University of Virginia Library

ACT FOURTH

A public room in MADAM RUNDHOLMEN'S hotel. Entrance door in the back; a smaller door on either side. A window on the right; before it, a table with writing materials; further back, in the middle of the room, another table.

Madam Rundholmen

(within, on the left, heard talking loudly).
Oh, let them go about their business! Tell them they've come here to vote and not to drink. If they won't wait, they can do the other thing.

Stensgard

(enters by the back).
Good-morning! H'm, h'm, Madam Rundholmen! (Goes to the door on the left and knocks.) Good-morning, Madam Rundholmen!

Madam Rundholmen

(within).
Oh! Who's there?

Stensgard.

It is I--Stensgard. May I come in?

Madam Rundholmen.

No, indeed, you mustn't! No! I'm not dress'd.

Stensgard.

What? Are you so late to-day?

Madam Rundholmen.

Oh, I can tell you I've been up since all hours; but one must look a little decent, you know. (Peeps out, with a kerchief over her head.) Well, what is it? No, you really mustn't look at me, Mr. Stensgard.-- Oh, there's some one else! [Disappears, slamming the door to.

Aslaksen

(enters from the back with a bundle of papers).
Good-morning, Mr. Stensgard.

Stensgard.

Well, is it in? 199

Aslaksen.

Yes, here it is. Look--"The Independence Day Celebrations--From our Special Correspondent." Here's the founding of the League on the other side, and your speech up here. I've leaded all the abuse.

Stensgard.

It seems to me it's all leaded.

Aslaksen.

Pretty nearly.

Stensgard.

And the extra number was of course distributed yesterday?

Aslaksen.

Of course; all over the district, both to subscribers and others. Would you like to see it? [Hands him a copy.

Stensgard

(running his eye over the paper).
"Our respected member, Mr. Lundestad, proposes to resign . . . long and faithful service . . . in the words of the poet: 'Rest, patriot, it is thy due!'" H'm! "The association founded on Independence Day!: the League of Youth...... Mr. Stensgard, the guiding intelligence of the League..... timely reforms, credit on easier terms." Ah, that's very good. Has the polling begun?

Aslaksen.

It's in full swing. The whole League is on the spot--both voters and others.

Stensgard.

Oh, deuce take the others--between ourselves, of course. Well, you go down and talk to the waverers.

Aslaksen.

All right.

Stensgard.

You can tell them that I am pretty much at one with Lundestad--

Aslaksen.

Trust to me; I know the local situation.

Stensgard.

One thing more; just to oblige me, Aslaksen, don't drink to-day.

Aslaksen.

Oh, what do you mean--!

Stensgard.

We'll have a jolly evening when it's all over; but remember what you, as well as I, have at stake; your paper-- Come, now, my good fellow, let me see that you can--

Aslaksen.

There, that's enough now; I'm old enough to look after myself. [Goes out to the right.

Madam Rundholmen

(enters from the left, elaborately dressed).
Now, Mr. Stensgard, I'm at your service. Is it anything of importance--?

Stensgard.

No, only that I want you to be good enough to let me know when Mr. Monsen comes.

Madam Rundholmen.

He won't be here to-day.

Stensgard.

Not to-day?

Madam Rundholmen.

No; he drove past here at four this morning; he's always driving about nowadays. What's more, he came in and roused me out of bed--he wanted to borrow money, you must know.

Stensgard.

Monsen did?

Madam Rundholmen.

Yes. He's a tremendous man to get through money is Monsen. I hope things may turn out all right for him. And I say the same to you; for I hear you're going into Parliament.

Stensgard.

I? Nonsense. Who told you so?

Madam Rundholmen.

Oh, some of Mr. Lundestad's people.

Daniel Heire

(enters from the back).
Hee-hee! Good-morning! I'm not in the way, am I?

Madam Rundholmen.

Gracious, no!

Heire.

Good God, how resplendent! Can it be for me that you've got yourself up like this?

Madam Rundholmen.

Of course. It's for you bachelors we get ourselves up, isn't it?

Heire.

For marrying men, Madam Rundholmen; for marrying men! Unfortunately, my law-suits take up all my time--

Madam Rundholmen.

Oh, nonsense; you've always plenty of time to get married.

Heire.

No; deuce take me if I have! Marriage is a thing you've got to give your whole mind to. Well, well-- if you can't have me, you must put up with somebody else. For you ought to marry again.

Madam Rundholmen.

Now, do you know, I'm sometimes of the same opinion.

Heire.

Naturally; when once one has tasted the joys of matrimony-- Of course, poor Rundholmen was one in a thousand--

Madam Rundholmen.

Well, I won't go so far as that; he was a bit rough, and rather too fond of his glass; but a husband's always a husband.

Heire.

Very true, Madam Rundholmen; a husband's a husband, and a widow's a widow--

Madam Rundholmen.

And business is business. Oh, when I think of all I've got to attend to, I don't know whether I'm on my heels or my head. Every one wants to buy; but when it comes to paying, I've got to go in for summonses and executions, and Lord knows what. Upon my word, I'll soon have to engage a lawyer all to myself.

Heire.

I'll tell you what, Madam Rundholmen, you should retain Mr. Stensgard; he's a bachelor.

