THE LEAGUE OF YOUTH. (continued 2)
Reading edition
The Chamberlain.
Out with you! You are an adventurer,adventurer, an a—a—confound my memory! You’re a——
Stensgård.
What am I?
The Chamberlain.
You are—that other thing—it’s on the tip of my tongue——
Stensgård.
Beware how you block my career!
The Chamberlain.
Beware? Of what?
110Stensgård.
I will attack you in the papers, persecute you, libel you, do all I can to undermine your reputation. You shall shriek under the lash. You shall seem to see spirits in the air raining blows upon you. You shall huddle together in dread, and crouch with your arms bent over your head to ward off the strokes—you shall try to creep into shelter——
The Chamberlain.
Creep into shelter yourself—in a madhouse; that is the proper place for you!
Stensgård.
Ha-ha; that is a cheap retort; but you know no better, Mr. Bratsberg! I tell you the wrath of the Lord is in me. It is His will you are opposing. He has destined me for the light—beware how you cast a shadow!—Well, I see I shall make no way with you to-day; but that matters nothing. I only ask you to speak to your daughter—to prepare her—to give her the opportunity of choosing! Reflect, and look around you. Where can you expect to find a son-in-law among these plodding dunces? Fieldbo says she is deep and steadfast and true. So now you know just how matters stand. Good-bye, Chamberlain—I leave you to choose between my friendship and my enmity. Good-bye!
[Goes out by the back.
The Chamberlain.
So it has come to this! This is how they dare to treat me in my own house!
Fieldbo.
Stensgård dares; no one else would.
111The Chamberlain.
He to-day; others to-morrow.
Fieldbo.
Let them come; I shall keep them off; I would go through fire and water for you——!
The Chamberlain.
Yes, you who have caused all the mischief!—H’m; that Stensgård is the most impudent scoundrel I have ever known! And yet, after all—deuce take me if there isn’t something I like about him.
Fieldbo.
He has possibilities——
The Chamberlain.
He has openness, Dr Fieldbo! He doesn’t go playing his own game behind one’s back, like so many other people; he—he——!
Fieldbo.
It’s not worth disputing about. Only be firm, Chamberlain; no, and no again, to Stensgård——!
The Chamberlain.
Oh, keep your advice to yourself! You may rely upon it that neither he nor any one else——
Ringdal.
[Enters by the door on the right.] Excuse me, Chamberlain; one word——
[Whispers.
The Chamberlain.
What? In your room?
112Ringdal.
He came in by the back way, and begs you to see him.
The Chamberlain.
H’m.—Oh, Doctor, just go into the drawing-room for a moment; there’s some one here who——But don’t say a word to Selma of Mr. Stensgård and his visit. She must be kept outside all this business. As for my daughter, I should prefer that you should say nothing to her either; but——Oh, what’s the use——? Please go now.
[Fieldbo goes into the drawing-room. Ringdal has, in the meantime, gone back to his office, whence Monsen presently enters.
Monsen.
[At the door.] I beg ten thousand pardons, sir——
The Chamberlain.
Oh, come in, come in!
Monsen.
I trust your family is in good health?
The Chamberlain.
Thank you. Is there anything you want?
Monsen.
I can’t quite put it that way. Thank heaven, I’m one of those that have got pretty nearly all they can want.
The Chamberlain.
Oh, indeed? That is a good deal to say.
113Monsen.
But I’ve had to work for it, Chamberlain. Oh, I know you regard my work with no very friendly eye.
The Chamberlain.
I cannot suppose that your work is in any way affected by my way of regarding it.
Monsen.
Who knows? At any rate, I’m thinking of gradually withdrawing from business.
The Chamberlain.
Really?
Monsen.
The luck has been on my side, I may tell you. I’ve gone ahead as far as I care to; so now I think it’s about time to slack off a little——
The Chamberlain.
Well, I congratulate both you—and other people.
Monsen.
And if I could at the same time do you a service, Chamberlain——
The Chamberlain.
Me?
Monsen.
When the Langerud woods were put up to auction five years ago, you made a bid for them——
The Chamberlain.
Yes, but you outbade me, and they were knocked down to you.
114Monsen.
You can have them now, with the saw-mills and all appurtenances——
The Chamberlain.
After all your sinful cutting and hacking——!
Monsen.
Oh, they’re worth a good deal still; and with your method of working, in a few years——
The Chamberlain.
Thank you; unfortunately I must decline the proposal.
Monsen.
There’s a great deal of money in it, Chamberlain. As for me,—I may tell you I have a great speculation on hand; the stakes are large; I mean there’s a big haul to be made—a hundred thousand or so——
The Chamberlain.
A hundred thousand? That is certainly no trifle.
Monsen.
Ha ha ha! A nice round sum to add to the pile. But when you’re going into a great battle you need reserve forces, as the saying goes. There’s not much ready money about; the names that are worth anything are rather used up——
The Chamberlain.
Yes, certain people have taken care of that.
115Monsen.
It’s a case of you scratch me, I scratch you. Well, Chamberlain, is it to be a bargain? You shall have the woods at your own figure——
The Chamberlain.
I will not have them at any figure, Mr. Monsen.
Monsen.
Well, one good offer deserves another. Will you help me, sir?
The Chamberlain.
What do you mean?
Monsen.
Of course I’ll give good security. I have plenty of property. Look here—these papers—just let me explain my position to you.
The Chamberlain.
[Waving the papers aside.] Is it pecuniary aid you want?
Monsen.
