No More Learning

SOLNESS: True, all the same.

MRS. SOLNESS: You, who can't even go out on the
second-floor balcony?

SOLNESS: You will see something different this evening.

MRS. SOLNESS: You're ill, you're ill! I'll write at
once to the doctor. Oh, God, Oh, God!

[_She goes out. _

HILDA: Don't tell me _my_ master builder daren't, _cannot_
climb as high as he builds. You promised me a kingdom,
and then you went and--well! Don't tell me you
can ever be dizzy!

SOLNESS: This evening, then, we'll hang up the wreath,
Princess Hilda.

HILDA (_bitterly_): Over your new home--yes.

SOLNESS: Over the new house, which will never be a
_home_ for _me_.
HILDA (_looks straight in front of her with a far-away
expression, and whispers to herself. The only words
audible are_): Frightfully thrilling----


ACT III

SCENE. --_A large, broad verandah attached to_ SOLNESS'S
_dwelling-house. A flight of steps leads down to the garden
below. Far to the right, among the trees, is a glimpse of
the new villa, with scaffolding round the tower. Evening
sky, with sun-lit clouds. _

MRS. SOLNESS: Have you been round the garden, Miss
Wangel?

HILDA: Yes, and I've found heaps of flowers.

MRS. SOLNESS: Are there, really? You see, I seldom
go there. I don't feel that it is _mine_ any longer. They've
parcelled it out and built houses for strangers, who can
look in upon me from their windows.

HILDA: Mrs. Solness--may I stay here with you a
little?