Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/373

 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?