Not ready money; oh, no! But your support, Chamberlain. Of course I’ll pay for it—and give security, and——
The Chamberlain.
And you come to me with such a proposal as this?
Monsen.
Yes, precisely to you. I know you’ve often let bygones be bygones when a man was in real straits.
116The Chamberlain.
Well, in a way, I must thank you for your good opinion—especially at a time like this; but nevertheless——
Monsen.
Won’t you tell me, Chamberlain, what sets you against me?
The Chamberlain.
Oh, what would be the use?
Monsen.
It might lead to a better understanding between us. I’ve never stood in your way that I know of.
The Chamberlain.
You think not? Then let me tell you of one case in which you have stood in my way. I founded the Iron-works Savings Bank for the benefit of my employees and others. But then you must needs set up as a banker; people take their savings to you——
Monsen.
Naturally, sir, for I give higher interest.
The Chamberlain.
Yes, but you charge higher interest on loans.loans.
Monsen.
But I don’t make so many difficulties about security and so forth.
The Chamberlain.
That is just the mischief of it; for now we have people making bargains to the tune of ten or 117twenty thousand dollars,[18] though neither of the parties has so much as a brass farthing. That is what sets me against you, Mr. Monsen. And there is another thing too that touches me still more nearly. Do you think it was with my good will that my son flung himself into all these wild speculations?
Monsen.
But how can I help that?
The Chamberlain.
It was your example that infected him, as it did the others. Why could you not stick to your last?
Monsen.
Remain a lumberman, like my father?
The Chamberlain.
Was it a disgrace to be in my employment? Your father made his bread honourably, and was respected in his own class.
Monsen.
Yes, until he’d almost worked his life out, and at last went over the waterfall with his raft. Do you know anything of life in that class, Chamberlain? Have you ever realised what the men have to endure who toil for you deep in the forests, and along the river-reaches, while you sit comfortably at home and fatten on the profits? Can you blame such a man for struggling to rise in the world? I had had a little more schooling than my father; perhaps I had rather more brains too——
118The Chamberlain.
Very likely. But by what means have you risen in the world? You began by selling brandy. Then you bought up doubtful debts, and enforced them mercilessly;—and so you got on and on. How many people have you not ruined to push yourself forward!
Monsen.
That’s the course of business; one up, another down.
The Chamberlain.
But there are different methods of business. I know of respectable families whom you have brought to the workhouse.
Monsen.
Daniel Heire is not very far from the workhouse.
The Chamberlain.
I understand you; but I can justify my conduct before God and man! When the country was in distress, after the separation from Denmark, my father made sacrifices beyond his means. Thus part of our property came into the hands of the Heire family. What was the result? The people who lived upon the property suffered under Daniel Heire’s incompetent management. He cut down timber to the injury, I may even say to the ruin, of the district. Was it not my obvious duty to put a stop to it if I was able? And it happened that I was able; I had the law on my side; I was well within my rights when I re-entered upon my family property.
119Monsen.
I, too, have always had the law on my side.
The Chamberlain.
But what about your sense of right, your conscience, if you have such a thing? And how you have broken down all social order! How you have impaired the respect that should attach to wealth! People never think of asking nowadays how such and such a fortune was made, or how long it has been in such and such a family; they only ask: how much is so-and-so worth?—and they esteem him accordingly. Now I suffer by all this; I find myself regarded as a sort of associate of yours; people speak of us in one breath, because we are the two largest proprietors in the neighbourhood. This state of things I cannot endure! I tell you once for all: that is why I am set against you.
Monsen.
This state of things shall come to an end, sir; I will give up business, and make way for you at every point; but I beg you, I implore you, to help me!
The Chamberlain.
I will not.
Monsen.
I’m willing to pay what you like——
The Chamberlain.
To pay! And you dare to——!
Monsen.
If not for my sake, then for your son’s!
120The Chamberlain.
My son’s!
Monsen.
Yes, he’s in it. I reckon he stands to win some twenty thousand dollars.
The Chamberlain.
Stands to win?
Monsen.
Yes.
The Chamberlain.
Then, good God, who stands to lose all this money?
Monsen.
How do you mean?
The Chamberlain.
If my son wins, some one or other must lose!
Monsen.
It’s a good stroke of business; I’m not in a position to say more. But I need a solid name; only just your endorsement——
The Chamberlain.
Endorsement! On a bill——?
Monsen.
Only for ten or fifteen thousand dollars.
The Chamberlain.
Do you suppose for a moment that——? My name! In such an affair! My name? As surety, no doubt?
Monsen.
A mere matter of form——
121The Chamberlain.
A matter of swindling! My name! Not upon any consideration. I have never put my name on other men’s paper.
Monsen.
Never? That’s an exaggeration, Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
It is the literal truth.
Monsen.
No, not literal; I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
The Chamberlain.
What have you seen?
Monsen.
Your name—on one bill at least.
The Chamberlain.
It is false, I tell you! You have never seen it!
Monsen.
I have! On a bill for two thousand dollars. Think again!
The Chamberlain.
Neither for two thousand nor for ten thousand! On my sacred word of honour, never!
Monsen.
Then it’s a forgery.
The Chamberlain.
Forgery?
Monsen.
Yes, a forgery—for I have seen it.
122The Chamberlain.
Forgery? Forgery! Where did you see it? In whose hands?
Monsen.
That I won’t tell you.
The Chamberlain.
Ha-ha! We shall soon find that out.out.
Monsen.
Listen to me——!
The Chamberlain.
