Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/252

 The Chamberlain.

I am glad to hear it.

Heire.

And of course you'll understand—with so much business on hand

The Chamberlain.

Very well, my old friend; I can wait.

Madam Rundholmen.

[To Thora.] Yes, I can tell you he's cost me many a tear, that bad man. But now I thank the Lord for Bastian. The other was false as the sea-foam; and then he's a terrible smoker, Miss Bratsberg, and frightfully particular about his meals. I found him a regular gourmand.

A Servant.

[Enters from the left] Dinner is on the table.

The Chamberlain.

Come along, then, all of you. Mr. Lundestad, you shall sit beside me; and you too, Mr. Aslaksen.

Ringdal.

We shall have a lot of toasts to drink after dinner!

Heire.

Yes; and perhaps an old man may be allowed to put in a claim for the toast of "Absent Friends."

Lundestad.

One absent friend will return, Mr. Heire.

Heire.

Stensgård?