Solness.
Homes for human beings, Hilda.
Hilda.
But homes with high towers and pinnacles upon them.
Solness.
If possible. [Adopts a lighter tone.] But, as I said before, that fire was the making of me—as a builder, I mean.
Hilda.
Why don't you call yourself an architect, like the others?
Solness.
I have not been systematically enough taught for that. Most of what I know I have found out for myself.
Hilda.
But you succeeded all the same.
Solness.
Yes, thanks to the fire. I laid out almost the whole of the garden in villa lots; and there I was able to build after my own heart. So I came to the front with a rush.
Hilda.
[Looks keenly at him.] You must surely be a very happy man, as matters stand with you.
Solness.
[Gloomily.] Happy? Do you say that, too—like all the rest of them?