Silence! It has come to this then! Forgery. They must mix me up in their abominations! No wonder, then, that people bracket me with the rest of you. But it is my turn now!
Monsen.
Chamberlain—for your own sake and for the sake of others——
The Chamberlain.
Off with you! Out of my sight! It is you that are at the root of it all!—Yes you are! Woe unto him from whom offences come. Your home-life is scandalous. What sort of society do you get about you? Persons from Christiania and elsewhere, who think only of eating and drinking, and do not care in what company they gorge themselves. Silence! I have seen with my own eyes your distinguished guests tearing along the roads at Christmas-time like a pack of howling wolves. And there is worse behind. You have had scandals with your own maid-servants. You drove your 123wife out of her mind by your ill-treatment and debauchery.
Monsen.
Come, this is going too far! You shall pay for these words!
The Chamberlain.
Oh, to the deuce with your threats! What harm can you do to me? Me? You asked what I had to say against you. Well, I have said it. Now you know why I have kept you out of decent society.
Monsen.
Yes, and now I’ll drag your decent society down——
The Chamberlain.
That way!
Monsen.
I know my way, Chamberlain!
[Goes out by the back.
The Chamberlain.
[Opens the door on the right and calls.] Ringdal, Ringdal—come here!
Ringdal.
What is it, sir?
The Chamberlain.
[Calls into the drawing-room.] Doctor, please come this way!—Now, Ringdal, now you shall see my prophecies fulfilled.
Fieldbo.
[Entering.] What can I do for you, Chamberlain?
124Ringdal.
What prophecies, sir?
The Chamberlain.
What do you say to this, Doctor? You have always accused me of exaggerating when I said that Monsen was corrupting the neighbourhood.
Fieldbo.
Well, what then?
The Chamberlain.
We are getting on, I can tell you! What do you think? There are forgeries going about.
Ringdal.
Forgeries?
The Chamberlain.
Yes, forgeries! And whose name do you think they have forged? Why, mine!
Fieldbo.
Who in the world can have done it?
The Chamberlain.
How can I tell? I don’t know all the scoundrels in the district. But we shall soon find out.—Doctor, do me a service. The papers must have come into the hands either of the Savings Bank or the Iron-works Bank. Drive up to Lundestad; he is the director who knows most about things. Find out whether there is any such paper——
Fieldbo.
Certainly; at once.
125Ringdal.
Lundestad is here at the works to-day; there’s a meeting of the school committee.
The Chamberlain.
So much the better. Find him; bring him here.
Fieldbo.
I’ll go at once.
[Goes out at the back.
The Chamberlain.
And you, Ringdal, make inquiries at the Ironworks. As soon as we have got to the bottom of the matter, we’ll lay an information. No mercy to the scoundrels!
Ringdal.
Very good, sir. Bless me, who’d have thought of such a thing?
[Goes out to the right.
[The Chamberlain paces the room once or twice, and is then about to go into his study. At that instant Erik Bratsberg enters from the back.
Erik.
My dear father——!
The Chamberlain.
Oh, are you there?
Erik.
I want so much to speak to you.
The Chamberlain.
H’m; I’m not much in the humour for speaking to any one. What do you want?
126Erik.
You know I have never mixed you up in my affairs, father.
The Chamberlain.
No; that is an honour I should certainly have declined.
Erik.
But now I am forced to——
The Chamberlain.
What are you forced to do?
Erik.
Father, you must help me!
The Chamberlain.
With money! You may be very sure that——
Erik.
Only this once! I swear I’ll never again——The fact is, I am under certain engagements to Monsen of Stonelee——
The Chamberlain.
I know that. You have a brilliant speculation on hand.
Erik.
A speculation? We? No! Who told you so?
The Chamberlain.
Monsen himself.
Erik.
Has Monsen been here?
127The Chamberlain.
He has just gone. I showed him the door.
Erik.
If you don’t help me, father, I am ruined.
The Chamberlain.
You?
Erik.
Yes. Monsen has advanced me money. I had to pay terribly dear for it; and now the bills have fallen due——
The Chamberlain.
There we have it! What did I tell you——?
Erik.
Yes, yes; it’s too late now——
The Chamberlain.
Ruined! In two years! But how could you expect anything else? What had you to do among these charlatans that go about dazzling people’s eyes with wealth that never existed! They were no company for you. Among people of that sort you must meet cunning with cunning, or you’ll go to the wall; you have learnt that now.
Erik.
Father, will you save me or will you not?
The Chamberlain.
No; for the last time, no. I will not.
Erik.
My honour is at stake——
128The Chamberlain.
Oh, let us have no big phrases! There’s no honour involved in commercial success nowadays; quite the opposite, I had almost said. Go home and make up your accounts; pay every man his due, and have done with it, the sooner the better.
Erik.
Oh, you don’t know——
Selma and Thora enter from the drawing-room.
Selma.
Is that Erik’s voice?—Good heavens, what is the matter?
The Chamberlain.
Nothing. Go into the drawing-room again.
Selma.
No, I won’t go. I will know. Erik, what is it? Tell me!
Erik.
It’s only that I am ruined!
Thora.
Ruined!
The Chamberlain.
There, you see!
Selma.
What is ruined?
Erik.
Everything.
Selma.
Do you mean you have lost your money?
129Erik.
Money, house, inheritance—everything!
Selma.
Is that what you call everything?
Erik.
Come, let us go, Selma. You are all I have left me. We must bear the blow together.
Selma.
