MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Things are going as smooth as possible, Mr. Stensgård; every one is voting for you. STENSGÅRD. That’s very odd. MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Goodness knows what Monsen of Stonelee will say. STENSGÅRD. I want a word with you, Madam Rundholmen. MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Well, what is it? STENSGÅRD. Will you listen to me? MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Lord yes, that I will. STENSGÅRD. Well then: you were talking just now about being alone in the world—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Oh, it was that horrid old Heire—— STENSGÅRD. You were saying how hard it is for an unprotected widow—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Yes, indeed; you should just try it, Mr. Stensgård! STENSGÅRD. But now if there came a fine young man—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. A fine young man? STENSGÅRD. One who had long loved you in secret—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Oh, come now, Mr. Stensgård, I won’t hear any more of your nonsense. STENSGÅRD. You must! A young man who, like yourself, finds it hard to be alone in the world—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Well, what then? I don’t understand you at all. STENSGÅRD. If you could make two people happy, Madam Rundholmen—yourself and—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. And a fine young man? STENSGÅRD. Just so; now, answer me—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Mr. Stensgård, you can’t be in earnest? STENSGÅRD. You don’t suppose I would jest on such a subject? Should you be disposed——? MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Yes, that I am, the Lord knows! Oh, you dear, sweet—— STENSGÅRD. [_Recoiling a step._] What is this? MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Bother, here comes some one! RAGNA MONSEN _enters hastily, and in evident disquietude, from the back._ RAGNA. I beg your pardon—isn’t my father here? MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Your father? Yes; no;—I—I don’t know—excuse me—— RAGNA. Where is he? MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. Your father? Oh, he drove past here—— STENSGÅRD. Towards Christiania. RAGNA. No; it’s impossible—— MADAM RUNDHOLMEN.