Madam Rundholmen.

Oh, how you do talk! I won't listen to a word more. [Goes out to the right.

Heire.

A substantial woman, sir! Comfortable and well-preserved; no children up to date; money well invested. Education too; she's widely read, sir.

Stensgard.

Widely read, eh?

Heire.

Hee-hee; she ought to be; she had charge of Alm's circulating library for a couple of years. But your head's full of other things to-day, I daresay.

Stensgard.

Not at all; I don't even know that I shall vote. Who are you going to vote for, Mr. Heire?

Heire.

Haven't got a vote, sir. There was only one kennel that would qualify in the market, and that you bought.

Stensgard.

If you're at a loss for a lodging, I'll give it up to you.

Heire.

Hee-hee, you're joking. Ah, youth, youth! What a pleasant humour it has! But now I must be off

and have a look at the menagerie. I'm told your whole League is afoot. (Sees FIELDBO, who enters from the back.) Here's the Doctor, too! I suppose you have come on a scientific mission?

Fieldbo.

A scientific mission?

Heire.

Yes, to study the epidemic; you've heard of the virulent rabies agitatoria that has broken out? God be with you, my dear young friends? [Goes out to the right.

Stensgard.

Tel me quickly--have you seen the Chamberlain to-day?

Fieldbo.

Yes.

Stensgard.

And what did he say?

Fieldbo.

What did he say?

Stensgard.

Yes; you know I have written to him.

Fieldbo.

Have you? What did you write?

Stensgard.

That I am still of the same mind about his daughter; that I want to talk the matter over with him; and that I propose to call on him to-morrow.

Fieldbo.

If I were you, I should at least defer my visit. It is the Chamberlain's birthday to-morrow; a crowd of people will be there--

Stensgard.

That's all right; the more the better. I hold big cards in my hand, let me tell you.

Fieldbo.

And perhaps you have bluffed a little with your big cards?

Stensgard.

How do you mean?

Fieldbo.

I mean you have perhaps embellished your declaration of love with a few little threats or so?

Stensgard.

Fieldbo, you have seen the letter!

Fieldbo.

No, I assure you--

Stensgard.

Well, then, frankly--I have threatened him.

Fieldbo.

Ah! Then I have, in a way, an answer to your letter.

Stensgard.

An answer? Out with it, man!

Fieldbo

(shows him a sealed paper).
Look here--the Chamberlain's proxy.

Stensgard.

And who does he vote for?

Fieldbo.

Not for you, at any rate.

Stensgard.

For whom then? For whom?

Fieldbo.

For the Sheriff and the Provost.[1]

Stensgard.

What! Not even for Lundestad?

Fieldbo.

No. And do you know why? Because Lundestad is going to propose you as his successor.

Stensgard.

He dares to do this!

Fieldbo.

Yes, he does. And he added: "If you see Stensgard, you can tell him how I am voting; it will show him on what footing we stand."

Stensgard.

Good; since he will have it so!

Fieldbo.

Take care; it's dangerous to tug at an old tower--it may come down on your head.

Stensgard.

Oh, I have learnt wisdom in these two days.

Fieldbo.

Indeed? You're not so wise but that you let old Lundestad lead you by the nose.

Stensgard.

Do you think I haven't seen through Lundestad? Do you think I don't understand that he took me up because he thought I had won over the Chamberlain, and because he wanted to break up our League and keep Monsen out?

Fieldbo.

But now that he knows you haven't won over the Chamberlain--

Stensgard.

He has gone too far to draw back; and I've made good use of the time, and scattered announcements broadcast. Most of his supporters will abstain from voting; mine are all here--

Fieldbo.

It's a big stride from the preliminary election to the final election.

Stensgard.

Lundestad knows very well that if he fails me

in the College of Electors, I'll soon agitate him out of the town Council.

Fieldbo.

Not a bad calculation. And, to succeed in all this, you feel that you must strike root here more firmly than you have as yet done?

Stensgard.

Yes, these people always demand material guarantees, community of interests--

Fieldbo.

Just so; and therefore Miss Bratsberg is to be sacrificed?

Stensgard.

Sacrificed? If that were so, I should be no better than a scoundrel. But it will be for her happiness, that I'm convinced. What now? Fieldbo, why do you look like that? You have some underhand scheme of your own--

Fieldbo.

I?

Stensgard.

Yes, you have! You are intriguing against me, behind my back. Why do you do that? Be open with me--will you?

Fieldbo.

Frankly, I won't. You are so dangerous, so unscrupulous--well, so reckless at any rate, that one dare not be open with you. Whatever you know, you make use of without hesitation. But this I say to you as a friend: put Miss Bratsberg out of your head.

Stensgard.

I cannot. I must extricate myself from these sordid surroundings. I can't go on living in this hugger- mugger way. Here have I got to be hail-fellow-well-met with Dick, Tom, and Harry; to whisper in corners with them, to hobnob with them, to laugh at their beery witticisms; to be hand in glove with hobbledehoys and unlicked cubs. How can I keep my love of the People untarnished in the midst of all this? I feel as if all the electricity went out of my words. I have no elbow-room, no fresh air to breathe. Oh, a longing comes over me at times for exquisite women! I want something that brings beauty with it! I lie here in a sort of turbid eddy, while out there the clear

blue current sweeps past me--But what can you understand of all this!

