Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/331

 Solness.

You may well say that, Hilda.

Hilda.

Well, but now listen, Mr. Solness. Are you perfectly certain that the fire was caused by that little crack in the chimney!

Solness.

No, on the contrary—I am perfectly certain that the crack in the chimney had nothing whatever to do with the fire.

Hilda.

What!

Solness.

It has been clearly ascertained that the fire broke out in a clothes-cupboard—in a totally different part of the house.

Hilda.

Then what is all this nonsense you are talking about the crack in the chimney!

Solness.

May I go on talking to you a little, Hilda?

Hilda. Yes, if you'll only talk sensibly

Solness.

I will try to. [He moves his chair nearer.

Hilda.

Out with it, then, Mr. Solness.