HEIRE. Naturally; when once one has tasted the joys of matrimony——Of course, poor Rundholmen was one in a thousand—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Well, I won’t go so far as that; he was a bit rough, and rather too fond of his glass; but a husband’s always a husband. HEIRE. Very true, Madam Rundholmen; a husband’s a husband, and a widow’s a widow—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. And business is business. Oh, when I think of all I’ve got to attend to, I don’t know whether I’m on my heels or my head. Every one wants to buy; but when it comes to paying, I’ve got to go in for summonses and executions, and Lord knows what. Upon my word, I’ll soon have to engage a lawyer all to myself. HEIRE. I’ll tell you what, Madam Rundholmen, you should retain Mr. Stensgård; he’s a bachelor. MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Oh, how you do talk! I won’t listen to a word more. [_Goes out to the right._ HEIRE. A substantial woman, sir! Comfortable and well-preserved; no children up to date; money well invested. Education too; she’s widely read, sir. STENSGÅRD. Widely read, eh? HEIRE. Hee-hee; she ought to be; she had charge of Alm’s circulating library for a couple of years. But your head’s full of other things to-day, I daresay. STENSGÅRD. Not at all; I don’t even know that I shall vote. Who are you going to vote for, Mr. Heire? HEIRE. Haven’t got a vote, sir. There was only one kennel that would qualify in the market, and that you bought. STENSGÅRD. If you’re at a loss for a lodging, I’ll give it up to you. HEIRE. Hee-hee, you’re joking. Ah, youth, youth! What a pleasant humour it has! But now I must be off and have a look at the menagerie. I’m told your whole League is afoot. [_Sees_ FIELDBO, _who enters from the back._] Here’s the Doctor too! I suppose you have come on a scientific mission? FIELDBO. A scientific mission? HEIRE. Yes, to study the epidemic; you’ve heard of the virulent _rabies agitatoria_ that has broken out? God be with you, my dear young friends? [_Goes out to the right._ STENSGÅRD. Tell me quickly—have you seen the Chamberlain to-day? FIELDBO. Yes. STENSGÅRD. And what did he say? FIELDBO. What did he say? STENSGÅRD. Yes; you know I have written to him. FIELDBO. Have you? What did you write?