HILDA. And then you said that when I grew up I should be your princess.

SOLNESS. [Laughing a little.] Dear, dear--did I say that too?

HILDA. Yes, you did. And when I asked how long I should have to wait, you said that you would come again in ten years--like a troll--and carry me off--to Spain or some such place. And you promised you would buy me a kingdom there.

SOLNESS. [As before.] Yes, after a good dinner one doesn't haggle about the halfpence. But did I really say all that?

HILDA. [Laughs to herself.] Yes. And you told me, too, what the kingdom was to be called.

SOLNESS. Well, what was it?

HILDA. It was to be called the kingdom of Orangia,* you said.
*In the original "Appelsinia," "appelsin" meaning "orange."

SOLNESS. Well, that was an appetising name.

HILDA. No, I didn't like it a bit; for it seemed as though you wanted to make game of me.

SOLNESS. I am sure that cannot have been my intention.

HILDA. No, I should hope not--considering what you did next---

SOLNESS. What in the world did I do next?

HILDA. Well, that's the finishing touch, if you have forgotten that too. I should have thought no one could help remembering such a thing as that.

SOLNESS. Yes, yes, just give me a hint, and then perhaps--- Well?

HILDA. [Looks fixedly at him.] You came and kissed me, Mr. Solness.

SOLNESS. [Open-mouthed.] _I_ did!

HILDA. Yes, indeed you did. You took me in both your arms, and bent my head back, and kissed me--many times.

SOLNESS. Now really, my dear Miss Wangel---!

HILDA. [Rises.] You surely cannot mean to deny it?

SOLNESS. Yes, I do. I deny it altogether!

HILDA. [Looks scornfully at him.] Oh, indeed! [She turns and goes slowly up to the stove, where she remains standing motionless, her face averted from him, her hands behind her back. Short pause.

 

from The Master Builder (Norwegian: Bygmester Solness)