

Solness.

Yes, thanks to the fire. I laid out almost the whole of the garden in villa lots; and there I was able to build after my own heart. So I came to the front with a rush.

Hilda.

[Looks keenly at him.] You must surely be a very happy man, as matters stand with you.

Solness.

[Gloomily.] Happy? Do you say that, too—like all the rest of them?