Solness.
No.
Dr. Herdal.
Then why on earth don't you?
Solness.
[Looks fixedly at him, and says in a low voice:] Because I seem to find a sort of—of salutary self-torture in allowing Aline to do me an injustice.
Dr. Herdal.
[Shakes his head.] I don't in the least understand what you mean.
Solness.
Well, you see—it is like paying off a little bit of a huge, immeasurable debt
Dr. Herdal.
To your wife?
Solness.
Yes; and that always helps to relieve one's mind a little. One can breathe more freely for a while, you understand.
Dr. Herdal.
No, goodness knows, I don't understand at all
Solness.
[Breaking off, rises again.] Well, well, well—then we won't talk any more about it. [He saunters across the room, returns, and stops beside the table. Looks at the doctor with a sly smile.] I suppose you think you have drawn me out nicely now, doctor?
