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SOLNESS.
Yes, yes--we know all that! And so they are content to take whatever is offered them. They get a--a roof over their heads--an address--but nothing to call a home. No thank you! In that case, let them apply to somebody else. Tell them that, the next time they call.
BROVIK.
[Pushes his gla.s.ses up on to his forehead and looks in astonishment at him.] To somebody else? Are you prepared to give up the commission?
SOLNESS.
[Impatiently.] Yes, yes, yes, devil take it! If that is to be the way of it--. Rather that, than build away at random. [Vehemently.] Besides, I know very little about these people as yet.
BROVIK.
The people are safe enough. Ragnar knows them. He is a friend of the family.
SOLNESS.
Oh, safe--safe enough! That is not at all what I mean. Good lord--don't you understand me either? [Angrily.] I won't have anything to do with these strangers. They may apply to whom they please, so far as I am concerned.
BROVIK.
[Rising.] Do you really mean that?
SOLNESS.
[Sulkily.] Yes I do.--For once in a way. [He comes forward.
[BROVIK exchanges a glance with RAGNAR, who makes a warning gesture. Then BROVIK comes into the front room.
BROVIK.
May I have a few words with you?
SOLNESS.
Certainly.
BROVIK.
[To KAIA.] Just go in there for moment, Kaia.
KAIA.
[Uneasily.] Oh, but uncle--
BROVIK.
Do as I say, child. And shut the door after you.
[KAIA goes reluctantly into the draughtsmen's office, glances anxiously and imploringly at SOLNESS, and shuts the door.
BROVIK.
[Lowering his voice a little.] I don't want the poor children to know how I am.
SOLNESS.
Yes, you have been looking very poorly of late.
BROVIK.
It will soon be all over with me. My strength is ebbing--from day to day.
SOLNESS.
Won't you sit down?
BROVIK.
Thanks--may I?
SOLNESS.
[Placing the arm-chair more conveniently.] Here--take this chair.--And now?
BROVIK.
[Has seated himself with difficulty.] Well, you see, it's about Ragnar.
That is what weighs most upon me. What is to become of him?
