University of Virginia Library

ACT FIFTH

Large reception-room at the CHAMBERLAIN'S. Entrance door at the back. Doors right and left.

RINGDAL stands at a table looking through some papers. A knock.

Ringdal

Come in.

Fieldbo

(from the back).
Good-morning.

Ringdal

Good-morning, Doctor.

Fieldbo.

All well, eh?

Ringdal

Oh, yes, well enough; but--

Fieldbo.

What?

Ringdal

Of course you've heard the great news?

Fieldbo.

No. What is it?

Ringdal

Do you mean to say you haven't heard what has happened at Stonelee?

Fieldbo.

No.

Ringdal

Monsen has absconded.

Fieldbo.

Absconded! Monsen?

Ringdal

Absconded.

Fieldbo.

Great heavens--!

Ringdal

There were ugly rumours yesterday; but then Monsen turned up again; he managed to throw dust in people's eyes--

Fieldbo.

But the reason? The reason?

Ringdal

Enormous losses in timber, they say. Several houses in Christiania have stopped payment, and so--

Fieldbo.

And so he has gone off! 227

Ringdal

To Sweden, probably. The authorities took possession at Stonelee this morning. Things are being inventoried and sealed up--

Fieldbo.

And the unfortunate children--?

Ringdal

The son seems to have kept clear of the business; at least I hear he puts a bold face on it.

Fieldbo.

But the daughter?

Ringdal

Sh! The daughter is here.

Fieldbo.

Here?

Ringdal

The tutor brought her and the two little ones here this morning. Miss Bratsberg is looking after them, quietly you know.

Fieldbo.

And how does she bear it?

Ringdal

Oh, pretty well, I fancy. You may guess, after the treatment she has met with at home--And, besides, I may tell you she is--Ah, here's the Chamberlain.

The Chamberlain

(from the left).
So you are there, my dear Doctor?

Fieldbo.

Yes, I am pretty early astir. Let me wish you many happy returns of the day, Chamberlain.

The Chamberlain.

Oh, as for happiness,--! But thank you, all the same; I know you mean it kindly.

Fieldbo.

And may I ask, Chamberlain--?

The Chamberlain.

One word: be good enough to drop that title.

Fieldbo.

What do you mean?

The Chamberlain.

I am an ironmaster, and nothing more.

Fieldbo.

Why, what strange notion is this?

The Chamberlain.

I have renounced my post and my title. I am sending in my resignation to-day.

Fieldbo.

You should sleep upon that.

The Chamberlain.

When his Majesty was graciously pleased to assign me a place in his immediate circle, he did so because of the unblemished honour of my family through long generations.

Fieldbo.

Well, what then?

The Chamberlain.

My family is disgraced, just as much as Mr. Monsen's. Of course, you have heard about Monsen?

Fieldbo.

Yes, I have.

The Chamberlain

(to RINGDAL).
Any further news about him?

Ringdal

Only that he brings down with him a good many of the younger men.

The Chamberlain.

And my son?

Ringdal

Your son has sent me his balance-sheet. He will be able to pay in full; but there will be nothing over.

The Chamberlain.

H'm. Then will you get my resignation copied?

Ringdal

I'll see to it. [Goes out by the foremost door on the right.

Fieldbo.

Have you reflected what you are doing? Things can be arranged without any one being a bit the wiser.

The Chamberlain.

Indeed! Can I make myself ignorant of what has happened?

Fieldbo.

Oh, after all, what has happened? Has not he written to you, acknowledged his fault, and begged for your forgiveness? This is the only time he has done anything of the sort; why not simply blot it out?

The Chamberlain.

Would you do what my son has done?

Fieldbo.

He won't repeat it; that is the main point.

The Chamberlain.

How do you know he will not repeat it?

Fieldbo.

If for no other reason, because of what you yourself told me--the scene with your daughter-in-law. Whatever else comes of it, that will steady him.

The Chamberlain

(pacing the room).
My poor Selma! Our peace and happiness gone!

Fieldbo.

There are higher things than peace and happiness. Your happiness has been an illusion. Yes, I must speak frankly to you: in that, as in many other things, you have built on a hollow foundation. You

have been short-sighted and overweening, Chamberlain!

