Stupid? Do you think I am so very stupid?

Yes, I do indeed. If you are content to go about here teaching all these people—

[With a slight start.] Well, and why not?

[Rises, half serious, half laughing.] No indeed, Mr. Solness! What can be the good of that? No one but you should be allowed to build. You should stand quite alone—do it all yourself. Now you know it.

[Involuntarily.] Hilda—!

Well!

How in the world did that come into your head?

Do you think I am so very far wrong then?

No, that's not what I mean. But now I'll tell you something.

Well?