d 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 your 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.

Ah, you are right there. Misfortune will have its way--as the saying
goes.

MRS. SOLNESS.

But it's what came of the fire--the dreadful thing that followed--! That
is the thing! That, that, that!

SOLNESS.

[Vehemently.] Don't think about that, Aline!

MRS. SOLNESS.

Ah, that is exactly what I cannot help thinking about. And now, at last,
I must speak about it, too; for I don't seem to be able to bear it any
longer. And then never to be able to forgive myself--

SOLNESS.

[Exclaiming.] Yourself--!

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, for I had duties on both sides--both towards you and towards the
little ones. I ought to have hardened myself--not to have let the
horror take such hold upon me--nor the grief for the burning of my home.
[Wrings her hands.] Oh, Halvard, if I had only had the strength!

SOLNESS.

[Softly, much moved, comes closer.] Aline--you must promise me never to
think these thoughts any more.--Promise me that, dear!

MRS. SOLNESS.

Oh, promise, promise! One can promise anything.

SOLNESS.

[Clenches his hands and crosses the room.] Oh, but this is hopeless,
hopeless! Never a ray of sunlight! Not so much as a gleam of brightness
to light up our home!

MRS. SOLNESS.

This is no home, Halvard.

SOLNESS.

Oh no, you may well say that. [Gloomily.] And God knows whether you are
not right in saying that it will be no better for us in the new house,
either.

MRS. SOLNESS.

It will never be any better. Just as empty--just as desolate--there as
here.

SOLNESS.

[Vehemently.] Why in all the world have we built it then? Can you tell
me that?

MRS. SOLNESS.

No; you must answer that question for yourself.

SOLNESS.

[Glances suspiciously at her.] What do you mean by that, Aline?

MRS. SOLNESS.

What do I mean?

SOLNESS.

Yes, in the devil's name! You said it so strangely--as if you had some
hidden meaning in it.

MRS. SOLNESS.

No, indeed, I assure you--

SOLNESS.

[Comes closer.