Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/109

 Lundestad.

You here alone? If you have no objection, I should like to have a little talk with you.

Stensgård.

With pleasure.

Lundestad.

In the first place, let me say that if any one has told you that I have said anything to your disadvantage, you musn't believe it.

Stensgård.

To my disadvantage? What do you mean?

Lundestad.

Oh, nothing; nothing, I assure you. You see, there are so many busybodies here, that go about doing nothing but setting people by the ears.

Stensgård.

Well, on the whole—I'm afraid our relations are a little strained.

Lundestad.

They are quite natural relations, Mr. Stensgård: the relation of the old to the new; it is always so.

Stensgård.

Oh, come, Mr. Lundestad, you are not so old as all that.

Lundestad.

Yes indeed, I'm getting old. I have held my seat ever since 1839. It's time I should be relieved.

Stensgård.

Relieved?