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? STENSGÅRD. Then they can go their own way. I have done with them. You don’t suppose I am going to let my life slip into a wrong groove, and never reach the goal, for the sake of mere blind, pig-headed consistency! FIELDBO. What do you call the goal? STENSGÅRD. A career that gives scope for my talents, and fulfils my aspirations. FIELDBO. No vague phrases! What do you mean by your goal? STENSGÅRD. Well, to you I can make a clean breast of it. My goal is this: in the course of time to get into Parliament, perhaps into the Ministry, and to marry happily into a family of means and position. FIELDBO. Oh, indeed! And by help of the Chamberlain’s social connections you intend to——? STENSGÅRD. I intend to reach the goal by my own exertions! I must and will reach it; and without help from any one. It will take time, I daresay; but never mind! Meanwhile I shall enjoy life here, drinking in beauty and sunshine—— FIELDBO. Here? STENSGÅRD.