Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/177

 elbow-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?