Lundestad

(enters from the back)
Ah, here we are. Good-morning, gentlemen.

Stensgard.

I have news for you, Mr. Lundestad! Do you know who the Chamberlain is voting for?

Fieldbo.

Silence! It's dishonourable of you.

Stensgard.

What do I care? He is voting for the Sheriff and the Provost.

Lundestad.

Oh, that was to be expected. You went and ruined your chances with him--though I implored you to play your cards neatly.

Stensgard.

I shall play them neatly enough--in future.

Fieldbo.

Take care--two can play at that game. [Goes out to the right.

Stensgard.

That fellow has something up his sleeve. Have you any idea what it can be?

Lundestad.

No, I haven't. But, by-the-bye, I see you are flourishing in the paper to-day.

Stensgard.

I?

Lundestad.

Yes, with a nice little epitaph on me.

Stensgard.

Oh, that's that beast Aslaksen, of course--

Lundestad.

Your attack on the Chamberlain is in too.

Stensgard.

I don't know anything about that. If it's to be war between the Chamberlain and me, I have sharper weapons.

Lundestad.

Indeed!

Stensgard.

Have you ever seen this bill? Look at it. Is it good?

Lundestad.

Good, you say? This bill here?

Stensgard.

Yes; look closely at it.

Heire

(enters from the right).
Why, what the deuce can be the meaning of-- Ah, how interesting! Do remain as you are, gentlemen, I beg! Do you know what you irresistibly remind me of? Of a summer night in the Far North.

Lundestad.

That's a curious simile.

Heire.

A very obvious one--the setting and the rising sun together. Delightful, delightful! But, talking of that, what the deuce is the matter outside there? Your fellow citizens are scuttling about like frightened fowls, cackling and crowing and not knowing what perch to settle on.

Stensgard.

Well, it's an occasion of great importance.

Heire.

Oh, you and your importance! No, it's something quite different, my dear friends. There are whispers of a great failure; a bankruptcy--oh, not political, Mr. Lundestad; I don't mean that!

Stensgard.

A bankruptcy?

Heire.

Hee-hee! That puts life into our legal friend. Yes, a bankruptcy; some one is on his last legs; the axe is laid to the root of the tree-- I say no more! Two strange gentlemen have been seen driving past; but where to? To whose address? Do you know anything, Mr. Lundestad?

Lundestad.

I know how to hold my tongue, Mr. Heire.

Heire.

Of course; you are a statesman, a diplomatist. But I must be off and find out all I can about it. It's such sport with these heroes of finance: they are like beads on a string--when one slips off, all the rest follow. [Goes out by the back.

Stensgard.

Is there any truth in all this gossip?

Lundestad.

You showed me a bill; I thought I saw young Mr. Bratsberg's name upon it?

Stensgard.

The Chamberlain's too.

Lundestad.

And you asked me if it was good?

Stensgard.

Yes; just look at it.

Lundestad.

It's perhaps not so good as it might be.

Stensgard.

You see it then?

Lundestad.

What?

Stensgard.

That it is a forgery.

Lundestad.

A forgery? Forged bills are often the safest; people redeem them first.

Stensgard.

But what do you think? Isn't it a forgery?

Lundestad.

I don't much like the look of it.

Stensgard.

How so?

Lundestad.

I'm afraid there are too many of these about, Mr. Stensgard.

Stensgard.

What! It's not possible that--?

Lundestad.

If young Mr. Bratsberg slips off the string, those nearest him are only too likely to follow.

Stensgard

(seizes his arm).
What do you mean by those nearest him?

Lundestad.

Who can be nearer than father and son?

Stensgard.

Why, good God--!

Lundestad.

Remember, I say nothing! It was Daniel Heire that was talking of failure and bankruptcy and--

Stensgard.

This is a thunderbolt to me.

Lundestad.

Oh, many a man that seemed solid enough has gone to the wall before now. Perhaps he's too good- natured; goes and backs bills; ready money isn't always to be had; property has to be sold for an old song--

Stensgard.

And of course this falls on--falls on the children as well.

Lundestad.

Yes, I'm heartily grieved for Miss Bratsberg. She didn't get much from her mother; and heaven knows if even the little she has is secured.

Stensgard.

Oh, now I understand Fieldbo's advice! He's a true friend, after all.

Lundestad.

What did Doctor Fieldbo say?

Stensgard.

He was too loyal to say anything, but I understand him all the same. And now I understand you too, Mr. Lundestad.

Lundestad.

Have you not understood me before?

Stensgard.

Not thoroughly. I forget the proverb about the rats and the sinking ship.

Lundestad.

That's not a very nice way to put it. But what's the matter with you? You look quite ill. Good God, I haven't gone and blasted your hopes, have I?

Stensgard.

--How do you mean?

Lundestad.

Yes, yes--I see it all. Old fool that I am! My dear Mr. Stensgard, if you really love the girl, what does it matter whether she is rich or poor?

Stensgard.

Matter? No, of course--

Lundestad.

Good Lord, we all know happiness isn't a matter of money.

Stensgard.

Of course not.

Lundestad.

