Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/386

 Solness.

I am afraid of retribution, Hilda.

Hilda.

Of retribution? [Shakes her head.] I don't understand that.

SOLNESS.

Sit down, and I will tell you something.

Hilda.

Yes, do! At once!

[She sits on a stool by the railing, and looks expectantly at him.

Solness.

[Throws his hat on the table.] You know that I began by building churches.

Hilda.

[Nods.] I know that well.

Solness.

For, you see, I came as a boy from a pious home in the country; and so it seemed to me that this church-building was the noblest task I could set myself.

Hilda.

Yes, yes.

Solness.

And I venture to say that I built those poor little churches with such honest and warm and heartfelt devotion that—that

Hilda.

That? Well?