The Chamberlain

(stops short).
I?

Fieldbo.

Yes, you! You have plumed yourself on your family honour; but when has that honour been tried? Are you sure it would have stood the test?

The Chamberlain.

You can spare your sermons, Doctor. Do you think I have not learnt a lesson from the events of these days?

Fieldbo.

I daresay you have; but prove it, by showing greater tolerance and clearer insight. You reproach your son; but what have you done for him? You have taken care to develop his faculties, but not to form his character. You have lectured him on what he owed to the honour of his family; but you have not guided and moulded him so that honour became to him an irresistible instinct.

The Chamberlain.

Do you think so?

Fieldbo.

I not only think, I know it. But that is generally the way here: people are bent on learning, not on living. And you see what comes of it; you see hundreds of men with great gifts, who never seem to be more than half ripe; who are one thing in their ideas and feelings, and something quite different in their habits and acts. Just look at Stensgard--

The Chamberlain.

Ah, Stensgard now! What do you make of Stensgard?

Fieldbo.

A patchwork. I have known him from childhood. His father was a mere rag of a man, a withered weed, a nobody. He kept a little huckster's shop, and eked things out with pawnbroking; or rather his wife did for him. She was a coarse-grained woman, the most unwomanly I ever knew. She had her husband declared incapable;[1] she had not an ounce of heart in her. And in that home Stensgard passed his childhood. Then he went to the grammar-school. "He shall go to college," said his mother; "I'll make a smart solicitor of him." Squalor at home, high-pressure at school;

soul, temperament, will, talents, all pulling in different ways --what could it lead to but disintegration of character?

The Chamberlain.

What could it lead to, eh? I should like to know what is good enough for you. We are to expect nothing of Stensgard; nothing of my son; but we may look to you, I suppose--to you--?

Fieldbo.

Yes, to me--precisely. Oh, you needn't laugh; I take no credit to myself; but my lot has been one that begets equilibrium and firmness of character. I was brought up amid the peace and harmony of a modest middle-class home. My mother is a woman of the finest type; in our home we had no desires that outstripped our opportunities, no cravings that were wrecked on the rocks of circumstance; and death did not break in upon our circle, leaving emptiness and longing behind it. We were brought up in the love of beauty, but it informed our whole view of life, instead of being a side-interest, a thing apart. We were taught to shun excesses, whether of the intellect or of the feelings--

The Chamberlain.

Bless me! So that accounts for your being the pink of perfection?

Fieldbo.

I am far from thinking so. I only say that fate had been infinitely kind to me, and that I regard its favours in the light of obligations.

The Chamberlain.

Very well; but if Stensgard is under no such obligations, it is all the more to his credit that he--

Fieldbo.

What? What is to his credit?

The Chamberlain.

You have misjudged him, my good Doctor. Look here. What do you say to this?

Fieldbo.

Your son's bill!

The Chamberlain.

Yes; he has sent it to me.

Fieldbo.

Of his own accord?

The Chamberlain.

Of his own accord, and unconditionally. It is fine; it is noble. From this day forth, my house is open to him.

Fieldbo.

Think again! For your own sake, for your daughter's--

The Chamberlain.

Oh, let me alone! He is better than you in many ways. At any rate he is straightforward, while you are underhand in your dealings.

Fieldbo.

I?

The Chamberlain.

Yes, you! You have made yourself the master of this house; you come and go as you please; I consult you about everything--and yet--

Fieldbo.

Well?--And yet?

The Chamberlain.

And yet there's always something confoundedly close about you; yes, and something--something uppish that I cannot endure!

Fieldbo.

Please explain yourself!

The Chamberlain.

I? No, it is you that ought to explain yourself! But now you must take the consequences.

Fieldbo.

We don't understand each other, Chamberlain. I have no bill to give up to you; yet, who knows but I may be making a greater sacrifice for your sake?

The Chamberlain.

Indeed! How so?

Fieldbo.

By holding my tongue.

The Chamberlain.