And with industry and determination you'll soon be on your feet again. Don't let poverty frighten you. I know what love is; I went into all that in my young days, A happy home; a faithful woman--! My dear young friend, beware how you take any step that may involve you in life-long self-reproach.

Stensgard.

But what will become of your plans?

Lundestad.

Oh, they must go as best they can. I couldn't think of demanding the sacrifice of your heart!

Stensgard.

But I will make the sacrifice. Yes, I will show you that I have the strength for it. Think of the longing multitude out there: they claim me with a sort of voiceless pathos. I cannot, I dare not, fail them!

Lundestad.

Yes, but the stake in the district--?

Stensgard.

I shall take measures to fulfil the demands of my fellow citizens in that respect, Mr. Lundestad. I see a way, a new way; and I will follow it up. I renounce the happiness of toiling in obscurity for the woman I love. I say to my fellow countrymen: "Here I am--take me!"

Lundestad

(looks at him in quiet admiration and presses his hand).
You are indeed a man of rare gifts, Mr. Stensgard. [Goes out to the right. [STENSGARD paces the room several times, now stopping for a moment at the window, now running his fingers through his hair. Presently BASTIAN MONSEN enters from the back.

Bastian.

Here I am, my dear friend.[2]

Stensgard.

Where have you come from?

Bastian.

From the Nation.

Stensgard.

The Nation? What does that mean?

Bastian.

Don't you know what the Nation means? It means the People; the common people; those who have nothing, and are nothing; those who lie chained--

Stensgard.

What monkey-tricks are these, I should like to know?

Bastian.

Monkey-tricks?

Stensgard.

I have noticed lately that you go about mimicking me; you imitate even my clothes and my hand- writing. Be kind enough to stop that.

Bastian.

What do you mean? Don't we belong to the same party?

Stensgard.

Yes, but I won't put up with this--you make yourself ridiculous--

Bastian.

By being like you?

Stensgard.

By aping me. Be sensible now, Monsen, and give it up. It's quite disgusting. But look here--can you tell me when your father is coming back?

Bastian.

I have no idea. I believe he's gone to Christiania; he may not be back for a week or so.

Stensgard.

Indeed? I'm sorry for that. He has a big stroke of business on hand, I hear.

Bastian.

I have a big stroke of business on hand too. Look here, Stensgard, you must do me a service.

Stensgard.

Willingly. What is it?

Bastian.

I feel so full of energy. I have to thank you for that; you have stimulated me. I feel I must do something, Stensgard:--I want to get married.

Stensgard.

To get married? To whom?

Bastian.

Sh! Some one in this house.

Stensgard.

Madam Rundholmen?

Bastian.

Sh! Yes, it's her. Put in a good word for me, do! This sort of thing is just the thing for me. She's in the swim, you know; she's on the best of terms with the

Chamberlain's people, ever since her sister was housekeeper there. If I get her, perhaps I shall get the town-contracts too. So that on the whole--damn it, I love her!

Stensgard.

Oh, love, love! Have done with that sickening hypocrisy.

Bastian.

Hypocrisy!

Stensgard.

Yes; you are lying to yourself, at any rate. You talk in one breath of town-contracts and of love. Why not call a spade a spade? There's something sordid about all this; I will have nothing to do with it.

Bastian.

But listen--!

Stensgard.

Do your dirty work yourself, I say! (To FIELDBO, who enters from the right.) Well, how goes the election?

Fieldbo.

Excellently for you, it appears. I saw Lundestad just now; he said you were getting all the votes.

Stensgard.

Am I indeed?

Fieldbo.

But what good will they do you? Since you're not a man of property--

Stensgard

(between his teeth).
Isn't it confounded!

Fieldbo.

Well, you can't do two things at once. If you win on the one side, you must be content to lose on the other. Good-bye! [Goes out by the back.

Bastian.

What did he mean by winning and losing?

Stensgard.

I'll tell you afterwards. But now, my dear Monsen--to return to what we were talking about--I promised to put in a good word for you--

Bastian.

You promised? On the contrary, I thought you said--?

Stensgard.

Oh, nonsense; you didn't let me explain myself fully. What I meant was that there is something sordid in mixing up your love with town-contracts and so forth; it is an offence against all that is noblest in your nature. So, my dear friend, if you really love the girl--

Bastian.

The widow--

Stensgard.

Yes, yes; it's all the same. I mean when one

really loves a woman, that in itself should be a conclusive reason--

Bastian.

Yes, that's just what I think. So you'll speak for me, will you?

Stensgard.

Yes, with great pleasure--but on one condition.

Bastian.

What's that?

Stensgard.

Tit for tat, my dear Bastian--you must put in a word for me too.

Bastian.

I? With whom?

Stensgard.

Have you really not noticed anything? Yet it's before your very nose.

Bastian.

You surely don't mean--?

Stensgard.

Your sister Ragna? Yes, it is she. Oh, you don't know how I have been moved by the sight of her quiet, self-sacrificing devotion to her home--

Bastian.

Do you really mean to say so?

Stensgard.

And you, with your penetrating eye, have suspected nothing?

Bastian.

Yes, at one time I did think--; but now people are talking of your hanging about the Chamberlain's--

Stensgard.

