The offender must settle that with the law. [_He goes out to the left._ ACT FOURTH. _A public room in_ MADAM RUNDHOLMEN’S _hotel. Entrance door in the back; a smaller door on either side. A window on the right; before it, a table with writing materials; further back, in the middle of the room, another table._ MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. [_Within, on the left, heard talking loudly._] Oh, let them go about their business! Tell them they’ve come here to vote and not to drink. If they won’t wait, they can do the other thing. STENSGÅRD. [_Enters by the back._] Good-morning! H’m, h’m, Madam Rundholmen! [_Goes to the door on the left and knocks._] Good-morning, Madam Rundholmen! MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. [_Within._] Oh! Who’s there? STENSGÅRD. It is I—Stensgård. May I come in? MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. No, indeed you mustn’t! No! I’m not dress’d. STENSGÅRD. What? Are you so late to-day? MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Oh, I can tell you I’ve been up since all hours; but one must look a little decent, you know. [_Peeps out, with a kerchief over her head._] Well, what is it? No, you really mustn’t look at me, Mr. Stensgård.—Oh, there’s some one else! [_Disappears, slamming the door to._ ASLAKSEN. [_Enters from the back with a bundle of papers._] Good morning, Mr. Stensgård. STENSGÅRD. Well, is it in? ASLAKSEN. Yes, here it is. Look—“The Independence Day Celebrations—From our Special Correspondent.” Here’s the founding of the League on the other side, and your speech up here. I’ve leaded all the abuse. STENSGÅRD. It seems to me it’s all leaded. ASLAKSEN. Pretty nearly. STENSGÅRD. And the extra number was of course distributed yesterday? ASLAKSEN. Of course; all over the district, both to subscribers and others. Would you like to see it? [_Hands him a copy._ STENSGÅRD. [_Running his eye over the paper._] “Our respected member, Mr. Lundestad, proposes to resign ... long and faithful service ... in the words of the poet: 'Rest, patriot, it is thy due!'” H’m! “The association founded on Independence Day: the League of Youth ... Mr. Stensgård, the guiding intelligence of the League ... timely reforms, credit on easier terms.” Ah, that’s very good. Has the polling begun? ASLAKSEN. It’s in full swing. The whole League is on the spot—both voters and others. STENSGÅRD.