[Looks at him in amazement.] Never, Mr. Solness—never has such a thought entered my mind.

[With and incredulous smile.] Really? Has it not?

No, never! Nor your wife's mind either, I am convinced. I could almost swear to that.

Well, I wouldn't advise you to. For, in a certain sense, you see, perhaps—perhaps she is not so far wrong in thinking something of the kind.

Come now, I really must say—

[Interrupting, with a sweep of his hand.] Well, well, my dear doctor—don't let us discuss this any further. We had better agree to differ. [Changes to a tone of quiet amusement.] But look here now, doctor—h'm—

Well?

Since you don't believe that I am—ill—and crazy—and mad, and so forth—

What then?

Then I daresay you fancy that I am an extremely happy man.