SOLNESS.

Oh, there's not so very much room to spare either. But, be that as it
may--I will never retire! I will never give way to anybody! Never of
my own free will. Never in this world will I do that!


BROVIK.

[Rise with difficulty.] Then I am to pass out of life without any
certainty? Without a gleam of happiness? Without any faith or
trust in Ragnar? Without having seen a single piece of work of his
doing? Is that to be the way of it?


SOLNESS.

[Turns half aside, and mutters.] H'm--don't ask more just now.


BROVIK.

I must have an answer to this one question. Am I to pass out of life
in such utter poverty?


SOLNESS.

[Seems to struggle with himself; finally he says, in a low but firm