Holding your tongue, indeed! Shall I tell you what I am tempted to do? To forget my manners, use bad language, and join the League of Youth. You are a stiff-necked Pharisee, my good Doctor; and that sort of thing is out of place in our free society. Look at Stensgard; he is not like that; so he shall come here whenever he likes; he shall--he shall--! Oh, what's the use of talking--! You must take the consequences; as you make your bed, so you must lie.

Lundestad

(enters from the back).
My congratulations, Chamberlain! May you long enjoy the respect and--

The Chamberlain.

Oh, go to the devil--I'm almost inclined to say! That's all humbug, my dear Lundestad. There's nothing but humbug in this world.

Lundestad.

That is what Mr. Monsen's creditors are saying.

The Chamberlain.

Ah, about Monsen--didn't it come upon you like a thunderbolt?

Lundestad.

Oh, you have often prophesied it, Chamberlain.

The Chamberlain.

H'm, h'm;--yes, to be sure I have. I prophesied it only the day before yesterday; he came here trying to get money out of me--

Fieldbo.

It might have saved him.

Lundestad.

Impossible; he was too deep in the mire; and whatever is, is for the best.

The Chamberlain.

That is your opinion? Was it for the best, then, that you were beaten at the poll yesterday?

Lundestad.

I wasn't beaten; everything went just as I wanted. Stensgard is not a man to make an enemy of; he has got what we others have to whistle for.

The Chamberlain.

I don't quite understand what you mean--?

Lundestad.

He has the power of carrying people away with him. And then he has the luck to be unhampered by either character, or conviction, or social position; so that Liberalism is the easiest thing in the world to him.

The Chamberlain.

Well, really, I should have thought we were all Liberals.

Lundestad.

Yes, of course we are Liberals, Chamberlain; not a doubt of it. But the thing is that we are Liberal only on our own behalf, whereas Stensgard's Liberalism extends to other people. That's the novelty of the thing.

The Chamberlain.

And you are going over to these subversive ideas?

Lundestad.

I've read in old story-books about people who could summon up spirits, but could not lay them again.

The Chamberlain.

Why, my dear Lundestad, how can a man of your enlightenment--?

Lundestad.

I know it's mere popish superstition, Chamberlain. But new ideas are like those spirits: it's not so easy

to lay them; the best plan is to compromise with them as best you can.

The Chamberlain.

But now that Monsen has fallen, and no doubt his crew of agitators with him--

Lundestad.

If Monsen's fall had come two or three days ago, things would have been very different.

The Chamberlain.

Yes, unfortunately. You have been too hasty.

Lundestad.

Partly out of consideration for you, Chamberlain.

The Chamberlain.

For me?

Lundestad.

Our party must keep up its reputation in the eyes of the people. We represent the old, deep-rooted Norse sense of honour. If I had deserted Stensgard, you know he holds a paper--

The Chamberlain.

Not now.

Lundestad.

What?

The Chamberlain.

Here it is.

Lundestad.

He has given it up to you?

The Chamberlain.

Yes. Personally, he is a gentleman; so much I must say for him.

Lundestad

(thoughtfully).
Mr. Stensgard has rare abilities.

Stensgard

(at the back, standing in the doorway).
May I come in?

The Chamberlain

(going to meet him).
I am delighted to see you.

Stensgard.

And you will accept my congratulations?

The Chamberlain.

With all my heart.

Stensgard.

Then with all my heart I wish you happiness! And you must forget all the stupid things I have written.

The Chamberlain.

I go by deeds, not words, Mr. Stensgard.

Stensgard.

How good of you to say so!

The Chamberlain.

And henceforth--since you wish it-- you must consider yourself at home here.

Stensgard.

May I? May I really? [A knock at the door.

The Chamberlain.

Come in. Several LEADING MEN of the neighbourhood, TOWN COUNCILLORS, etc., enter. THE CHAMBERLAIN goes to receive them, accepts their congratulations, and converses with them.

Thora

(who has meantime entered by the second door on the left).
Mr. Stensgard, let me thank you.

Stensgard.

You, Miss Bratsberg!

Thora.

My father has told me how nobly you have acted.

Stensgard.

But--?

Thora.

Oh, how we have misjudged you!

Stensgard.

Have you--?

Thora.

It was your own fault-- No, no; it was ours. Oh, what would I not do to atone for our error.

