FIELDBO. But the reason? The reason? RINGDAL. Enormous losses in timber, they say. Several houses in Christiania have stopped payment, and so—— FIELDBO. And so he has gone off! RINGDAL. To Sweden, probably. The authorities took possession at Stonelee this morning. Things are being inventoried and sealed up—— FIELDBO. And the unfortunate children——? RINGDAL. The son seems to have kept clear of the business; at least I hear he puts a bold face on it. FIELDBO. But the daughter? RINGDAL. Sh! The daughter is here. FIELDBO. Here? RINGDAL. The tutor brought her and the two little ones here this morning. Miss Bratsberg is looking after them, quietly you know. FIELDBO. And how does she bear it? RINGDAL. Oh, pretty well, I fancy. You may guess, after the treatment she has met with at home——And, besides, I may tell you she is——Ah, here’s the Chamberlain. THE CHAMBERLAIN. [_From the left._] So you are there, my dear Doctor? FIELDBO. Yes, I am pretty early astir. Let me wish you many happy returns of the day, Chamberlain. THE CHAMBERLAIN. Oh, as for happiness——! But thank you, all the same; I know you mean it kindly. FIELDBO. And may I ask, Chamberlain——? THE CHAMBERLAIN. One word: be good enough to drop that title. FIELDBO. What do you mean? THE CHAMBERLAIN. I am an ironmaster, and nothing more. FIELDBO. Why, what strange notion is this? THE CHAMBERLAIN. I have renounced my post and my title. I am sending in my resignation to-day. FIELDBO. You should sleep upon that. THE CHAMBERLAIN. When his Majesty was graciously pleased to assign me a place in his immediate circle, he did so because of the unblemished honour of my family through long generations. FIELDBO. Well, what then? THE CHAMBERLAIN. My family is disgraced, just as much as Mr. Monsen’s. Of course you have heard about Monsen? FIELDBO. Yes, I have. THE CHAMBERLAIN. [_To_ RINGDAL.] Any further news about him? RINGDAL. Only that he brings down with him a good many of the younger men. THE CHAMBERLAIN. And my son? RINGDAL.