Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/237

 The Chamberlain.

Yes, the adventurer; I hate his very name; turn him out!

Fieldbo.

But how can I?

The Chamberlain.

That is your affair; I give you a free hand.

Fieldbo.

A free hand! Do you mean it? Entirely free?

The Chamberlain.

Yes, yes, by all means.

Fieldbo.

Your hand on it, Chamberlain!

The Chamberlain.

Here it is.

Fieldbo.

So be it, then; now or never! [Loudly.] May I request the attention of the company for a moment?

The Chamberlain.

Silence for Doctor Fieldbo!

Fieldbo.

With Chamberlain Bratsberg's consent, I have the pleasure of announcing my engagement to his daughter.

[An outburst of astonishment. Thora utters a slight scream. The Chamberlain is on the point of speaking, but refrains. Loud talk and congratulations.

Stensgård.

Engagement! Your engagement