Yes, no doubt they are stupid. But now tell me what it is—the loveliest thing in the world—that we two are to build together?
[Is silent a little while, then says with an indefinable expression in her eyes.] Castles in the air.
Castles in the air?
[Nods.] Castles in the air, yes! Do you know what sort of thing a castle in the air is?
It is the loveliest thing in the world, you say.
[Rises with vehemence, and makes a gesture of repulsion with her hand.] Yes, to be sure it is! Castles in the air—they are so easy to build, too—[looks scornfully at him]—especially for the builders who have a—a dizzy conscience.
[Rises.] After this day we two will build together, Hilda.
[With a half-dubious smile.] A real castle in the air?
Yes. One with a firm foundation under it.
RAGNAR BROVIK comes out from the house. He is carrying a
large green wreath with flowers and silk ribbons.