Well, there were a whole lot of people about, so that I couldn’t quite follow what he said; but I certainly heard—— HEIRE. Wait till to-morrow—— I say no more. You’ll have the whole story with your coffee, in Aslaksen’s paper. [_They separate._ THE CHAMBERLAIN. Well, my dear Lundestad, are you sticking to those crotchets of yours? LUNDESTAD. They are no crotchets, Chamberlain; rather than be ousted, one should give way gracefully. THE CHAMBERLAIN. Nonsense; who is dreaming of ousting you? LUNDESTAD. H’m; I’m an old weather-prophet. There has been a change in the wind. Besides, I have my successor ready. Mr. Stensgård is willing—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. Mr. Stensgård? LUNDESTAD. Wasn’t that what you meant? I took it for a hint when you said he was a man we must make friends with and support. THE CHAMBERLAIN. I meant in his onslaught upon all the corruption and swindling that goes on at Stonelee. LUNDESTAD. But how could you count so confidently upon his breaking with that crew? THE CHAMBERLAIN. He did it openly enough last evening, my dear fellow. LUNDESTAD. Last evening? THE CHAMBERLAIN. Yes, when he spoke of Monsen’s deplorable influence in the district. LUNDESTAD. [_Open-mouthed._] Of Monsen’s——? THE CHAMBERLAIN. Of course; that time on the table—— LUNDESTAD. On the table? Yes? THE CHAMBERLAIN. He was frightfully rude; called him a money-bag, and a griffin or a basilisk, or something. Ha-ha!—it was great sport to hear him. LUNDESTAD. Great sport, was it? THE CHAMBERLAIN. Yes, I own I’m not sorry to see these people a little roughly handled. But now we must back him up; for after such a savage attack—— LUNDESTAD. As that of yesterday, you mean? THE CHAMBERLAIN. Of course. LUNDESTAD. Upon the table? THE CHAMBERLAIN. Yes, upon the table. LUNDESTAD. Against Monsen? THE CHAMBERLAIN. Yes, against Monsen and his set. Of course they’ll try to have their revenge; you can’t blame them—— LUNDESTAD. [_Decidedly._] Mr. Stensgård must be supported—that is clear! THORA. Father dear, you must join in the game. THE CHAMBERLAIN. Oh, nonsense, child——