[Act I]
Scene.—A plainly furnished work-room in the house of Halvard Solness. At the back, visible through an open door, is the draughtsman's office, where sit Knut Brovik and his son, Ragnar, occupied with plans and calculations. At the desk in the outer office Kaia Fosli is writing in the ledger. She is young, slight, and delicate-looking. She wears a green shade over her eyes. All three work for some time in silence.
Knut Brovik (rising as if in distress): No, I can't bear it much longer!
Kaia: You're feeling very ill, aren't you, uncle?
Brovik: Oh, I seem to get worse every day!
Ragnar (advancing): You ought to go home, father.
Brovik: Not till he comes! I'm determined to have it out—with the chief!
Kaia (anxiously): Oh, no, uncle! Wait awhile. Hush! I hear him on the stairs.
[They go back to their work. Halvard Solness, mature, healthy, vigorous, comes in.