Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/97

 Stensgård.

No, indeed it's not! He goes and speaks ill of his guests; that's ungentlemanly. His rooms all reek of stale tobacco

Fieldbo.

My dear fellow, how is it you haven't noticed the stale tobacco before?

Stensgård.

It's the contrast that does it. I made a false start when I settled here. I fell into the clutches of a clique, and they bewildered me with their clamour. But there shall be an end to that! I won't go and wear my life out as a tool in the hands of self-interest or coarse stupidity.

Fieldbo.

But what will you do with your League?

Stensgård.

The League shall remain as it is; it's founded on a pretty broad basis. Its purpose is to counteract noxious influences; and I am just beginning to realise what side the noxious influences come from.

Fieldbo.

But do you think the "Youth" will see it in the same light?

Stensgård.

They shall! I have surely a right to expect fellows like that to bow before my superior insight.

Fieldbo.

But if they won't?