Oh, the Chamberlain's! Well, Monsen, I'll tell you frankly that for a moment I did hesitate; but, thank goodness, that is over; now I see my way quite clear before me.

Bastian.

There's my hand. I'll back you up, you may be sure. And as for Ragna--why, she daren't do anything but what I and father wish.

Stensgard.

Yes, but your father--that's just what I wanted to say--

Bastian.

Sh! There--I hear Madam Rundholmen. Now's your chance to speak for me, if she's not too busy; for then she's apt to be snappish. You do your best, my dear fellow, and leave the rest to me. Do you happen to have seen Aslaksen?

Stensgard.

He's probably at the polling-booth. [BASTIAN goes out by the back, as MADAM RUNDHOLMEN enters from the right.

Madam Rundholmen.

Things are going as smooth as possible, Mr. Stensgard; every one is voting for you.

Stensgard.

That's very odd.

Madam Rundholmen.

Goodness knows what Monsen of Stonelee will say.

Stensgard.

I want a word with you, Madam Rundholmen.

Madam Rundholmen.

Well, what is it?

Stensgard.

Will you listen to me?

Madam Rundholmen.

Lord yes, that I will.

Stensgard.

Well then: you were talking just now about being alone in the world--

Madam Rundholmen.

Oh, it was that horrid old Heire--

Stensgard.

You were saying how hard it is for an unprotected widow--

Madam Rundholmen.

Yes, indeed; you should just try it, Mr. Stensgard!

Stensgard.

But now if there came a fine young man--

Madam Rundholmen.

A fine young man?

Stensgard.

One who had long loved you in secret--

Madam Rundholmen.

Oh, come now, Mr. Stensgard, I won't hear any more of your nonsense.

Stensgard.

You must! A young man who, like yourself, finds it hard to be alone in the world--

Madam Rundholmen.

Well, what then? I don't understand you at all.

Stensgard.

If you could make two people happy, Madam Rundholmen--yourself and--

Madam Rundholmen.

And a fine young man?

Stensgard.

Just so; now, answer me--

Madam Rundholmen.

Mr. Stensgard, you can't be in earnest?

Stensgard.

You don't suppose I would jest on such a subject? Should you be disposed--?

Madam Rundholmen.

Yes, that I am, the Lord knows! Oh, you dear, sweet--

Stensgard

(recoiling a step).
What is this?

Madam Rundholmen.

Bother, here comes some one! RAGNA MONSEN enters hastily, and in evident disquietude, from the back.

Ragna.

I beg your pardon--isn't my father here?

Madam Rundholmen.

Your father? Yes; no;--I--I don't know--excuse me--

Ragna.

Where is he?

Madam Rundholmen.

Your father? Oh, he drove past here--

Stensgard.

Towards Christiania.

Ragna.

No; it's impossible

Madam Rundholmen.

Yes, I know for certain he drove down the road. Oh, my dear Miss Monsen, you can't think how happy I am! Wait a moment--I'll just run to the cellar, and fetch up a bottle of the real thing. [Goes out to the left.

Stensgard.

Tell me, Miss Monsen--is it really your father you are looking for?

Ragna.

Yes, of course it is.

Stensgard.

And you didn't know that he had gone away?

Ragna.

Oh, how should I know? They tell me nothing. But to Christiania--? That's impossible; they would have met him. Good-bye!

Stensgard

(intercepts her).
Ragna! Tell me! Why are you so changed towards me?

Ragna.

I? Let me pass! Let me go!

Stensgard.

No, you shall not go! I believe Providence guided you here at this moment. Oh, why do you shrink from me? You used not to.

Ragna.

Ah, that is all over, thank God!

Stensgard.

But why?

Ragna.

I have learnt to know you better; it is well that I learned in time.

Stensgard.

Oh, that is it? People have been lying about me? Perhaps I am to blame too; I have been lost in a maze of perplexities. But that is past now. Oh, the very sight of you makes a better man of me. It is you I care for, deeply and truly; it is you I love, Ragna--you and no other!

Ragna.

Let me pass! I am afraid of you--

Stensgard.

Oh, but to-morrow, Ragna--may I come and speak to you to-morrow?

Ragna.

Yes, yes, if you must; only for heaven's sake not to-day.

Stensgard.

Only not to-day! Hurrah! I have won; now I am happy!

Madam Rundholmen

(enters from the left with cake and wine).
Come now, we must drink a glass for luck.

Stensgard.

For luck in love! Here's to love and happiness! Hurrah for to-morrow! [He drinks.

Helle

(entering, from the right, to RAGNA).
Have you found him?

Ragna.

No, he is not here. Come, come!

Madam Rundholmen.

Heaven help us, what's the matter?

Helle.

Nothing; only some visitors have arrived at Stonelee--

Ragna.

Thanks for all your kindness, Madam Rundholmen--

Madam Rundholmen.

Oh, have you got visitors on your hands again?

Ragna.

Yes, yes; excuse me; I must go home. Goodbye!

Stensgard.

Good-bye--till to-morrow! [RAGNA and HELLE go out by the back. DANIEL HEIRE enters from the right.

Heire.

Ha-ha! It's going like a house on fire! They're all cackling Stensgard, Stensgard, Stensgard! They're all

plumping for you. Now you should plump for him too, Madam Rundholmen!

