Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/230

 Brovik.

[Pushes his glasses up on to his forehead and looks in astonishment at him.] To somebody else? Are you prepared to give up the commission?

Solness.

[Impatiently.] Yes, yes, yes, devil take it! If that is to be the way of it. Rather that, than build away at random. [Vehemently.] Besides, I know very little about these people as yet.

Brovik.

The people are safe enough. Ragnar knows them. He is a friend of the family. Perfectly safe people.

Solness.

Oh, safe—safe enough! That is not at all what I mean. Good lord—don't you understand me either? [Angrily.] I won't have anything to do with these strangers. They may apply to whom they please, so far as I am concerned.

Brovik.

[Rising.] Do you really mean that?

Solness.

[Sulkily.] Yes I do.—For once in a way.

[He comes forward.

[Brovik exchanges a glance with Ragnar, who makes a warning gesture. Then Brovik comes into the front room.

Brovik.

May I have a few words with you?