The blow? Bear it together? [With a cry.] Do you think I am fit for that, now?
The Chamberlain.
For heaven’s sake——!
Erik.
What do you mean?
Thora.
Oh, Selma, take care!
Selma.
No, I won’t take care! I cannot go on lying and shamming any longer! I must speak the truth. I will not “bear” anything!
Erik.
Selma!
The Chamberlain.
Child, what are you saying?
Selma.
Oh, how cruel you have been to me! Shamefully—all of you! It was my part always to accept—never 130to give. I have been like a pauper among you. You never came and demanded a sacrifice of me; I was not fit to bear anything. I hate you! I loathe you!
Erik.
What can this mean?
The Chamberlain.
She is ill; she is out of her mind!
Selma.
How I have thirsted for a single drop of your troubles, your anxieties! But when I begged for it you only laughed me off. You have dressed me up like a doll; you have played with me as you would play with a child. Oh, what a joy it would have been to me to take my share in your burdens! How I longed, how I yearned, for a large, and high, and strenuous part in life! Now you come to me, Erik, now that you have nothing else left. But I will not be treated simply as a last resource. I will have nothing to do with your troubles now. I won’t stay with you! I will rather play and sing in the streets——! Let me be! Let me be!
[She rushes out by the back.
The Chamberlain.
Thora, was there any meaning in all that, or——
Thora.
Oh, yes, there was meaning in it; if only I had seen it sooner.
[Goes out by the back.
131Erik.
No! All else I can lose, but not her! Selma, Selma!
[Follows Thora and Selma.
Ringdal.
[Enters from the right.] Chamberlain!
The Chamberlain.
Well, what is it?
Ringdal.
I have been to the Bank——
The Chamberlain.
The Bank? Oh, yes, about the bill——
Ringdal.
It’s all right; they have never had any bill endorsed by you——
Fieldbo and Lundestad enter by the back.
Fieldbo.
False alarm, Chamberlain!
The Chamberlain.
Indeed? Not at the Savings Bank either?
Lundestad.
Certainly not. During all the years I’ve been a director I have never once seen your name; except, of course, on your son’s bill.
The Chamberlain.
My son’s bill?
132Lundestad.
Yes, the bill you accepted for him early this spring.
The Chamberlain.
My son? My son? Do you dare to tell me——?
Lundestad.
Why, bless me, just think a moment; the bill for two thousand dollars drawn by your son——
The Chamberlain.
[Groping for a chair.] Oh, my God——!
Fieldbo.
For heaven’s sake——!
Ringdal.
It’s not possible that——!
The Chamberlain.
[Who has sunk down on a chair.] Quietly, quietly! Drawn by my son, you say? Accepted by me? For two thousand dollars?
Fieldbo.
[To Lundestad.] And this bill is in the Savings Bank?
Lundestad.
Not now; it was redeemed last week by Monsen——
The Chamberlain.
By Monsen——?
Ringdal.
Monsen may still be at the works; I’ll go——
133The Chamberlain.
Stop here!
Daniel Heire enters by the back.
Heire.
Good-morning, gentlemen! Good-morning, Chamberlain! Thank you so much for the delightful evening we spent yesterday. What do you think I’ve just heard——?
Ringdal.
Excuse me; we are busy——
Heire.
So are other people, I can tell you; our friend from Stonelee, for example——
The Chamberlain.
Monsen?
Heire.
Hee-hee; it’s a pretty story! The electioneering intrigues are in full swing. And what do you think is the last idea? They are going to bribe you, Chamberlain!
Lundestad.
To bribe——?
The Chamberlain.
They judge the tree by its fruit.
Heire.
Deuce take me if it isn’t the most impudent thing I ever heard of! I just looked in at Madam Rundholmen’s to have a glass of bitters. There 134sat Messrs. Monsen and Stensgård drinking port—filthy stuff! I wouldn’t touch it; but they might have had the decency to offer me a glass, all the same. However, Monsen turned to me and said, “What do you bet that Chamberlain Bratsberg won’t go with our party at the preliminary election to-morrow?” “Indeed,” said I, “how’s that to be managed?” “Oh,” he said, “this bill will persuade him——”
Fieldbo.
Bill——?
Lundestad.
At the election——?
The Chamberlain.
Well? What then?
Heire.
Oh, I know no more. They said something about two thousand dollars. That’s the figure they rate a gentleman’s conscience at! Oh, it’s abominable, I say!
The Chamberlain.
A bill for two thousand dollars?
Ringdal.
And Monsen has it?
Heire.
No, he handed it over to Stensgård.
Lundestad.
Indeed!
Fieldbo.
To Stensgård?
135The Chamberlain.
Are you sure of that?
Heire.
Quite certain. “You can make what use you please of it,” he said. But I don’t understand——
Lundestad.
I want to speak to you, Mr. Heire—and you too, Ringdal.
[The three converse in a whisper at the back.
Fieldbo.
Chamberlain!
The Chamberlain.
Well?
Fieldbo.
Your son’s bill is genuine, of course——?
The Chamberlain.
One would suppose so.so.
Fieldbo.
Of course. But now if the forged bill were to turn up——?
The Chamberlain.
I will lay no information.
Fieldbo.
Naturally not;—but you must do more.
The Chamberlain.
[Rising.] I can do no more.
Fieldbo.
Yes, for heaven’s sake, you can and must. You must save the poor fellow——
136The Chamberlain.
In what way?
Fieldbo.
Quite simply: by acknowledging the signature.
The Chamberlain.