Madam Rundholmen.

Hey, that's an idea! Are they all voting for him?

Heire.

Unanimously--Mr. Stensgard enjoys the confidence of the constituency, as the saying is. Old Lundestad is going about with a face like a pickled cucumber. Oh, it's a pleasure to see it all.

Madam Rundholmen.

They shan't regret having voted for him. If I can't vote, I can stand treat. [Goes out to the left.

Heire.

Ah, you are the man for the widows, Mr. Stensgard! I'll tell you what--if you can only get hold of her, you're a made man, sir!

Stensgard.

Get hold of Madam Rundholmen?

Heire.

Yes, why not? She's a substantial woman in every sense of the word. She'll be mistress of the situation as soon as the Stonelee card-castle has come to grief.

Stensgard.

There's nothing wrong at Stonelee, is there?

Heire.

Isn't there? You have a short memory, my dear sir. Didn't I tell you there were rumours of failure, and bankruptcy, and--?

Stensgard.

Well, what then?

Heire.

What then? That's just what we want to know. There's a hue and cry after Monsen; two men have come to Stonelee--

Stensgard.

Yes, I know--a couple of visitors--

Heire.

Uninvited visitors, my dear young friend; there are whispers of the police and infuriated creditors--there's something queer about the accounts, you must know! Talking of that--what paper was that Monsen gave you yesterday?

Stensgard.

Oh, just a paper-- Something queer about the accounts, you say? Look here! you know Chamberlain Bratsberg's signature?

Heire.

Hee-hee! I should rather think I did.

Stensgard

(produces the bill).
Well, look at this.

Heire.

Give it here--I'm rather short-sighted, you know. (After examining it.) That, my dear sir? That's not the Chamberlain's hand.

Stensgard.

Not? Then it is--?

Heire.

And it's drawn by Monsen?

Stensgard.

No, by young Mr. Bratsberg.

Heire.

Nonsense! Let me see. (Looks at the paper and hands it back again.) You can light your cigar with this.

Stensgard.

What! The drawer's name too--?

Heire.

A forgery, young man; a forgery, as sure as my name's Daniel. You have only to look at it with the keen eye of suspicion--

Stensgard.

But how can that be? Monsen can't have known--

Heire.

Monsen? No, he knows nothing about either his own paper or other people's. But I'm glad it has come to an end, Mr. Stensgard!--It's a satisfaction to one's moral sense. Ah, I have often glowed with a noble indignation, if I may say so, at having to stand by and see-- I say no more! But the best of it all is that now Monsen is down he'll drag young Bratsberg after him; and the son will bring the father down--

Stensgard.

Yes, so Lundestad said.

Heire.

But of course there's method even in bankruptcy. You'll see; I am an old hand at prophecy. Monsen will go to prison; young Bratsberg will compound with his creditors; and the Chamberlain will be placed under trustees; that's to say, his creditors will present him with an annuity of a couple of thousand dollars. That's how things go, Mr. Stensgard; I know it, I know it! What says the classic? Fiat justitia, pereat mundus; which means: Fie on what's called justice in this wicked world, sir!

Stensgard

(pacing the room).
One after the other! Both ways barred!

Heire.

What the deuce--?

Stensgard.

And now too! Just at this moment!

Aslaksen

(enters from the right).
I congratulate you, chosen of the people!

Stensgard.

Elected!

Aslaksen.

Elected by 117 votes, and Lundestad by 53. The rest all nowhere.

Heire.

Your first step on the path of glory, Mr. Stensgard.

Aslaksen.

And it shall cost you a bowl of punch--

Heire.

Well, it's the first step that costs, they say.

Aslaksen

(goes off to the left, shouting).
Punch, Madam Rundholmen! A bowl of punch! The chosen of the people stands treat! LUNDESTAD, and after him several ELECTORS, enter from the right.

Heire

(in a tone of condolence to LUNDESTAD).
Fifty-three! That's the grey-haired patriot's reward!

Lundestad

(whispers to STENSGARD).
Are you firm in your resolve?

Stensgard.

What's the use of being firm when everything is tumbling about your ears?

Lundestad.

Do you think the game is lost?

Aslaksen

(returning by the left).
Madam Rundholmen stands treat herself. She says she has the best right to.

Stensgard

(struck by an idea).
Madam Rundholmen!-- has the best right to--!

Lundestad.

What?

Stensgard.

The game is not lost, Mr. Lundestad! [Sits at the right-hand table and writes.

Lundestad

(in a low voice).
Oh, Aslaksen--can you get something into your next paper for me?

Aslaksen.

Of course I can. Is it libellous?

Lundestad.

No, certainly not!

Aslaksen.

Well, never mind; Ill take it all the same.

Lundestad.

It is my political last will and testament; I shall write it to-night.

A Maid-servant

(enters from the left).
The punch, with Madam Rundholmen's compliments.

Aslaksen.

Hurrah! Now there's some life in the local situation. [He places the punch-bowl on the middle table, serves the others, and drinks freely himself during the following scene. BASTIAN MONSEN has meanwhile entered from the right.

Bastian

(softly).
You won't forget my letter?

Aslaksen.

