Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/308

 Hilda.

Do you read them all, too?

Solness.

I used to try to. Do you read much?

Hilda.

No, never! I have given it up. For it all seems so irrelevant.

Solness.

That is just my feeling.

[Hilda wanders about a little, stops at the small table, opens the portfolio and turns over the contents.

Hilda.

Are all these drawings yours?

Solness.

No, they are drawn by a young man whom I employ to help me.

Hilda.

Some one you have taught?

SOLNESS.

Oh yes, no doubt he has learnt something from me, too.

Hilda.

[Sits down.] Then I suppose he is very clever. [Looks at a drawing.] Isn't he?

Solness.

Oh, he might be worse. For my purpose