The Master Builder Part 3

The Master Builder Part 3

SOLNESS.


Yes, yes--we know all that! And so they are content to take whatever is offered them. They get a--a roof over their heads--an address--but nothing to call a home. No thank you! In that case, let them apply to somebody else. Tell them that, the next time they call.


BROVIK.


[Pushes his gla.s.ses up on to his forehead and looks in astonishment at him.] To somebody else? Are you prepared to give up the commission?


SOLNESS.


[Impatiently.] Yes, yes, yes, devil take it! If that is to be the way of it--. Rather that, than build away at random. [Vehemently.] Besides, I know very little about these people as yet.


BROVIK.


The people are safe enough. Ragnar knows them. He is a friend of the family.


SOLNESS.


Oh, safe--safe enough! That is not at all what I mean. Good lord--dont you understand me either? [Angrily.] I wont have anything to do with these strangers. They may apply to whom they please, so far as I am concerned.


BROVIK.


[Rising.] Do you really mean that?


SOLNESS.


[Sulkily.] Yes I do.--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 draughtsmens office, glances anxiously and imploringly at SOLNESS, and shuts the door.


BROVIK.


[Lowering his voice a little.] I dont 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.


Wont 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, its about Ragnar.


That is what weighs most upon me. What is to become of him?