Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/242

 Aslaksen.

No, confound it; I must tell you

Stensgård.

Hold your tongue! What instrusiveness is this?—Yes, gentlemen, strange are the ways of destiny. The district and I required a bond that should bind us firmly together; and I found on my path a woman of ripened character who could make a home for me. I have put off the adventurer, gentlemen, and here I stand in your midst, as one of yourselves. Take me; I am ready to stand or fall in any post your confidence may assign me.

Lundestad.

You have won.

The Chamberlain.

Well, really, I must say [To the Maid, who has entered from the back.] Well, what is it? What are you giggling about?

The Servant.

Madam Rundholmen?

The Company.

Madam Rundholmen?

The Chamberlain.

What about her?

The Servant.

Madam Rundholmen is waiting outside with her young man

The Company.

[To each other.] Her young man? Madam Rundholmen! How's this?