SOLNESS.
[Vehemently.] Why in all the world have we built it then? Can you
tell me that?
MRS. SOLNESS.
No; you must answer that question for yourself.
SOLNESS.
[Glances suspiciously at her.] What do you mean by that, Aline?
MRS. SOLNESS.
What do I mean?
SOLNESS.
Yes, in the devil's name! You said it so strangely--as if you had
some hidden meaning in it.
MRS. SOLNESS.
No, indeed, I assure you---
SOLNESS.
[Comes closer.] Oh, come now--I know what I know. I have both my
eyes and my ears about me, Aline--you may depend upon that!
MRS. SOLNESS.
Why, what are you talking about? What is it?
SOLNESS.
[Places himself in front of her.] Do you mean to say you don't find
a kind of lurking, hidden meaning in the most innocent word I happen
to say?
MRS. SOLNESS.
_I_ do you say? _I_ do that?
SOLNESS.
[Laughs.] Ho-ho-ho! It's natural enough, Aline! When you have a
sick man on your hands---
MRS. SOLNESS.
[Anxiously.] Sick? Are you ill, Halvard?
SOLNESS.
[Violently.] A half-mad man then! A crazy man! Call me what you
will.
MRS. SOLNESS.
[Feels blindly for a chair and sits down.
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