Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/36

 The Waiter.

[Pouring out the wine.] It goes to your account, Mr. Monsen?

Monsen.

The whole thing; don't be afraid.

[The Waiter goes.

Monsen.

[Clinks glasses with Stensgård.] Here's welcome among us, Mr. Stensgård! It gives me great pleasure to have made your acquaintance; I cannot but call it an honour to the district that such a man should settle here. The newspapers have made us familiar with your name, on all sorts of public occasions. You have great gifts of oratory, Mr. Stensgård, and a warm heart for the public weal. I trust you will enter with life and vigour into the—h'm, into the

Aslaksen.

The local situation.

Monsen.

Oh yes, the local situation. I drink to that.

[They drink.

Stensgård.

Whatever I do, I shall certainly put life and vigour into it.

Monsen.

Bravo! Hear, hear! Another glass in honour of that promise.

Stensgård.

No, stop; I've already