Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/259

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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.

Yes, it must have been a great grief to her.

Solness.

She has not got over it to this day—not in all these twelve or thirteen years.

Dr. Herdal.

Ah, but what followed must have been the worst blow for her.

Solness.

The one thing with the other.

Dr. Herdal.

But you—yourself—you rose upon the ruins. You began as a poor boy from a country village—and now you are at the head of your profession. Ah, yes, Mr. Solness, you have undoubtedly had the luck on your side.

Solness.

[Looking at him with embarrassment.] Yes, but that is just what makes me so horribly afraid.

Dr. Herdal.

Afraid? Because you have the luck on your side!

Solness.

It terrifies me—terrifies me every hour of the day. For sooner or later the luck must turn, you see.