What is to become of him?
SOLNESS.
Of course your son will stay with me as long as ever he likes.
BROVIK.
But that is just what he does not like. He feels that he cannot
stay here any longer.
SOLNESS.
Why, I should say he was very well off here. But if he wants more
money, I should not mind---
BROVIK.
No, no! It is not that. [Impatiently.] But sooner or later he, too,
must have a chance of doing something on his own account.
SOLNESS.
[Without looking at him.] Do you think that Ragnar has quite talent
enough to stand alone?
BROVIK.
No, that is just the heartbreaking part of it--I have begun to have
my doubts about the boy. For you have never said so much as--as
one encouraging word about him. And yet I cannot but think there
must be something in him--he can't be without talent.
SOLNESS.
Well, but he has learnt nothing--nothing thoroughly, I mean. Except,
of course, to draw.
BROVIK.
[Looks at him with covert hatred, and says hoarsely.] You had
learned little enough of the business when you were in my employment.
But that did not prevent you from setting to work--[breathing with
difficulty]--and pushing your way up, and taking the wind out of my
sails--mine, and so may other people's.
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