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?

Dr. Herdal.