Stensgard.

Would you? You yourself? Would you really--?

Thora.

All of us would; if we only knew--

The Chamberlain.

Refreshments for these gentlemen, my child.

Thora.

They are just coming. [She retires towards the door again, where a SERVANT at the same moment appears with cake and wine, which are handed round.

Stensgard.

Oh, my dear Lundestad! I feel like a conquering god.

Lundestad.

So you must have felt yesterday, I suppose.

Stensgard.

Pooh! This is something quite different; the final triumph; the crown of all! There is a glory, a halo, over my life.

Lundestad.

Oho; dreams of love!

Stensgard.

Not dreams! Realities, glorious realities!

Lundestad.

So brother Bastian has brought you the answer?

Stensgard.

Bastian--?

Lundestad.

Yes, he gave me a hint yesterday; he had promised to plead your cause with a certain young lady.

Stensgard.

Oh, what nonsense--

Lundestad.

Why make a mystery of it? If you haven't heard already, I can give you the news. You have won the day, Mr. Stensgard; I have it from Ringdal.

Stensgard.

What have you from Ringdal?

Lundestad.

Miss Monsen has accepted you.

Stensgard.

What!

Lundestad.

Accepted you, I say,

Stensgard.

Accepted me! And the father has bolted!

Lundestad.

But the daughter hasn't.

Stensgard.

Accepted me! In the midst of all this family trouble! How unwomanly! How repellant to any man with the least delicacy of feeling! But the whole thing is a misunderstanding. I never commissioned Bastian-- How could that idiot--? However, it doesn't matter to me; he must answer for his follies himself.

Daniel Heire

(enters from the back).
Hee-hee! Quite a gathering! Of course, of course! We are paying our respects, propitiating the powers that be, as the saying goes. May I, too--

The Chamberlain.

Thanks, thanks, old friend!

Heire.

Oh, I protest, my dear sir? That is too much condescension. (New GUESTS arrive.) Ah, here we have the myrmidons of justice--the executive-- I say no more. (Goes over to STENSGARD.) Ah, my dear fortunate youth, are you there? Your hand! Accept the assurance of an old man's unfeigned rejoicing.

Stensgard.

At what?

Heire.

You asked me yesterday to run you down a little to her--you know--

Stensgard.

Yes, yes; what then?

Heire.

It was a heartfelt pleasure to me to oblige you--

Stensgard.

Well--and what happened then? How did she take it?

Heire.

Like a loving woman, of course--burst into tears; locked herself into her room; would neither answer nor show herself--

Stensgard.

Ah, thank goodness!

Heire.

It's barbarous to subject a widow's heart to such cruel tests, to go and gloat over her jealous agonies! But love has cat's eyes--I say no more! For to-day, as I drove past, there stood Madam Rundholmen, brisk and buxom, at her open window, combing her hair. She looked like a mermaid, if you'll allow me to say so. Oh, she's a fine woman!

Stensgard.

Well, and then?

Heire.

Why, she laughed like one possessed, sir, and waved a letter in the air, and called out "A proposal, Mr. Heire! I'm engaged to be married."

Stensgard.

What! Engaged?

Heire.

My hearty congratulations, young man; I'm inexpressibly pleased to be the first to announce to you--

Stensgard.

It's all rubbish! It's nonsense!

Heire.

What is nonsense?

Stensgard.

You have misunderstood her; or else she has misunderstood-- Engaged! Preposterous! Now that Monsen's down, she'll probably--

Heire.

Not at all, sir, not at all! Madam Rundholmen has solid legs to stand on.

Stensgard.

No matter! I have quite other intentions. All that about the letter was only a joke--a wager, as I told you. My dear Mr. Heire, do oblige me by not saying a word to any one of this silly affair.

Heire.

I see, I see! It's to be kept secret; it's to be a romance. Ah, youth, youth! it's nothing if not poetical.

Stensgard.

Yes, yes; mum's the word. You shan't regret it--I'll take up your cases--Sh! I rely upon you. [He retires.

The Chamberlain

(who has meanwhile been talking to LUNDESTAD).
No, Lundestad--that I really cannot believe!

Lundestad.

I assure you, Chamberlain--Daniel Heire told me so himself.

