Now just look at the thing reasonably. What do we mean when we talk of two parties? We have, on the one hand, certain men or families who are in possession of the common civic advantages—I mean property, independence, and power. That is the party I belong to. On the other hand, we have the mass of our younger fellow citizens who want to share in these advantages. That is your party. But that party you will quite naturally and properly pass out of when you get into power—to say nothing of taking up a solid position as a man of property—for of course _that_ is essential, Mr. Stensgård. STENSGÅRD. Yes, I believe it is. But the time is short; and such a position is not to be attained in a day. LUNDESTAD. That’s true; but perhaps the prospect of such a position would be enough—— STENSGÅRD. The prospect——? LUNDESTAD. Have you any rooted objection to a good marriage, Mr. Stensgård? There are heiresses in the country-side. A man like you, with a future before him—a man who can reckon on attaining the highest offices—believe me, you needn’t fear a repulse if you play your cards neatly. STENSGÅRD. Then, for heaven’s sake, help me in the game! You open wide vistas to me—great visions! All that I have hoped and longed for, and that seemed so dreamlike and far away, stands suddenly before me in living reality—to lead the people forward towards emancipation, to—— LUNDESTAD. Yes, we must keep our eyes open, Mr. Stensgård. I see your ambition is already on the alert. That’s well. The rest will come of itself.—In the meantime, thanks! I shall never forget your readiness to take the burden of office from my old shoulders. [_The whole party gradually enters from the garden. Two maid-servants bring in candles and hand round refreshments during the following scene._ SELMA. [_Goes towards the piano at the back, left._] Mr. Stensgård, you must join us; we are going to have a game of forfeits. STENSGÅRD. With pleasure; I am just in the mood. [_Follows her towards the back, makes arrangements with her, places chairs, etc. etc._ ERIK BRATSBERG. [_In an undertone._] What the deuce is this my father is saying, Mr. Heire? What speech has Mr. Stensgård been making yesterday? HEIRE. Hee-hee! Don’t you know about it? ERIK. No; we townspeople had our dinner and ball at the Club. My father declares Mr. Stensgård has entirely broken with the Stonelee gang—that he was frightfully rude to Monsen—— HEIRE. To Monsen! No, you must have misunderstood him, my dear sir. ERIK.