Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/231

 Solness.

Certainly.

Brovik.

[To Kaia.] Just go in there for a moment, Kaia.

Kaia.

[Uneasily.] Oh, but uncle

Brovik.

Do as I say, child. And shut the door after you.

[Kaia goes reluctantly into the draughtsmen's office, glances anxiously and imploringly at Solness, and shuts the door.

Brovik.

[Lowering his voice a little.] I don't want the poor children to know how ill I am.

Solness.

Yes, you have been looking very poorly of late.

Brovik.

It will soon be all over with me. My strength is ebbing—from day to day.

Solness.

Won't you sit down?

Brovik.

Thanks—may I?

Solness.

[Placing the arm-chair more conveniently.] Here—take this chair.—And now?