Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/320

 human beings. Cosy, comfortable, bright homes, where father and mother and the whole troop of children can live in safety and gladness, feeling what a happy thing it is to be alive in the world—and most of all to belong to each other—in great things and in small.

Hilda.

[Ardently.] Well, and is it not a great happiness for you to be able to build such beautiful homes?

Solness.

The price, Hilda! The terrible price I had to pay for the opportunity!

Hilda.

But can you never get over that?

Solness.

No. That I might build homes for others, I had to forego—to forego for all time—the home that might have been my own. I mean a home for a troop of children—and for father and mother, too.

Hilda.

[Cautiously.] But need you have done that? For all time, you say?

Solness

[Nods slowly.] That was the price of this happiness that people talk about. [Breathes heavily.] This happiness—h'm—this happiness was not to be bought any cheaper, Hilda.

Hilda.

[As before.] But may it not come right even yet?