Heire.

What did I tell you, may I inquire?

The Chamberlain.

Did Mr. Stensgard show you a bill yesterday?

Heire.

Yes, by-the-bye--! What on earth was the meaning of all that?

The Chamberlain.

I'll tell you afterwards. And you told him--

Lundestad.

You persuaded him it was a forgery?

Heire.

Pooh, a mere innocent jest, to bewilder him a little in the hour of triumph.

Lundestad.

And you told him both signatures were forged?

Heire.

Oh, yes; why not both while I was about it?

The Chamberlain.

So that was it!

Lundestad

(to the CHAMBERLAIN).
And when he heard that--

The Chamberlain.

He gave the bill to Ringdal!

Lundestad.

The bill that was useless as a weapon of offence.

The Chamberlain.

He shams magnanimity! Makes a fool of me a second time! Gains admission to my house, and makes me welcome him and thank him--this--this--! And this is the fellow--

Heire.

Why, what are you going on about, my dear sir?

The Chamberlain.

I'll tell you all about it afterwards. (Takes LUNDESTAD apart.) And this is the fellow you protect, push forward, help to rise!

Lundestad.

Well, he took you in, too!

The Chamberlain.

Oh, I should like to--!

Lundestad

(pointing to STENSGARD, who is speaking to THORA).
Look there! What will people be fancying!

The Chamberlain.

I shall soon put a stop to these fancies.

Lundestad.

Too late, Chamberlain; he'll worm himself forward by dint of promises and general plausibility--

The Chamberlain.

I, too, can manoeuvre, Mr. Lundestad.

Lundestad.

What will you do?

The Chamberlain.

Just watch. (Goes over to FIELDBO.) Doctor Fieldbo, will you do me a service?

Fieldbo.

With pleasure.

The Chamberlain.

Then turn that fellow out of my house.

Fieldbo.

Stensgard?

The Chamberlain.

Yes, the adventurer; I hate his very name; turn him out!

Fieldbo.

But how can I--?

The Chamberlain.

This is your affair; I give you a free hand.

Fieldbo.

A free hand! Do you mean it? Entirely free?

The Chamberlain.

Yes, yes, by all means.

Fieldbo.

Your hand on it, Chamberlain!

The Chamberlain.

Here it is.

Fieldbo.

So be it, then; now or never! (Loudly.) May I request the attention of the company for a moment?

The Chamberlain.

Silence for Doctor Fieldbo!

Fieldbo.

With Chamberlain Bratsberg's consent, I have the pleasure of announcing my engagement to his daughter. [An outburst of astonishment. THORA utters a slight scream. THE CHAMBERLAIN is on the point of speaking, but refrains. Loud talk and congratulations.

Stensgard.

Engagement! Your engagement--

Heire.

With the Chamberlain's--? With your-- What does it mean?

Lundestad.

Is the Doctor out of his mind?

Stensgard.

But, Chamberlain--?

The Chamberlain.

What can I do? I am a Liberal. I join the League of Youth!

Fieldbo.

Thanks, thanks--and forgive me!

The Chamberlain.

Associations are the order of the day, Mr. Stensgard. There is nothing like free competition!

Thora.

Oh, my dear father!

Lundestad.

Yes, and engagements are the order of the day. I have another to announce.

Stensgard.

A mere invention!

Lundestad.

No, not a bit of it; Miss Monsen is engaged to--

Stensgard.

False, false, I say!

Thora.

No, father, it's true; they are both here.

The Chamberlain.

Who? Where?

Thora.

Ragna and Mr. Helle. They are in here-- [Goes towards the second door on the right.

Lundestad.

Mr. Helle! Then it's he--!

The Chamberlain.

Here? In my house? (Goes towards the door.) Come in, my dear child.

Ragna

(shrinking back shyly).
Oh, no, no; there are so many people.

The Chamberlain.

Don't be bashful; you couldn't help what has happened.

Helle.

She is homeless now, Chamberlain.

Ragna.

Oh, you must help us!

The Chamberlain.

I will, indeed; and thank you for giving me the opportunity.

Heire.

You may well say engagements are the order of the day. I have one to add to the list.

The Chamberlain.

