HILDA.
Oh, that is what those boys want, is it?
RAGNAR.
[Spitefully and scornfully.] He has kept us down so long--now we are going to see him keep quietly down below himself.
HILDA.
You will not see that--not this time.
RAGNAR.
[Smiles.] Indeed! Then where shall we see him?
HILDA.
High--high up by the vane! That is where you will see him!
RAGNAR.
[Laughs.] Him! Oh yes, I daresay!
HILDA.
His will is to reach the top--so at the top you shall see him.
RAGNAR.
His will, yes; that I can easily believe. But he simply cannot do it.
His head would swim round, long, long before he got half-way. He would have to crawl down again on his hands and knees.
DR. HERDAL.
[Points across.] Look! There goes the foreman up the ladders.
MRS. SOLNESS.
And of course he has the wreath to carry too. Oh, I do hope he will be careful!
RAGNAR.
[Stares incredulously and shouts.] Why, but it"s--
HILDA.
[Breaking out in jubilation.] It is the master builder himself?
MRS. SOLNESS.
[Screams with terror.] Yes, it is Halvard! Oh my great G.o.d--! Halvard!
Halvard!
DR. HERDAL.
Hush! Don"t shout to him!
MRS. SOLNESS.
[Half beside herself.] I must go to him! I must get him to come down again!
DR. HERDAL.
[Holds her.] Don"t move, any of you! Not a sound!
HILDA.
[Immovable, follows SOLNESS with her eyes.] He climbs and climbs. Higher and higher! Higher and higher! Look! Just look!
RAGNAR.
[Breathless.] He must turn now. He can"t possibly help it.
HILDA.
He climbs and climbs. He will soon be at the top now.
MRS. SOLNESS.