Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/148

 The 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