What? You? At your age?--How rash of you!

Heire.

Oh--! I say no more.

Lundestad.

The game is up, Mr. Stensgard.

Stensgard.

Indeed? (Loudly.) I have one to add to the list, Mr. Heire! An announcement, gentlemen: I, too, have cast anchor for life.

The Chamberlain.

What?

Stensgard.

One is now and then forced to play a double

game, to conceal one's true intentions. I regard this as permissible when the general weal is at stake. My life- work lies clear before me, and is all in all to me. I consecrate my whole energies to this district; I find here a ferment of ideas which I must strive to clarify. But this task cannot be accomplished by a mere adventurer. The men of the district must gather round one of themselves. Therefore I have determined to unite my interests indissolubly with yours --to unite them by a bond of affection. If I have awakened any false hopes, I must plead for forgiveness. I too am engaged.

The Chamberlain.

You?

Fieldbo.

Engaged?

Heire.

I can bear witness.

The Chamberlain.

But how--?

Fieldbo.

Engaged? To whom?

Lundestad.

It surely can't be--?

Stensgard.

It is a union both of the heart and of the understanding. Yes, my fellow citizens, I am engaged to Madam Rundholmen.

Fieldbo.

To Madam Rundholmen!

The Chamberlain.

The storekeeper's widow!

Lundestad.

H'm. Indeed!

The Chamberlain.

Why, my head's going round! How could you--?

Stensgard.

A manoeuvre, Mr. Bratsberg!

Lundestad.

He has rare abilities!

Aslaksen

(looks in at the door, back).
I humbly beg pardon--

The Chamberlain.

Oh, come in, Aslaksen! A visit of congratulation, eh?

Aslaksen.

Oh, not at all; I wouldn't presume--But I have something very important to say to Mr. Stensgard.

Stensgard.

Another time; you can wait outside.

Aslaksen.

No, confound it; I must tell you--

Stensgard.

Hold your tongue! What intrusiveness is

this?--Yes, gentlemen, strange are the ways of destiny. The district and I required a bond that should bind us firmly together; and I found on my path a woman of ripened character who could make a home for me. I have put off the adventurer, gentlemen, and here I stand in your midst, as one of yourselves. Take me; I am ready to stand or fall in any post your confidence may assign me.

Lundestad.

You have won.

The Chamberlain.

Well, really, I must say-- (To the MAID, who has entered from the back.) Well, what is it? What are you giggling about?

The Servant.

Madam Rundholmen--?

The Company.

Madam Rundholmen?

The Chamberlain.

What about her?

The Servant.

Madam Rundholmen is waiting outside with her young man--

The Company
(to each other).

Her young man? Madam Rundholmen! How's this?

Stensgard.

What nonsense!

Aslaksen.

Yes, I was just telling you--

The Chamberlain

(at the door).
Come along, come along! BASTIAN MONSEN, with MADAM RUNDHOLMEN on his arm, enters from the back. A general movement.

Madam Rundholmen.

I hope I'm not intruding, sir--

The Chamberlain.

Not at all, not at all.

Madam Rundholmen.

But I couldn't resist bringing up my young man to show him to you and Miss Bratsberg.

The Chamberlain.

Yes, I hear you are engaged; but--

Thora.

We didn't know--

Stensgard

(to ASLAKSEN).
How is all this--?

Aslaksen.

I had so much in my head yesterday; so much to think about, I mean--

Stensgard.

But I gave her my letter, and--

Aslaksen.

No, you gave her Bastian Monsen's; here is yours.

Stensgard.

Bastian's? And here--? (Glances at the address, crumples the letter together, and crams it into his pocket.) Oh, curse you for a blunderer!

Madam Rundholmen.

Of course I was willing enough. There's no trusting the men-folk, I know; but when you have it in black and white that their intentions are honourable--Why, there's Mr. Stensgard, I declare. Well, Mr.Stensgard, won't you congratulate me?

Heire

(to LUNDESTAD).
How hungrily she glares at him.

The Chamberlain.

Of course he will, Madam Rundholmen; but won't you congratulate your sister-in-law to be?

Madam Rundholmen.

Who?

Thora.

Ragna; she is engaged, too.

