Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/129

 when I heard there was to be a game of forfeits, I thought there was no danger

The Chamberlain.

[Stamping on the floor.] To be made a laughingstock by such a windbag! What must my guests have thought of me? That I was mean enough to want to buy this creature, this—thisas Lundestad calls him!

Fieldbo.

Yes, but

Thora.

[Unnoticed by her father.] Don't speak!

The Chamberlain.

[After a short pause, turns to Fieldbo.] Tell me frankly, Doctor:—Am I really denser than the general run of people?

Fieldbo.

How can you ask such a question. Chamberlain?

The Chamberlain.

Then how did it happen that I was probably the only person there who didn't understand that that confounded speech was meant for me?

Fieldbo.

Shall I tell you why?

The Chamberlain.

Certainly.

Fieldbo.

It is because you yourself regard your position in the district differently from other people.