Oh yes, Halvard, I understand you very well. You are so anxious to spare me—and to find excuses for me too—as much as ever you can.

Solness.

[With astonishment in his eyes.] You! Is it you—yourself, that you are talking about Aline?

Mrs. Solness.

Yes, who else should it be but myself?

Solness.

[Involuntarily to himself.] That too!

Mrs. Solness.

As for the old house, I wouldn’t mind so much about that. When once misfortune was in the air—why——

Solness.