Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/240

 Lundestad.

The game is up, Mr. Stensgård.

Stensgård.

Indeed? [Loudly.] I have one to add to the list, Mr. Heire! An announcement, gentlemen: I too have cast anchor for life.

The Chamberlain.

What?

Stensgård.

One is now and then forced to play a double game, to conceal one's true intentions. I regard this as permissible when the general weal is at stake. My life-work lies clear before me, and is all in all to me. I consecrate my whole energies to this district; I find here a ferment of ideas which I must strive to clarify. But this task cannot be accomplished by a mere adventurer. The men of the district must gather round one of themselves. Therefore I have determined to unite my interests indissolubly with yours—to unite them by a bond of affection. If I have awakened any false hopes, I must plead for forgiveness. I too am engaged.

The Chamberlain.

You?

Fieldbo.

Engaged?

Heire.

I can bear witness.

The Chamberlain.

But how?

Fieldbo.

Engaged? To whom?