Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/387

 Solness.

Well, that I think that he ought to have been pleased with me.

Hilda.

He? What he?

Solness.

He who was to have the churches, of course! He to whose honour and glory they were dedicated.

Hilda.

Oh, indeed! But are you certain, then, that—that he was not—pleased with you?

Solness.

[Scornfully.] He pleased with me! How can you talk so, Hilda? He who gave the troll in me leave to lord it just as it pleased. He who bade them be at hand to serve me, both day and night—all these—all these

Hilda.

Devils

Solness.

Yes, of both kinds. Oh no, he made me feel clearly enough that he was not pleased with me. [Mysteriously.] You see, that was really the reason why he made the old house burn down.

Hilda.

Was that why?

Solness.

Yes, don't you understand? He wanted to give me the chance of becoming an accomplished master in my own sphere—so that I might build all