Then you think, Doctor, that we stick at nothing in our family?
Fieldbo.
I am trying to think for the best, Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain.
And do you believe for a moment that I can tell a lie?—that I can play into the hands of forgers?
Fieldbo.
And do you realise what will be the consequences if you do not?
The Chamberlain.
The offender must settle that with the law.
[He goes out to the left.
137
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.
Stensgård.
[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?
Stensgård.
It is I—Stensgård. May I come in?
Madam Rundholmen.
No, indeed you mustn’t! No! I’m not dress’d.
Stensgård.
What? Are you so late to-day?
138Madam 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. Stensgård.—Oh, there’s some one else!
[Disappears, slamming the door to.
Aslaksen.
[Enters from the back with a bundle of papers.] Good morning, Mr. Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Well, is it in?
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.
Stensgård.
It seems to me it’s all leaded.
Aslaksen.
Pretty nearly.
Stensgård.
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.
139Stensgård.
[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. Stensgård, 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.
Stensgård.
Oh, deuce take the others—between ourselves, of course. Well, you go down and talk to the waverers.
Aslaksen.
All right.
Stensgård.
You can tell them that I am pretty much at one with Lundestad——
Aslaksen.
Trust to me; I know the local situation.
Stensgård.
One thing more; just to oblige me, Aslaksen, don’t drink to-day.
Aslaksen.
Oh, what do you mean——!
140Stensgård.
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. Stensgård, I’m at your service. Is it anything of importance——?
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
Monsen did?
Madam Rundholmen.
Yes. He’s a tremendous man to get through money is Monsen. I hope things may turn out 141all right for him. And I say the same to you; for I hear you’re going into Parliament.
Stensgård.
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.
142Madam 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. Stensgård; he’s a bachelor.
Madam Rundholmen.
Oh, how you do talk! I won’t listen to a word more.
[Goes out to the right.
143Heire.
A substantial woman, sir! Comfortable and well-preserved; no children up to date; money well invested. Education too; she’s widely read, sir.
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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?
144Heire.
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.
Stensgård.
Tell me quickly—have you seen the Chamberlain to-day?
Fieldbo.
Yes.
Stensgård.
And what did he say?
Fieldbo.
What did he say?
Stensgård.
Yes; you know I have written to him.
Fieldbo.
Have you? What did you write?
Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
That’s all right; the more the better. I hold big cards in my hand, let me tell you.
145Fieldbo.
And perhaps you have bluffed a little with your big cards?
Stensgård.
How do you mean?
Fieldbo.
I mean you have perhaps embellished your declaration of love with a few little threats or so?
Stensgård.
Fieldbo, you have seen the letter!
Fieldbo.
No, I assure you——
Stensgård.
Well then, frankly—I have threatened him.
Fieldbo.
Ah! Then I have, in a way, an answer to your letter.
Stensgård.
An answer? Out with it, man!
Fieldbo.
[Shows him a sealed paper.] Look here—the Chamberlain’s proxy.
Stensgård.
And who does he vote for?
Fieldbo.
Not for you, at any rate.
Stensgård.
For whom then? For whom?
146Fieldbo.
For the Sheriff and the Provost.[19]
Stensgård.
What! Not even for Lundestad?
Fieldbo.
No. And do you know why? Because Lundestad is going to propose you as his successor.
Stensgård.
He dares to do this!
Fieldbo.
Yes, he does. And he added: “If you see Stensgård, you can tell him how I am voting; it will show him on what footing we stand.”
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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.
147Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
Yes, these people always demand material guarantees, community of interests——
148Fieldbo.
Just so; and therefore Miss Bratsberg is to be sacrificed?
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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 hob-nob 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 149elbow-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.
Stensgård.
I have news for you, Mr. Lundestad! Do you know who the Chamberlain is voting for?
Fieldbo.
Silence! It’s dishonourable of you.
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
I shall play them neatly enough—in future.
Fieldbo.
Take care—two can play at that game.
[Goes out to the right.
Stensgård.
That fellow has something up his sleeve. Have you any idea what it can be?
150Lundestad.
No, I haven’t. But, by-the-bye, I see you are flourishing in the paper to-day.
Stensgård.
I?
Lundestad.
Yes, with a nice little epitaph on me.
Stensgård.
Oh, that’s that beast Aslaksen, of course——
Lundestad.
Your attack on the Chamberlain is in too.
Stensgård.
I don’t know anything about that. If it’s to be war between the Chamberlain and me, I have sharper weapons.
Lundestad.
Indeed!
Stensgård.
Have you ever seen this bill? Look at it. Is it good?
Lundestad.
Good, you say? This bill here?
Stensgård.
Yes,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 151know 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.
Stensgård.
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!
Stensgård.
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.
152Heire.
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.
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
The Chamberlain’s too.
Lundestad.
And you asked me if it was good?
Stensgård.
Yes; just look at it.
Lundestad.
It’s perhaps not so good as it might be.
Stensgård.
You see it then?
Lundestad.
What?
Stensgård.
That it is a forgery.
153Lundestad.
A forgery? Forged bills are often the safest; people redeem them first.
Stensgård.
But what do you think? Isn’t it a forgery?
Lundestad.
I don’t much like the look of it.
Stensgård.
How so?
Lundestad.
I’m afraid there are too many of these about, Mr. Stensgård.
Stensgård.
What! It’s not possible that——?
Lundestad.
If young Mr. Bratsberg slips off the string, those nearest him are only too likely to follow.
Stensgård.
