The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
He gave the bill to Ringdal!
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
The bill that was useless as a weapon of offence.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
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.
Heire.
Heire.
Why, what are you going on about, my dear sir?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
I’ll tell you all about it afterwards. [TakesLundestadapart.] And this is the fellow you protect, push forward, help to rise!
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Well, he took you in, too!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Oh, I should like to——!
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
[Pointing toStensgård,who is speaking toThora.] Look there! What will people be fancying!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
I shall soon put a stop to these fancies.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Too late, Chamberlain; he’ll worm himself forward by dint of promises and general plausibility——
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
I, too, can manœuvre, Mr. Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
What will you do?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Just watch. [Goes over toFieldbo.] Doctor Fieldbo, will you do me a service?
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
With pleasure.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Then turn that fellow out of my house.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Stensgård?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Yes, the adventurer; I hate his very name; turn him out!
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
But how can I——?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
That is your affair; I give you a free hand.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
A free hand! Do you mean it? Entirely free?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Yes, yes, by all means.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Your hand on it, Chamberlain!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Here it is.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
So be it, then; now or never! [Loudly.] May I request the attention of the company for a moment?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Silence for Doctor Fieldbo!
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
With Chamberlain Bratsberg’s consent, I have the pleasure of announcing my engagement to his daughter.
[An outburst of astonishment.Thorautters a slight scream.The Chamberlainis on the point of speaking, but refrains. Loud talk and congratulations.
[An outburst of astonishment.Thorautters a slight scream.The Chamberlainis on the point of speaking, but refrains. Loud talk and congratulations.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Engagement!Yourengagement——
Heire.
Heire.
Heire.
With the Chamberlain’s——? With your——What does it mean?
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Is the Doctor out of his mind?
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
But, Chamberlain——?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
What can I do? I am a Liberal. I join the League of Youth!
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Thanks, thanks—and forgive me!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Associations are the order of the day, Mr. Stensgård. There is nothing like free competition!
Thora.
Thora.
Thora.
Oh, my dear father!
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Yes, and engagements are the order of theday.day.I have another to announce.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
A mere invention!
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
No, not a bit of it; Miss Monsen is engaged to——
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
False, false, I say!
Thora.
Thora.
Thora.
No, father, it’s true; they are both here.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Who? Where?
Thora.
Thora.
Thora.
Ragna and Mr. Helle. They are in here——
[Goes towards the second door on the right.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Mr. Helle! Then it’s he——!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Here? In my house? [Goes towards the door.] Come in, my dear child.
Ragna.
Ragna.
Ragna.
[Shrinking back shyly.] Oh, no, no; there are so many people.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Don’t be bashful; you couldn’t help what has happened.
Helle.
Helle.
Helle.
She is homeless now, Chamberlain.
Ragna.
Ragna.
Ragna.
Oh, you must help us!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
I will, indeed; and thank you for giving me the opportunity.
Heire.
Heire.
Heire.
You may well say engagements are the order of the day. I have one to add to the list.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
What? You? At your age?—How rash of you!
Heire.
Heire.
Heire.
Oh—! I say no more.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
The game is up, Mr. Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Indeed? [Loudly.]Ihave one to add to the list, Mr. Heire! An announcement, gentlemen: I too have cast anchor for life.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
What?
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
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.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
You?
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Engaged?
Heire.
Heire.
Heire.
I can bear witness.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
But how——?
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Engaged? To whom?
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
It surely can’t be——?
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
It is a union both of the heart and of the understanding. Yes, my fellow citizens, I am engaged to Madam Rundholmen.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
To Madam Rundholmen!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The storekeeper’s widow!
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
H’m. Indeed!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Why, my head’s going round! How could you——?
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
A manœuvre, Mr. Bratsberg!
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
He has rare abilities!
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
[Looks in at the door, back.] I humbly beg pardon——
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Oh, come in, Aslaksen! A visit of congratulation, eh?
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Oh, not at all; I wouldn’t presume——But I have something very important to say to Mr. Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Another time; you can wait outside.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
No, confound it; I must tell you——
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Hold your tongue! Whatintrusivenessintrusivenessis 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.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
You have won.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Well, really, I must say——[To theMaid,who has entered from the back.] Well, what is it? What are you giggling about?
The Servant.
The Servant.
The Servant.
Madam Rundholmen——?
The Company.
The Company.
The Company.
Madam Rundholmen?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
What about her?
The Servant.
The Servant.
The Servant.
Madam Rundholmen is waiting outside with her young man——
The Company.
The Company.
The Company.
[To each other.] Her young man? Madam Rundholmen! How’s this?
Steansgård.
Steansgård.
Steansgård.
What nonsense!
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Yes, I was just telling you——
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
[At the door.] Come along, come along!
Bastian Monsen,withMadam Rundholmenon his arm, enters from the back. A general movement.
Bastian Monsen,withMadam Rundholmenon his arm, enters from the back. A general movement.
Bastian Monsen,withMadam Rundholmenon his arm, enters from the back. A general movement.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
I hope I’m not intruding, sir——
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Not at all, not at all.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
But I couldn’t resist bringing up my young man to show him to you and Miss Bratsberg.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Yes, I hear you are engaged; but——
Thora.
Thora.
Thora.
We didn’t know——
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
[To Aslaksen.] How is all this——?
