Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/234

 Heire.

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 casesSh! 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?