[_As before._] You see, we are on the Chamberlain’s own ground here. He has been so kind as to throw open his park and garden for this evening; so we thought—— STENSGÅRD. We’re extremely comfortable here, Mr. Lundestad—if only people would leave us in peace—the crowd, I mean. LUNDESTAD. [_Unruffled._] Very well; then it’s all right. [_Goes towards the back._ ASLAKSEN. [_Entering from the tent._] The waiter is just coming with the wine. [_Sits._ MONSEN. A table apart, under special care of the Committee! And on our Independence Day of all others! There you have a specimen of the way things go. STENSGÅRD. But why on earth do you put up with all this, you good people? MONSEN. The habit of generations, you see. ASLAKSEN. You’re new to the district, Mr. Stensgård. If only you knew a little of the local situation—— A WAITER. [_Brings champagne._] Was it you that ordered—? ASLAKSEN. Yes, certainly; open the bottle. 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—— MONSEN. Oh, nonsense! Another glass, I say—to seal the bond! [_They clink glasses and drink. During what follows_ BASTIAN _keeps on filling the glasses as soon as they are empty._ MONSEN.