Bastian.

Are you, Ragna?

Madam Rundholmen.

Indeed? Yes, Bastian told me there was something in the wind. I wish you both joy; and welcome into the family, Mr. Stensgard!

Fieldbo.

No, no; not Stensgard!

The Chamberlain.

No, it's Mr. Helle; an excellent choice. And, by-the-bye, you may congratulate my daughter, too.

Madam Rundholmen.

Miss Bratsberg! Ah, so Lundestad was right, after all. I congratulate you, Miss Thora; and you, too, Mr. Stensgard.

Fieldbo.

You mean Doctor Fieldbo.

Madam Rundholmen.

What?

Fieldbo.

I am the happy man.

Madam Rundholmen.

Well, now, I don't in the least know where I am.

The Chamberlain.

And we have just found out where we are.

Stensgard.

Excuse me; I have an appointment--

The Chamberlain

(aside).
Lundestad, what was the other word?

Lundestad.

What other?

The Chamberlain.

Not adventurer, but the other--?

Lundestad.

Demagogue.

Stensgard.

--I take my leave.

The Chamberlain.

One word--only one word, Mr. Stensgard--a word which has long been on the tip of my tongue.

Stensgard

(at the door).
Excuse me; I'm in a hurry.

The Chamberlain

(following him).
Demagogue!

Stensgard.

Good-bye; good-bye! [Goes out by the back.

The Chamberlain

(coming forward again).
Now the air is pure again, my friends.

Bastian.

I hope you don't blame me, sir, for what has happened at home?

The Chamberlain.

Every one must bear his own burden. Bastian. I had really no part in it.

Selma

(who, during the preceding scene, has been listening at the second door on the right).
Father! Now you are happy;--may he come now?

The Chamberlain.

Selma! You! You plead for him? After what happened two days ago--

Selma.

Oh, two days are a long time. All is well now. I know now that he can go astray--

The Chamberlain.

And that pleases you?

Selma.

Yes, that he can; but in future I won't let him.

The Chamberlain.

Bring him in then. [SELMA goes out again to the right.

Ringdal

(enters by the foremost door on the right).
Here is your resignation.

The Chamberlain.

Thanks; but you can tear it up.

Ringdal

Tear it up?

The Chamberlain.

Yes, Ringdal; I have found another way. I can make atonement without that; I shall set to work in earnest--

Erik

(enters with SELMA from the right).
Can you forgive me?

The Chamberlain

(hands him the bill).
I cannot be less merciful than fate.

Erik.

Father! I shall retire this very day from the business you dislike so much.

The Chamberlain.

No, indeed; you must stick to it. No cowardice! No running away from temptation! But I will stand at your side. (Loudly.) News for you, gentlemen! I have entered into partnership with my son.

Several Gentlemen.

What? You, Chamberlain?

Heire.

You, my dear sir?

The Chamberlain.

Yes; it is a useful and honourable calling; or at any rate it can be made so. And now I have no reason to hold aloof any longer.

Lundestad.

Well, I'll tell you what, Chamberlain--since you are going to set to work for the good of the district, it would be a shame and disgrace if an old soldier like me were to sulk in his tent.

Erik.

Ah, what is this?

Lundestad.

I cannot, in fact. After the disappointments in love that have befallen Mr. Stensgard to-day, Heaven forbid we should force the poor fellow into the political mill. He must rest and recover; a change of air is what he wants, and I shall see that he gets it. So if my constituents want me, why, they can have me.

The Gentlemen

(shaking hands with him enthusiastically).
Thanks, Lundestad! That's a good fellow! You won't fail us!

The Chamberlain.

Now, this is as it should be; things are settling down again. But whom have we to thank for all this?

Fieldbo.

Come, Aslaksen, you can explain--?

Aslaksen

(alarmed).
I, Doctor? I'm as innocent as the babe unborn!

Fieldbo.

What about that letter, then--?

Aslaksen.

It wasn't my fault, I tell you! It was the election and Bastian Monsen, and chance, and destiny, and

Madam Rundholmen's punch--there was no lemon in it-- and there was I, with the whole responsibility of the press upon me--

The Chamberlain

(approaching).
What? What's that?

