The Master Builder Part 16

Yes, it must have been a great grief to her.

SOLNESS.

She has not got over it to this day--not in all these twelve or thirteen years.

DR. HERDAL.

But you--yourself--you rose upon the ruins. You began as a poor boy from a country village--and now you are at the head of your profession. Ah, yes, Mr. Solness, you have undoubtedly had the luck on your side.

SOLNESS.

[Looking at him with embarra.s.sment.] Yes, but that is just what makes me so horribly afraid.

DR. HERDAL.

Afraid? Because you have the luck on your side!

SOLNESS.

It terrifies me--terrifies me every hour of the day. For sooner or later the luck must turn, you see.

DR. HERDAL.

Oh nonsense! What should make the luck turn?

SOLNESS.

[With firm a.s.surance.] The younger generation!

DR. HERDAL.

Pooh! The younger generation! You are not laid on the shelf yet, I should hope. Oh no--your position here is probably firmer now than it has ever been.

SOLNESS.

The luck will turn. I know it--I feel the day approaching. Some one or other will take it into his head to say: Give me a chance! And then all the rest will come clamouring after him, and shake their fists at me and shout: Make room--make room--! Yes, just you see, doctor--presently the younger generation will come knocking at my door--

DR. HERDAL.

[Laughing.] Well, and what if they do?

SOLNESS.

What if they do? Then there's an end of Halvard Solness.

[There is a knock at the door on the left.

SOLNESS.

[Starts.] What's that? Did you not hear something?

DR. HERDAL.

Some one is knocking at the door.

SOLNESS.

[Loudly.] Come in.

HILDA w.a.n.gEL enters by the hall door. She is of middle height, supple, and delicately built. Somewhat sunburnt. Dressed in a tourist costume, with skirt caught up for walking, a sailor's collar open at the throat, and a small sailor hat on her head.

Knapsack on back, plaid in strap, and alpenstock.

HILDA.

[Goes straight up to SOLNESS, her eyes sparkling with happiness.] Good evening!

SOLNESS.

[Looks doubtfully at her.] Good evening--

HILDA.

[Laughs.] I almost believe you don't recognise me!

SOLNESS.

No--I must admit that--just for the moment--

DR. HERDAL.