The Master Builder - novelonlinefull.com
You’re read light novel The Master Builder Part 15 online at NovelOnlineFull.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit NovelOnlineFull.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy
Ill! You! She has never hinted such a thing to me. Why, what can she think is the matter with you?
SOLNESS.
[Leans over the back of the chair and whispers.] Aline has made up her mind that I am mad. That is what she thinks.
DR. HERDAL.
[Rising.] Why, my dear fellow--!
SOLNESS.
Yes, on my soul she does! I tell you it is so. And she has got you to think the same! Oh, I can a.s.sure you, doctor, I see it in your face as clearly as possible. You don't take me in so easily, I can tell you.
DR. HERDAL.
[Looks at him in amazement.] Never, Mr. Solness--never has such a thought entered my mind.
SOLNESS.
[With and incredulous smile.] Really? Has it not?
DR. HERDAL.
No, never! Nor your wife's mind either, I am convinced. I could almost swear to that.
SOLNESS.
Well, I wouldn't advise you to. For, in a certain sense, you see, perhaps--perhaps she is not so far wrong in thinking something of the kind.
DR. HERDAL.
Come now, I really must say--
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 amus.e.m.e.nt.] 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 burnt down for you. And that was certainly a great piece of luck.
SOLNESS.
[Seriously.] It was the home of Aline's family. Remember that.
DR. HERDAL.