Don't be afraid. (Taps his breast pocket.) I have it here.

Bastian.

You'll deliver it as soon as you can--when you see she's disengaged, you understand.

Aslaksen.

I understand. (Calls.) Come, now, the glasses are filled.

Bastian.

You shan't do it for nothing, I promise you.

Aslaksen.

All right, all right. (To the servant.) A lemon, Karen--quick as the wind! [ BASTIAN retires.

Stensgard.

A word, Aslaksen; shall you be passing here to-morrow evening?

Aslaksen.

To-morrow evening? I can, if you like.

Stensgard.

Then you might look in and give Madam Rundholmen this letter.

Aslaksen.

From you?

Stensgard.

Yes. Put it in your pocket. There now. To-morrow evening, then?

Aslaksen.

All right; trust to me. [The servant brings the lemon; STENSGARD goes towards the window.

Bastian.

Well--have you spoken to Madam Rundholmen?

Stensgard.

Spoken? Oh yes, I said a word or two--

Bastian.

And what do you think?

Stensgard.

Oh--well--we were interrupted. I can't say anything definite.

Bastian.

I'll take my chance all the same; she's always

complaining of her loneliness. My fate shall be sealed within an hour.

Stensgard.

Within an hour?

Bastian

(sees MADAM RUNDHOLMEN, who enters from the left).
Sh! Not a word to any one! [Goes towards the back.

Stensgard

(whispers to ASLAKSEN).
Give me back the letter.

Aslaksen.

Do you want it back?

Stensgard.

Yes, at once; I shall deliver it myself.

Aslaksen.

Very well; here it is. STENSGARD thrusts the letter into his pocket, and mixes with the rest.

Madam Rundholmen

(to BASTIAN).
What do you say to the election, Mr. Bastian?

Bastian.

I'm delighted. Stensgard and I are bosom friends, you know. I shouldn't be surprised if he got into Parliament.

Madam Rundholmen.

But your father wouldn't much like that.

Bastian.

Oh, father has so many irons in the fire. Besides, if Stensgard's elected, it will still be all in the family, I daresay.

Madam Rundholmen.

How so?

Bastian.

He wants to marry--

Madam Rundholmen.

Lord! Has he said anything?

Bastian.

Yes; and I've promised to put in a word for him. It'll be all right. I'm sure Ragna likes him.

Madam Rundholmen.

Ragna!

Lundestad

(approaching).
What is interesting you so deeply, Madam Rundholmen?

Madam Rundholmen.

What do you think he says? Why, that Mr. Stensgard's making up to--

Lundestad.

Yes, but he won't find the Chamberlain so easy to deal with.

Bastian.

The Chamberlain?

Lundestad.

He probably thinks her too good a match for a mere lawyer--

Madam Rundholmen.

Who? Who?

Lundestad.

Why, his daughter, Miss Bratsberg, of course.

Bastian.

He's surely not making love to Miss Bratsberg?

Lundestad.

Yes, indeed he is.

Madam Rundholmen.

You are quite sure of that?

Bastian.

And he told me--! Oh, I want to say a word to you! [LUNDESTAD and BASTIAN go towards the back.

Madam Rundholmen

(approaching STENSGARD).
You must be on your guard, Mr. Stensgard.

Stensgard.

Against whom?

Madam Rundholmen.

Against malicious people who are slandering you.

Stensgard.

Why, let them--so long as one person doesn't believe their slanders.

Madam Rundholmen.

And who may that one person be?

Stensgard

(slips the letter into her hand).
Take this; read it when you are alone.

Madam Rundholmen.

Ah, I knew it! [Goes off to the left.

Ringdal

(enters from the right).
Well, I hear you have won a brilliant victory, Mr. Stensgard.

Stensgard.

Yes, I have, Mr. Ringdal, in spite of your noble chief's endeavours.

Ringdal

His endeavours? What to do?

Stensgard.

To keep me out.

Ringdal

Like other people, he has a right to vote as he pleases.

Stensgard.

It's a pity he is not likely to retain that right for long.

Ringdal

What do you mean?

Stensgard.

I mean, since his affairs are not so straight as they might be--

Ringdal

His affairs! What affairs! What have you got into your head?

Stensgard.

Oh, you needn't pretend ignorance. Isn't there a storm brewing?--a great crash impending?

Ringdal

Yes, so I hear on all sides.

Stensgard.

And aren't both the Bratsbergs involved in it?

Ringdal

My dear sir, are you crazy?

Stensgard.

Oh, you naturally want to keep it dark.

Ringdal

What good would that be? That sort of thing can't be kept dark.

Stensgard.

Is it not true then?

Ringdal

Not a word of it, so far as the Chamberlain is concerned. How could you believe such nonsense? Who has been humbugging you?

Stensgard.

I won't tell you just yet.

Ringdal

Well, you needn't; but whoever it was must have had a motive.

Stensgard.

A motive--!

Ringdal

Yes, just think: is there no one who has an interest in keeping you and the Chamberlain apart?

Stensgard.

Yes, on my soul, but there is though!

Ringdal

The Chamberlain in reality thinks very highly of you--

Stensgard.

Does he?

Ringdal

Yes, and that's why people want to make mischief between you. They reckon on your ignorance of the situation, on your impulsiveness and your confiding disposition--

Stensgard.

