Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/255

 Solness.

No.

Dr. Herdal.

Then why on earth don't you?

Solness.

[Looks fixedly at him, and says in a low voice:] Because I seem to find a sort of—of salutary self-torture in allowing Aline to do me an injustice.

Dr. Herdal.

[Shakes his head.] I don't in the least understand what you mean.

Solness.

Well, you see—it is like paying off a little bit of a huge, immeasurable debt

Dr. Herdal.

To your wife?

Solness.

Yes; and that always helps to relieve one's mind a little. One can breathe more freely for a while, you understand.

Dr. Herdal.

No, goodness knows, I don't understand at all

Solness.

[Breaking off, rises again.] Well, well, well—then we won't talk any more about it. [He saunters across the room, returns, and stops beside the table. Looks at the doctor with a sly smile.] I suppose you think you have drawn me out nicely now, doctor?