Aslaksen.

The press, sir?

The Chamberlain.

The press! That's just it! Haven't I always said that the press has marvellous influence these days?

Aslaksen.

Oh, Chamberlain--

The Chamberlain.

No false modesty, Mr. Aslaksen! I haven't hitherto been in the habit of reading your paper, but henceforth I will. I shall subscribe for ten copies.

Aslaksen.

Oh, you can have twenty, Chamberlain!

The Chamberlain.

Very well, then; let me have twenty. And if you need money, come to me; I mean to support the press; but I tell you once for all--I won't write for it.

Ringdal

What's this I hear? Your daughter engaged?

The Chamberlain.

Yes; what do you say to that?

Ringdal

I am delighted! But when was it arranged?

Fieldbo

(quickly).
I'll tell you afterwards--

The Chamberlain.

Why, it was arranged on the Seventeenth of May.

Fieldbo.

What?

The Chamberlain.

The day little Miss Ragna was here.

Thora.

Father, father; did you know--?

The Chamberlain.

Yes, my dear; I have known all along.

Fieldbo.

Oh, Chamberlain--!

Thora.

Who can have--?

The Chamberlain.

Another time, I should advise you young ladies not to talk so loud when I am taking my siesta in the bay window.

Thora.

Oh! so you were behind the curtains?

Fieldbo.

Now I understand!

The Chamberlain.

Yes, you are the one to keep your own counsel--

Fieldbo.

Would it have been of any use for me to speak earlier?

The Chamberlain.

You are right, Fieldbo. These days have taught me a lesson.

Thora

(aside to FIELDBO).
Yes, you can keep your own counsel. All this about Mr. Stensgard--why did you tell me nothing?

Fieldbo.

When a hawk is hovering over the dove-cote, one watches and shields his little dove--one does not alarm her. [They are interrupted by MADAM RUNDHOLMEN,

Heire

(to the CHAMBERLAIN).
I'm sorry to tell you, Chamberlain, that the settlement of our little legal differences will have to be adjourned indefinitely.

The Chamberlain.

Indeed; Why so?

Heire.

You must know I've accepted a post as society reporter on Aslaksen's paper.

The Chamberlain.

I am glad to hear it.

Heire.

And of course you'll understand--with so much business on hand--

Madam Rundholmen

(to THORA).
Yes, I can tell you he's cost me many a tear, that bad man. But now I thank the Lord for Bastian. The other was false as the sea-foam; and then he's a terrible smoker, Miss Bratsberg, and frightfully particular about his meals. I found him a regular gourmand.

A Servant

(enters from the left).
Dinner is on the table.

The Chamberlain.

Come along, then, all of you. Mr. Lundestad, you shall sit beside me; and you too, Mr. Aslaksen.

Ringdal

We shall have a lot of toasts to drink after dinner!

Heire.

Yes; and perhaps an old man may be allowed to put in a claim for the toast of "Absent Friends." Lundestad. One absent friend will return, Mr. Heire.

Heire.

Stensgard?

Lundestad.

Yes; you'll see, gentlemen! In ten or fifteen years, Stensgard will either be in Parliament or in the Ministry-- perhaps in both at once. [2]

Fieldbo.

In ten or fifteen years? Perhaps; but then he can scarcely stand at the head of the League of Youth.

Heire.

Why not?

Fieldbo.

Why, because by that time his youth will be-- questionable.

Heire.

Then he can stand at the head of the Questionable League, sir. That's what Lundestad means. He says like Napoleon--"It's the questionable people that make politicians"; hee-hee!

Fieldbo.

Well, after all is said and done, our League shall last through young days and questionable days as well; and it shall continue to be the League of Youth. When Stensgard founded his League, and was carried shoulder-high amid all the enthusiasm of Independence Day, he said--"Providence is on the side of the League of Youth." I think even Mr. Helle, theologian as he is, will let us apply that saying to ourselves.

The Chamberlain.

I think so too, my friends; for truly we have been groping and stumbling in darkness; but good angels guided us.

Lundestad.

Oh, for that matter, I think the angels were only middling.

Aslaksen.

Yes; that comes of the local situation, Mr. Lundestad.

THE END