Yes, you were right; the merchant’s really scheming The ruin of your new-won happiness. LIND [_aside to_ ANNA]. Now then you see, my doubting was not dreaming; We’ll go this very moment and confess. [_They approach_ MRS. HALM, _who is standing with_ MISS JAY _by the house._ GULDSTAD [_conversing with_ STIVER]. ’Tis a fine evening. STIVER. Very likely,—when A man’s disposed— GULDSTAD [_facetiously_]. What, all not running smooth In true love’s course? STIVER. Not that exactly— FALK [_coming up_]. Then With your engagement? STIVER. That’s about the truth. FALK. Hurrah! Your spendthrift pocket has a groat Or two still left, it seems, of poetry. STIVER [_stiffly_]. I cannot see what poetry has got To do with my engagement, or with me. FALK. You are not meant to see; when lovers prove What love is, all is over with their love. GULDSTAD [_to_ STIVER]. But if there’s matter for adjustment, pray Let’s hear it. STIVER. I’ve been pondering all day Whether the thing is proper to disclose, But still the Ayes are balanced by the Noes. FALK. I’ll right you in one sentence. Ever since As plighted lover you were first installed, You’ve felt yourself, if I may say so, galled— STIVER. And sometimes to the quick. FALK. You’ve had to wince Beneath a crushing load of obligations That you’d send packing, if good form permitted. That’s what’s the matter. STIVER. Monstrous accusations! My legal debts I’ve honestly acquitted; But other bonds next month are falling due; [_To_ GULDSTAD. When a man weds, you see, he gets a wife— FALK [_triumphant_]. Now your youth’s heaven once again is blue, There rang an echo from your old song-life! That’s how it is: I read you thro’ and thro’; Wings, wings were all you wanted,—and a knife! STIVER. A knife?