[Seizes his arm.] What do you mean by those nearest him?
Lundestad.
Who can be nearer than father and son?
Stensgård.
Why, good God——!
Lundestad.
Remember, I say nothing! It was Daniel Heire that was talking of failure and bankruptcy and——
154Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
Oh, now I understand Fieldbo’s advice! He’s a true friend, after all.
Lundestad.
What did Doctor Fieldbo say?
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
Not thoroughly. I forgot the proverb about the rats and the sinking ship.
155Lundestad.
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?
Stensgård.
How do you mean?
Lundestad.
Yes, yes—I see it all. Old fool that I am! My dear Mr. Stensgård, if you really love the girl, what does it matter whether she is rich or poor?
Stensgård.
Matter? No, of course——
Lundestad.
Good Lord, we all know happiness isn’t a matter of money.
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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!
156Stensgård.
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——?
Stensgård.
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. Stensgård.
[Goes out to the right.
[Stensgård 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.[20]
Stensgård.
Where have you come from?
Bastian.
From the Nation.
157Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
What monkey-tricks are these, I should like to know?
Bastian.
Monkey-tricks?
Stensgård.
I have noticed lately that you go about mimicking me; you imitate even my clothes and my handwriting. Be kind enough to stop that.
Bastian.
What do you mean? Don’t we belong to the same party?
Stensgård.
Yes, but I won’t put up with this—you make yourself ridiculous——
Bastian.
By being like you?
Stensgård.
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.
158Stensgård.
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, Stensgård, you must do me a service.
Stensgård.
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, Stensgård:—I want to get married.
Stensgård.
To get married? To whom?
Bastian.
Sh! Some one in this house.
Stensgård.
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!
Stensgård.
Oh, love, love! Have done with that sickening hypocrisy.
159Bastian.
Hypocrisy!
Stensgård.
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——!
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
Am I indeed?
Fieldbo.
But what good will they do you? Since you’re not a man of property——
Stensgård.
[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?
160Stensgård.
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——?
Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
Yes, with great pleasure—but on one condition.
Bastian.
What’s that?
Stensgård.
Tit for tat, my dear Bastian—you must put in a word for me too.
161Bastian.
I? With whom?
Stensgård.
Have you really not noticed anything? Yet it’s before your very nose.
Bastian.
You surely don’t mean——?
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
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.
162Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
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. Stensgård; every one is voting for you.
Stensgård.
That’s very odd.
Madam Rundholmen.
Goodness knows what Monsen of Stonelee will say.
Stensgård.
I want a word with you, Madam Rundholmen.
Madam Rundholmen.
Well, what is it?
Stensgård.
Will you listen to me?
Madam Rundholmen.
Lord yes, that I will.
163Stensgård.
Well then: you were talking just now about being alone in the world——
Madam Rundholmen.
Oh, it was that horrid old Heire——
Stensgård.
You were saying how hard it is for an unprotected widow——
Madam Rundholmen.
Yes, indeed; you should just try it, Mr. Stensgård!
Stensgård.
But now if there came a fine young man——
Madam Rundholmen.
A fine young man?
Stensgård.
One who had long loved you in secret——
Madam Rundholmen.
Oh, come now, Mr. Stensgård, I won’t hear any more of your nonsense.
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
If you could make two people happy, Madam Rundholmen—yourself and——
164Madam Rundholmen.
And a fine young man?
Stensgård.
Just so; now, answer me——
Madam Rundholmen.
Mr. Stensgård, you can’t be in earnest?
Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
[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——
165Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
Tell me, Miss Monsen—is it really your father you are looking for?
Ragna.
Yes, of course it is.
Stensgård.
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!
Stensgård.
[Intercepts her.] Ragna! Tell me! Why are you so changed towards me?
Ragna.
I? Let me pass! Let me go!
166Stensgård.
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!
Stensgård.
But why?
Ragna.
I have learnt to know you better; it is well that I learned in time.
Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
Only not to-day! Hurrah! I have won; now I am happy!
167Madam Rundholmen.
[Enters from the left with cake and wine.] Come now, we must drink a glass for luck.
Stensgård.
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. Good-bye!
Stensgård.
Good-bye—till to-morrow!
[Ragna and Helle go out by the back.
168Daniel Heire enters from the right.
Heire.
Ha-ha! It’s going like a house on fire! They’re all cackling Stensgård, Stensgård, Stensgård! 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. Stensgård 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. Stensgård! I’ll tell you what—if you can only get hold of her, you’re a made man, sir!
Stensgård.
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.
169Stensgård.
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——?
Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
[Produces the bill.] Well, look at this.
170Heire.
Give it here—I’m rather short-sighted, you know. [After examining it.] That, my dear sir? That’s not the Chamberlain’s hand.
Stensgård.
Not? Then it is——?
Heire.
And it’s drawn by Monsen?
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
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. Stensgård!—It’s a satisfaction to one’s moral sense. Ah, I have often glowed with a noble indignation, if I may say so, at 171having 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——
Stensgård.
Yes, so Lundestad said.
Heire.
But of course there’s method even in bankruptcy. You’ll see; I am an old hand at prophecy.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. Stensgård; 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!
Stensgård.
[Pacing the room.] One after the other! Both ways barred!
Heire.
What the deuce——?
Stensgård.
And now too! Just at this moment!
Aslaksen.
[Enters from the right.] I congratulate you, chosen of the people!
Stensgård.
Elected!
172Aslaksen.
Elected by 117 votes, and Lundestad by 53. The rest all nowhere.
