STENSGÅRD. That I am still of the same mind about his daughter; that I want to talk the matter over with him; and that I propose to call on him to-morrow. FIELDBO. If I were you, I should at least defer my visit. It is the Chamberlain’s birthday to-morrow; a crowd of people will be there—— STENSGÅRD. That’s all right; the more the better. I hold big cards in my hand, let me tell you. FIELDBO. And perhaps you have bluffed a little with your big cards? STENSGÅRD. How do you mean? FIELDBO. I mean you have perhaps embellished your declaration of love with a few little threats or so? STENSGÅRD. Fieldbo, you have seen the letter! FIELDBO. No, I assure you—— STENSGÅRD. Well then, frankly—I _have_ threatened him. FIELDBO. Ah! Then I have, in a way, an answer to your letter. STENSGÅRD. An answer? Out with it, man! FIELDBO. [_Shows him a sealed paper._] Look here—the Chamberlain’s proxy. STENSGÅRD. And who does he vote for? FIELDBO. Not for you, at any rate. STENSGÅRD. For whom then? For whom? FIELDBO. For the Sheriff and the Provost.[19] STENSGÅRD. What! Not even for Lundestad? FIELDBO. No. And do you know why? Because Lundestad is going to propose you as his successor. STENSGÅRD. He dares to do this! FIELDBO. Yes, he does. And he added: “If you see Stensgård, you can tell him how I am voting; it will show him on what footing we stand.” STENSGÅRD. Good; since he will have it so! FIELDBO. Take care; it’s dangerous to tug at an old tower—it may come down on your head. STENSGÅRD. Oh, I have learnt wisdom in these two days. FIELDBO. Indeed? You’re not so wise but that you let old Lundestad lead you by the nose. STENSGÅRD. Do you think I haven’t seen through Lundestad? Do you think I don’t understand that he took me up because he thought I had won over the Chamberlain, and because he wanted to break up our League and keep Monsen out? FIELDBO. But now that he knows you haven’t won over the Chamberlain—— STENSGÅRD.