Ill! You! She has never hinted such a thing to me. Why, what can she think is the matter with you?

SOLNESS.

[Leans over the back of the chair and whispers.] Aline has made up her mind that I am mad. That is what she thinks.

DR. HERDAL.

[Rising.] Why, my dear fellow--!

SOLNESS.

Yes, on my soul she does! I tell you it is so. And she has got you to think the same! Oh, I can a.s.sure you, doctor, I see it in your face as clearly as possible. You don't take me in so easily, I can tell you.

DR. HERDAL.

[Looks at him in amazement.] Never, Mr. Solness--never has such a thought entered my mind.

SOLNESS.

[With and incredulous smile.] Really? Has it not?

DR. HERDAL.

No, never! Nor your wife's mind either, I am convinced. I could almost swear to that.

SOLNESS.

Well, I wouldn't advise you to. For, in a certain sense, you see, perhaps--perhaps she is not so far wrong in thinking something of the kind.

DR. HERDAL.

Come now, I really must say--

SOLNESS.

[Interrupting, with a sweep of his hand.] Well, well, my dear doctor--don't let us discuss this any further. We had better agree to differ. [Changes to a tone of quiet amus.e.m.e.nt.] But look here now, doctor--h'm--

DR. HERDAL.

Well?

SOLNESS.

Since you don't believe that I am--ill--and crazy--and mad, and so forth--

DR. HERDAL.

What then?

SOLNESS.

Then I daresay you fancy that I am an extremely happy man.

DR. HERDAL.

Is that mere fancy?

SOLNESS.

[Laughs.] No, no--of course not! Heaven forbid! Only think--to be Solness the master builder! Halvard Solness! What could be more delightful?

DR. HERDAL.

Yes, I must say it seems to me you have had the luck on your side to an astounding degree.

SOLNESS.

[Suppresses a gloomy smile.] So I have. I can't complain on that score.

DR. HERDAL.

First of all that grim old robbers' castle was burnt down for you. And that was certainly a great piece of luck.

SOLNESS.

[Seriously.] It was the home of Aline's family. Remember that.

DR. HERDAL.