Oh, the vipers! And Madam Rundholmen has my letter!

Ringdal

What letter?

Stensgard.

Oh, nothing. But it's not too late! My dear Mr. Ringdal, shall you see the Chamberlain this evening?

Ringdal

In all probability.

Stensgard.

Then tell him to think no more of those threats

--he will understand; tell him I shall call to-morrow and explain everything.

Ringdal

You'll call?

Stensgard.

Yes, to prove to him-- Ah, a proof! Look here, Mr. Ringdal; will you give the Chamberlain this bill from me?

Ringdal

This bill--?

Stensgard.

Yes; it's a matter I can't explain to you; but just you give it to him--

Ringdal

Upon my word, Mr. Stensgard--

Stensgard.

And just add these words from me: This is how I treat those who vote against me!

Ringdal

I shan't forget. [Goes out at the back.

Stensgard.

I say, Mr. Heire--how could you go and palm off that story about the Chamberlain upon me?

Heire.

How could I palm it off on you--?

Stensgard.

Yes--it's a lie from beginning to end.

Heire.

No! Is it indeed? I'm delighted to hear it. Do you hear, Mr. Lundestad? It's all a lie about the Chamberlain.

Lundestad.

Sh! We were on a false scent; it's nearer at hand.

Stensgard.

How nearer at hand?

Lundestad.

I know nothing for certain; but they talk of Madam Rundholmen--

Stensgard.

What!

Heire.

Haven't I prophesied it! She has been too much mixed up with our friend at Stonelee--

Lundestad.

He drove off this morning before daylight--

Heire.

And his family is out hunting for him--

Lundestad.

And the son has been doing all he knows to get his sister provided for--

Stensgard.

Provided for! "To-morrow" she said; and then her anxiety about her father--!

Heire.

Hee-hee! You'll see he's gone and hanged himself, sir!

Aslaksen.

Has any one hanged himself?

Lundestad.

Mr. Heire says Monsen of Stonelee--

Monsen

(enters from the back).
A dozen of champagne!

Aslaksen

and Others. Monsen!

Monsen.

Yes, Monsen! Champagne-Monsen! Money- Monsen! Let's have the wine, confound it all!

Heire.

But, my dear sir--

Stensgard.

Why, where have you dropped from?

Monsen.

I've been doing a stroke of business, sir! Cleared a hundred thousand! Hei! To-morrow I'll give a thundering dinner at Stonelee. I invite you all. Champagne, I say! I congratulate you, Stensgard! I hear you're elected.

Stensgard.

Yes; I must explain to you--

Monsen.

Pooh; what does it matter to me? Wine, I say! Where is Madam Rundholmen? [Makes a motion to go out to the left.

The Maid-

servant (who has just entered, intercepts him). No one can see the mistress just now; she's got a letter--

Bastian.

Oh, damn it all! [Goes out by the back.

Stensgard.

Is she reading it?

Servant.

Yes; and it seems quite to have upset her.

Stensgard.

Good-bye, Mr. Monsen; dinner at Stonelee to-morrow--?

Monsen.

Yes, to-morrow. Good-bye!

Stensgard

(whispers).
Mr. Heire, will you do me a service?

Heire.

Certainly, certainly.

Stensgard.

Then just run me down a little to Madam Rundholmen; indulge in an innuendo or two at my expense. You are so good at that sort of thing.

Heire.

What the deuce is the meaning of this?

Stensgard.

I have my reasons. It's a joke, you know--

a wager with--with some one you have a grudge against.

Heire.

Aha, I understand. I say no more!

Stensgard.

Don't go too far, you know. Just place me in a more or less equivocal light--make her a little suspicious of me, for the moment.

Heire.

Rely upon me; it will be a real pleasure to me.

Stensgard.

Thanks, thanks in advance. (Goes towards the table.) Mr. Lundestad, we shall meet to-morrow forenoon at the Chamberlain's.

Lundestad.

Have you hopes?

Stensgard.

A three-fold hope.

Lundestad.

Threefold? I don't understand--

Stensgard.

You needn't. Henceforth, I will be my own counsellor. [Goes out by the back.

Monsen

(at the punch-bowl).
Another glass, Aslaksen! Where's Bastian?

Aslaksen.

He's just gone out. But I have a letter to deliver for him.

Monsen.

Have you?

Aslaksen.

To Madam Rundholmen.

Monsen.

Ah, at last!

Aslaksen.

But not till to-morrow evening, he said; tomorrow evening, neither sooner nor later. Here's to you!

Heire

(to LUNDESTAD).
What the deuce is all this business between Stensgard and Madam Rundholmen?

Lundestad

(whispers).
He's courting her.

Heire.

I suspected as much! But he asked me to run him down a bit--to cast a slur on his character--

Lundestad.

And you said you would?

Heire.

Yes, of course.

Lundestad.

I believe he says of you that your word is as good as your bond--and no better.

Heire.

Hee-hee--the dear fellow! He shall find out his mistake this time.

Madam Rundholmen

(with an open letter in her hand, at the door on the left).
Where is Mr. Stensgard?

Heire.

He kissed your chambermaid and went, Madam Rundholmen!