Relling.
Most people are, worse luck.
Gregers.
And what remedy are you applying in Hialmar's case?
Relling.
My usual one. I am cultivating the life-illusion[1] in him.
Gregers.
Life—illusion? I didn't catch what you said.
Relling.
Yes, I said illusion. For illusion, you know, is the stimulating principle.
Gregers.
May I ask with what illusion Hialmar is inoculated?
Relling.
No, thank you; I don't betray professional secrets to quacksalvers. You would probably go and muddle his case still more than you have already. But my method is infallible. I have applied it to Molvik as well. I have made him "dæmonic." That's the blister I have to put on his neck.
Gregers.
Is he not really dæmonic then?
Relling.
What the devil do you mean by dæmonic! It's only a piece of gibberish I've invented to keep up a spark of life in him. But for that, the poor
1 "Livslögnen," literally "the life-lie."
