Ole settled, said good-bye, and walked out with Aagot on his arm. The three gentlemen looked after her. "The devil!" murmured Irgens in sincere admiration. "Did you notice her." "Did we! How the dickens did that groceryman get hold of such a beauty?" Milde agreed with the Actor; it was simply incomprehensible. What in the world could she be thinking of! "Don't talk so loud; they have stopped over by the entrance," said Irgens. They had run across the Attorney. The same introduction followed; a little talk could not be avoided. They did not remove their hats and gloves and were ready to go at a moment's notice. At last they left. That very moment a man got up from one of the farthest tables and approached the entrance.... He was a man in the forties, with greyish beard and dark eyes; his clothes were a little shabby; he was partly bald. He walked straight over to the Attorney, bowed, and said: "Do you mind if I sit down here? I noticed that Mr. Henriksen spoke to you; you must know him, then. As for me, I am acquainted with Miss Lynum, who was introduced to you. I am the tutor in her home; my name is Coldevin." Something about the stranger appealed to the little Attorney's curiosity; he made room for him at once and even offered him a cigar. The waiter brought his glass over. "I visit the city only very seldom," said Coldevin. "I live in the country. During the last ten years I have hardly been anywhere with the exception of a trip to Copenhagen during the Exhibition. So I run around all day and look things over. There are many changes; the city grows bigger and bigger." "It is a pleasure to walk around down by the docks and watch the traffic." His voice was well modulated; he spoke simply and quietly, although his eyes at times glowed with a smouldering fire. The Attorney listened and answered cordially. Yes, one had to admit that the city was making progress; an electric car line was being built; several more streets were going to be asphalted; the last census showed an enormous increase.... Wasn't it strange to live in the country always? No? But in the winter--in the darkness and the snow? No; it was glorious! Dazzling snow everywhere; silent, wild woods, ptarmigan, hares, and foxes. White, glittering white snow! But summer, of course, was more beautiful. It would be high summer when he returned; his intention was to stay a couple of months, perhaps even longer. That ought to suffice to see and hear most of what went on. What was happening, anyway? What was the situation? "Well," answered the Attorney, "the situation is serious. But we place our faith in Parliament. Several of the leaders have given their ultimatum; if all signs do not fail, they surely will make short shrift this time." "Yes, if the signs do not fail--" "You appear to have your doubts?" asked the Attorney smilingly.