Heire.
Your first step on the path of glory, Mr. Stensgård.
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 Stensgård.] Are you firm in your resolve?
Stensgård.
What’s the use of being firm when everything is tumbling about your ears?
Lundestad.
Do you think the game is lost?
173Aslaksen.
[Returning by the left.] Madam Rundholmen stands treat herself. She says she has the best right to.
Stensgård.
[Struck by an idea.] Madam Rundholmen—has the best right to——!
Lundestad.
What?
Stensgård.
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; I’ll 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.
174Aslaksen.
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.
Stensgård.
A word, Aslaksen; shall you be passing here to-morrow evening?
Aslaksen.
To-morrow evening? I can, if you like.
175Stensgård.
Then you might look in and give Madam Rundholmen this letter.
Aslaksen.
From you?
Stensgård.
Yes. Put it in your pocket. There now. To-morrow evening, then?
Aslaksen.
All right; trust to me.
[The servant brings the lemon; Stensgård goes towards the window.
Bastian.
Well—have you spoken to Madam Rundholmen?
Stensgård.
Spoken? Oh yes, I said a word or two——
Bastian.
And what do you think?
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
Within an hour?
176Bastian.
[Sees Madam Rundholmen, who enters from the left.] Sh! Not a word to any one!
[Goes towards the back.
Stensgård.
[Whispers to Aslaksen.] Give me back the letter.
Aslaksen.
Do you want it back?
Stensgård.
Yes, at once; I shall deliver it myself.
Aslaksen.
Very well; here it is.
[Stensgård 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. Stensgård 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 Stensgård’s elected, it will still be all in the family, I daresay.
Madam Rundholmen.
How so?
177Bastian.
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. Stensgård’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.
178Bastian.
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 Stensgård.] You must be on your guard, Mr. Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Against whom?
Madam Rundholmen.
Against malicious people who are slandering you.
Stensgård.
Why, let them—so long as one person doesn’t believe their slanders.
Madam Rundholmen.
And who may that one person be?
Stensgård.
[Slips the letter into her hand.] Take this; read it when you are alone.
179Madam 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. Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Yes, I have, Mr. Ringdal, in spite of your noble chief’s endeavours.
Ringdal.
His endeavours? What to do?
Stensgård.
To keep me out.
Ringdal.
Like other people, he has a right to vote as he pleases.
Stensgård.
It’s a pity he is not likely to retain that right for long.
Ringdal.
What do you mean?
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
Oh, you needn’t pretend ignorance. Isn’t there a storm brewing?—a great crash impending?
180Ringdal.
Yes, so I hear on all sides.
Stensgård.
And aren’t both the Bratsbergs involved in it?
Ringdal.
My dear sir, are you crazy?
Stensgård.
Oh, you naturally want to keep it dark.
Ringdal.
What good would that be? That sort of thing can’t be kept dark.
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
I won’t tell you just yet.
Ringdal.
Well, you needn’t; but whoever it was must have had a motive.
Stensgård.
A motive—-!
Ringdal.
Yes, just think: is there no one who has an interest in keeping you and the Chamberlain apart?
181Stensgård.
Yes, on my soul, but there is though!
Ringdal.
The Chamberlain in reality thinks very highly of you——
Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
Oh, the vipers! And Madam Rundholmen has my letter!
Ringdal.
What letter?
Stensgård.
Oh, nothing. But it’s not too late! My dear Mr. Ringdal, shall you see the Chamberlain this evening?
Ringdal.
In all probability.
Stensgård.
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?
182Stensgård.
Yes, to prove to him——Ah! a proof! Look here, Mr. Ringdal; will you give the Chamberlain this bill from me?
Ringdal.
This bill——?
Stensgård.
Yes; it’s a matter I can’t explain to you; but just you give it to him——
Ringdal.
Upon my word, Mr. Stensgård——
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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——?
Stensgård.
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.Chamberlain.
183Lundestad.
Sh! We were on a false scent; it’s nearer at hand.
Stensgård.
How nearer at hand?
Lundestad.
I know nothing for certain; but they talk of Madam Rundholmen——
Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
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.Aslaksen.
Has any one hanged himself?
184Lundestad.
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——
Stensgård.
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, Stensgård! I hear you’re elected.
Stensgård.
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——
185Bastian.
Oh, damn it all!
[Goes out by the back.
Stensgård.
Is she reading it?
Servant.
Yes; and it seems quite to have upset her.
Stensgård.
Good-bye, Mr. Monsen; dinner at Stonelee to-morrow——?
Monsen.
Yes, to-morrow. Good-bye!
Stensgård.
[Whispers.] Mr. Heire, will you do me a service?
Heire.
Certainly, certainly.
Stensgård.
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?
Stensgård.
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!
186Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
Thanks, thanks in advance. [Goes towards the table.] Mr. Lundestad, we shall meet to-morrow forenoon at the Chamberlain’s.
Lundestad.
Have you hopes?
Stensgård.
A threefold hope.
Lundestad.
Threefold? I don’t understand——
Stensgård.
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.
187Monsen.
Ah, at last!
Aslaksen.
But not till to-morrow evening, he said; to-morrow evening, neither sooner nor later. Here’s to you!
Heire.
[To Lundestad.] What the deuce is all this business between Stensgård 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. Stensgård?
Heire.
He kissed your chambermaid and went, Madam Rundholmen!
188
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?Stonelee?
Fieldbo.
No.
189Ringdal.
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!
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?
190Ringdal.
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.title.
Fieldbo.
