Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/300

 Mrs. Solness.

No; you must answer that question for yourself.

Solness.

[Glances suspiciously at her.] What do you mean by that, Aline?

Mrs. Solness.

What do I mean?

Solness.

Yes, in the devil's name! You said it so strangely—as if you had some hidden meaning in it.

Mrs. Solness.

No, indeed, I assure you

Solness.

[Comes closer.] Oh, come now—I know what I know. I have both my eyes and my ears about me, Aline—you may depend upon that!

Mrs. Solness.

Why, what are you talking about? What is it?

Solness.

[Places himself in front of her.] Do you mean to say you don't find a kind of lurking, hidden meaning in the most innocent word I happen to say?

Mrs. Solness.

I, do you say? I do that?

Solness.

[Laughs.] Ho-ho-ho! It's natural enough, Aline! When you have a sick man on your hands