Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/371

 Hilda.

Well—you admit you owe me this kingdom. And you can't have a kingdom without a royal castle, I should think!

Solness.

[More and more animated.] Yes, they usually go together.

Hilda.

Good! Then build it for me! This moment!

Solness.

[Laughing.] Must you have that on the instant, too?

Hilda.

Yes, to be sure! For the ten years are up now, and I am not going to wait any longer. So—out with the castle, Mr. Solness!

Solness.

It's no light matter to owe you anything, Hilda.

Hilda.

You should have thought of that before. It is too late now. So—[tapping the table]—the castle on the table! It is my castle! I will have it at once!

Solness.

[More seriously, leans over towards her, with his arms on the table.] What sort of castle have you imagined, Hilda?

[Her expression becomes more and more veiled. She seems gazing inwards at herself.