What do you mean?
191The 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?
192Ringdal.
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. 193Whatever 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 shortsighted 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?
194Fieldbo.
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 Stensgård——
The Chamberlain.
Ah, Stensgård now! What do you make of Stensgård?
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 pawn-broking; 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;[21] she had not an ounce of heart in her. And in that home Stensgård 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 Stensgård; nothing of my son; but we may look to you, I suppose—to you——?
195Fieldbo.
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 Stensgård 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?
196Fieldbo.
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!
197The 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 Stensgård; 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.
198The 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. Stensgård 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.
199The 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 Stensgård’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.
200Lundestad.
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 Stensgård, 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. Stensgård has rare abilities.
Stensgård.
[At the back, standing in the doorway.] May I come in?
The Chamberlain.
[Going to meet him.] I am delighted to see you.
Stensgård.
And you will accept my congratulations?
The Chamberlain.
With all my heart.
201Stensgård.
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. Stensgård.
Stensgård.
How good of you to say so!
The Chamberlain.
And henceforth—since you wish it—you must consider yourself at home here.
Stensgård.
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. Stensgård, let me thank you.
Stensgård.
You, Miss Bratsberg!
Thora.
My father has told me how nobly you have acted.
Stensgård.
But——?
202Thora.
Oh, how we have misjudged you!
Stensgård.
Have you——?
Thora.
It was your own fault—— No, no; it was ours. Oh, what would I not do to atone for our error.
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
Oh, my dear Lundestad! I feel like a conquering god.
Lundestad.
So you must have felt yesterday, I suppose.
Stensgård.
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!
203Stensgård.
Not dreams! Realities, glorious realities!
Lundestad.
So brother Bastian has brought you the answer?
Stensgård.
Bastian——?
Lundestad.
Yes, he gave me a hint yesterday; he had promised to plead your cause with a certain young lady.
Stensgård.
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. Stensgård; I have it from Ringdal.
Stensgård.
What have you from Ringdal?
Lundestad.
Miss Monsen has accepted you.
Stensgård.
What?
Lundestad.
Accepted you, I say.
Stensgård.
Accepted me! And the father has bolted!
Lundestad.
But the daughter hasn’t.
204Stensgård.
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 Stensgård.] Ah, my dear fortunate youth, are you there? Your hand! Accept the assurance of an old man’s unfeigned rejoicing.
Stensgård.
At what?
Heire.
You asked me yesterday to run you down a little to her—you know——
Stensgård.
Yes, yes; what then?
Heire.
It was a heartfelt pleasure to me to oblige you——
205Stensgård.
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——
Stensgård.
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!
Stensgård.
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.”
Stensgård.
What! Engaged?
Heire.
My hearty congratulations, young man; I’m inexpressibly pleased to be the first to announce to you——
Stensgård.
It’s all rubbish! It’s nonsense!
206Heire.
What is nonsense?
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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. Stensgård show you a bill yesterday?
207Heire.
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?
208The 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 Stensgård, 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 manœuvre, 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.
Stensgård?
209The Chamberlain.
Yes, the adventurer; I hate his very name; turn him out!
Fieldbo.
But how can I——?
The Chamberlain.
That 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.
Stensgård.
Engagement! Your engagement——
210Heire.
With the Chamberlain’s——? With your——What does it mean?
Lundestad.
Is the Doctor out of his mind?
Stensgård.
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. Stensgård. There is nothing like free competition!
Thora.
Oh, my dear father!
Lundestad.
Yes, and engagements are the order of the day.day. I have another to announce.
Stensgård.
A mere invention!
Lundestad.
No, not a bit of it; Miss Monsen is engaged to——
Stensgård.
False, false, I say!
Thora.
No, father, it’s true; they are both here.
211The 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.
212Lundestad.
The game is up, Mr. Stensgård.
Stensgård.
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?
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.
You?
Fieldbo.
Engaged?
Heire.
I can bear witness.
The Chamberlain.
But how——?
Fieldbo.
Engaged? To whom?
213Lundestad.
It surely can’t be——?
Stensgård.
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——?
Stensgård.
A manœuvre, 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. Stensgård.
Stensgård.
Another time; you can wait outside.
214Aslaksen.
No, confound it; I must tell you——
Stensgård.
Hold your tongue! What intrusivenessintrusiveness 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?
215Steansgård.
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——
Stensgård.
[To Aslaksen.] How is all this——?
Aslaksen.
I had so much in my head yesterday; so much to think about, I mean——
Stensgård.
But I gave her my letter, and——
Aslaksen.
No, you gave her Bastian Monsen’s; here is yours.
216Stensgård.
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. Stensgård, I declare. Well, Mr. Stensgård, 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. Stensgård!
Fieldbo.
No, no; not Stensgård!
The Chamberlain.
No, it’s Mr. Helle; an excellent choice. And, by-the-bye, you may congratulate my daughter too.
217Madam Rundholmen.
Miss Bratsberg! Ah, so Lundestad was right, after all. I congratulate you, Miss Thora; and you too, Mr. Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
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.
Stensgård.
I take my leave.
The Chamberlain.
One word—only one word, Mr. Stensgård—a word which has long been on the tip of my tongue.
218Stensgård.
[At the door.] Excuse me; I’m in a hurry.
The Chamberlain.
[Following him.] Demagogue!
Stensgård.
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?
219Selma.
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.
220Several 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. 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.
[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——?
221Aslaksen.
[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 in 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 222the press; but I tell you once for all—I won’t write for it.