Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/258

 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 amusement.] 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