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
I had so much in my head yesterday; so much to think about, I mean——
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
But I gave her my letter, and——
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
No, you gave her Bastian Monsen’s; here is yours.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
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.
Madam Rundholmen.
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. Stensgård, I declare. Well, Mr. Stensgård, won’t you congratulate me?
Heire.
Heire.
Heire.
[ToLundestad.] How hungrily she glares at him.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Of course he will, Madam Rundholmen; but won’t you congratulate your sister-in-law to be?
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Who?
Thora.
Thora.
Thora.
Ragna; she is engaged too.
Bastian.
Bastian.
Bastian.
Are you, Ragna?
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Indeed? Yes, Bastian told me there was something in the wind. I wish you both joy; and welcome into the family, Mr. Stensgård!
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
No, no; not Stensgård!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
No, it’s Mr. Helle; an excellent choice. And, by-the-bye, you may congratulate my daughter too.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Miss Bratsberg! Ah, so Lundestad was right, after all. I congratulate you, Miss Thora; and you too, Mr. Stensgård.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
You mean Doctor Fieldbo.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
What?
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
I am the happy man.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Well, now, I don’t in the least know where I am.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
And we have just found out where we are.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Excuse me; I have an appointment——
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
[Aside.] Lundestad, what was the other word?
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
What other?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Not adventurer, but the other——?
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Demagogue.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
I take my leave.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
One word—only one word, Mr. Stensgård—a word which has long been on the tip of my tongue.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
[At the door.] Excuse me; I’m in a hurry.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
[Following him.] Demagogue!
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Good-bye; good-bye![Goes out by the back.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
[Coming forward again.] Now the air is pure again, my friends.
Bastian.
Bastian.
Bastian.
I hope you don’t blame me, sir, for what has happened at home?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Every one must bear his own burden.
Bastian.
Bastian.
Bastian.
I had really no part in it.
Selma.
Selma.
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.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Selma! You! You plead for him? After what happened two days ago——
Selma.
Selma.
Selma.
Oh, two days are a long time. All is well now. I know now that he can go astray——
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
And that pleases you?
Selma.
Selma.
Selma.
Yes, that hecan; but in future I won’t let him.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Bring him in then.
[Selmagoes out again to the right.
Ringdal.
Ringdal.
Ringdal.
[Enters by the foremost door on the right.] Here is your resignation.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Thanks; but you can tear it up.
Ringdal.
Ringdal.
Ringdal.
Tear it up?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Yes, Ringdal; I have found another way. I can make atonement without that; I shall set to work in earnest——
Erik.
Erik.
Erik.
[Enters withSelmafrom the right.] Can you forgive me?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
[Hands him the bill.] I cannot be less merciful than fate.
Erik.
Erik.
Erik.
Father! I shall retire this very day from the business you dislike so much.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
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.
Several Gentlemen.
Several Gentlemen.
What? You, Chamberlain?
Heire.
Heire.
Heire.
You, my dear sir?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
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.
Lundestad.
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.
Erik.
Erik.
Ah, what is this?
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
Lundestad.
I cannot, in fact. After the disappointments in love that have befallen Mr. Stensgård 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.
The Gentlemen.
The Gentlemen.
[Shaking hands with him enthusiastically.] Thanks, Lundestad! That’s a good fellow! You won’t fail us?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Now, this is as it should be; things are settling down again. But whom have we to thank for all this?
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Come, Aslaksen, you can explain——?
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
[Alarmed.] I, Doctor? I’m as innocent as the babe unborn!
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
What about that letter, then——?
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
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.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
[Approaching.] What? What’s that?
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
The press, sir!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The press! That’s just it! Haven’t I always said that the press has marvellous influence in these days?
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Oh, Chamberlain——
The Chamberlain.
The 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.
Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Oh, you can have twenty, Chamberlain!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Very well, then; let me have twenty. And if you need money, come to me; I mean to supportthe press; but I tell you once for all—I won’t write for it.
Ringdal.
Ringdal.
Ringdal.
What’s this I hear? Your daughter engaged?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Yes; what do you say to that?
Ringdal.
Ringdal.
Ringdal.
I am delighted! But when was it arranged?
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
[Quickly.] I’ll tell you afterwards——
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Why, it was arranged on the Seventeenth of May.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
What?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The day little Miss Ragna was here,
Thora.
Thora.
Thora.
Father, father; did you know——?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Yes, my dear; I have known all along.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Oh, Chamberlain——!
Thora.
Thora.
Thora.
Who can have——?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
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.
Thora.
Thora.
Oh! so you were behind the curtains?
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Now I understand!
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Yes, you are the one to keep your own counsel——
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
Would it have been of any use for me to speak earlier?
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
You are right, Fieldbo. These days have taught me a lesson.
Thora.
Thora.
Thora.
[Aside toFieldbo.] Yes, you can keep your own counsel. All this about Mr. Stensgård—why did you tell me nothing?
Fieldbo.
Fieldbo.
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 byMadam Rundholmen.
Heire.
Heire.
Heire.
[To theChamberlain.] I’m sorry to tell you, Chamberlain, that the settlement of our little legal differences will have to be adjourned indefinitely.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
Indeed! Why so?
Heire.
Heire.
Heire.
You must know I’ve accepted a post as society reporter on Aslaksen’s paper.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
I am glad to hear it.
Heire.
Heire.
Heire.
And of course you’ll understand—with so much business on hand——