Visits? MONSEN. What? HEIRE. Ow, ow, ow! Here am I letting cats out of bags——! MONSEN. _Have_ you been paying visits at the Chamberlain’s? STENSGÅRD. Nonsense! A misunderstanding—— HEIRE. A most unhappy slip on my part. But how was I to know it was a secret? [_To_ MONSEN.] Besides, you musn’t take my expressions too literally. When I say a visit, I mean only a sort of formal call; a frock-coat and yellow gloves affair—— STENSGÅRD. I tell you I haven’t exchanged a single word with any of that family! HEIRE. Is it possible? Were you not received the second time either? I know they were “not at home” the first time. STENSGÅRD. [_To_ MONSEN.] I had a letter to deliver from a friend in Christiania—that was all. HEIRE. [_Rising._] I’ll be hanged if it isn’t positively revolting! Here is a young man at the outset of his career; full of simple-minded confidence, he seeks out the experienced man-of-the-world and knocks at his door; turns to him, who has brought his ship to port, to beg for——I say no more! The man-of-the-world shuts the door in his face; is not at home; never _is_ at home when it’s his duty to be——I say no more! [_With indignation._] Was there ever such shameful insolence! STENSGÅRD. Oh, never mind that stupid business. HEIRE. Not at home! He, who goes about professing that he is always at home to reputable people! STENSGÅRD. Does he say that? HEIRE. A mere empty phrase. He’s not at home to Mr. Monsen either. But I can’t think what has made him hate you so much. Yes, hate you, I say; for what do you think I heard yesterday? STENSGÅRD. I don’t want to know what you heard yesterday. HEIRE. Then I say no more. Besides, the expressions didn’t surprise me—coming from the Chamberlain, I mean. Only I can’t understand why he should have added “demagogue.” STENSGÅRD. Demagogue! HEIRE. Well, since you insist upon it, I must confess that the Chamberlain called you an adventurer and demagogue. STENSGÅRD. [_Jumps up._] What! HEIRE. Adventurer and demagogue—or demagogue and adventurer; I won’t answer for the order. STENSGÅRD. And you heard that? HEIRE. I? If I had been present, Mr. Stensgård, you may be sure I should have stood up for you as you deserve. MONSEN. There, you see what comes of——