For once in a way. [He comes forward.

[BROVIK exchanges a glance with RAGNAR, who makes a warning
gesture. Then BROVIK comes into the front room.

BROVIK.

May I have a few words with you?

SOLNESS.

Certainly.

BROVIK.

[To KAIA.] Just go in there for moment, Kaia.

KAIA.

[Uneasily.] Oh, but uncle--

BROVIK.

Do as I say, child. And shut the door after you.

[KAIA goes reluctantly into the draughtsmen's office, glances
anxiously and imploringly at SOLNESS, and shuts the door.

BROVIK.

[Lowering his voice a little.] I don't want the poor children to know
how I am.

SOLNESS.

Yes, you have been looking very poorly of late.

BROVIK.

It will soon be all over with me. My strength is ebbing--from day to
day.

SOLNESS.

Won't you sit down?

BROVIK.

Thanks--may I?

SOLNESS.

[Placing the arm-chair more conveniently.] Here--take this chair.--And
now?

BROVIK.

[Has seated himself with difficulty.] Well, you see, it's about Ragnar.
That is what weighs most upon me. What is to become of him?

SOLNESS.

Of course your son will stay with me as long as ever he likes.

BROVIK.

But that is just what he does not like. He feels that he cannot stay
here any longer.

SOLNESS.

Why, I should say he was very well off here. But if he wants more money,
I should not mind--

BROVIK.

No, no! It is not that. [Impatiently.] But sooner or later he, too, must
have a chance of doing something on his own account.

SOLNESS.

[Without looking at him.] Do you think that Ragnar has quite talent
enough to stand alone?

BROVIK.

No, that is just the heartbreaking part of it--I have begun to have
my doubts about the boy. For you have never said so much as--as one
encouraging word about him. And yet I cannot but think there must be
something in him--he can't be without talent.

SOLNESS.

Well, but he has learnt nothing--nothing thoroughly, I mean. Except, of
course, to draw.

BROVIK.

[Looks at him with covert hatred, and says hoarsely.] You had learned
little enough of the business when you were in my employment. But
that did not prevent you from setting to work--[breathing with
difficulty]--and pushing your way up, and taking the wind out of my
sails--mine, and so may other people's.

SOLNESS.

Yes, you see--circumstances favoured me.

BROVIK.

You are right there. Everything favoured you. But then how can you