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 glasses 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. Perfectly safe people.

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.