THORA. Yes, indeed you must; Selma insists upon it. THE CHAMBERLAIN. Very well, I suppose I must give in. [_In an undertone as they go towards the back._] I’m quite distressed about Lundestad; he is really failing; fancy, he didn’t in the least understand what Stensgård—— THORA. Oh, come, come; they’ve begun the game. [_She drags him into the circle of young people where the game is in full swing._ ERIK. [_Calls from his place._] Mr. Heire, you are appointed forfeit-judge. HEIRE. Hee-hee! It’s the first appointment I ever had. STENSGÅRD. [_Also in the circle._] On account of your legal experience, Mr. Heire. HEIRE. Oh, my amiable young friends, I should be delighted to sentence you all—— I say no more! STENSGÅRD. [_Slips up to_ LUNDESTAD, _who stands in front on the left._] You were speaking to the Chamberlain. What about? Was it about me? LUNDESTAD. Unfortunately it was—about that affair of yesterday evening—— STENSGÅRD. [_Writhing._] Oh, confound it all! LUNDESTAD. He said you had been frightfully rude. STENSGÅRD. Do you think it isn’t a torture to me? LUNDESTAD. Now is your chance to atone for it. ERIK. [_Calls._] Mr. Stensgård, it’s your turn. STENSGÅRD. Coming! [_Quickly to_ LUNDESTAD.] What do you mean? LUNDESTAD. Find an opportunity and apologise to the Chamberlain. STENSGÅRD. By heaven, I will! SELMA. Make haste, make haste! STENSGÅRD. I’m coming! Here I am! [_The game goes on with noise and laughter. Some elderly gentlemen play cards on the right._ LUNDESTAD _takes a seat on the left;_ DANIEL HEIRE _near him._ HEIRE. That whelp twits me with my legal experience, does he? LUNDESTAD. He’s rather free with his tongue, that’s certain. HEIRE. And so the whole family goes and fawns upon him. Hee-hee! They’re pitifully afraid of him. LUNDESTAD. No, there you are wrong, Mr. Heire; the Chamberlain is not afraid of him. HEIRE. Not afraid? Do you think I’m blind, my good sir? LUNDESTAD. No, but—I can trust you to keep the secret? Well, I’ll tell you all about it. The Chamberlain thinks it was Monsen he was attacking. HEIRE.