THE CHAMBERLAIN. The press! That’s just it! Haven’t I always said that the press has marvellous influence in these days? ASLAKSEN. Oh, Chamberlain—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. No false modesty, Mr. Aslaksen! I haven’t hitherto been in the habit of reading your paper, but henceforth I will. I shall subscribe for ten copies. ASLAKSEN. Oh, you can have twenty, Chamberlain! THE CHAMBERLAIN. Very well, then; let me have twenty. And if you need money, come to me; I mean to support the press; but I tell you once for all—I won’t write for it. RINGDAL. What’s this I hear? Your daughter engaged? THE CHAMBERLAIN. Yes; what do you say to that? RINGDAL. I am delighted! But when was it arranged? FIELDBO. [_Quickly._] I’ll tell you afterwards—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. Why, it was arranged on the Seventeenth of May. FIELDBO. What? THE CHAMBERLAIN. The day little Miss Ragna was here, THORA. Father, father; did you know——? THE CHAMBERLAIN. Yes, my dear; I have known all along. FIELDBO. Oh, Chamberlain——! THORA. Who can have——? THE CHAMBERLAIN. Another time, I should advise you young ladies not to talk so loud when I am taking my siesta in the bay window. THORA. Oh! so you were behind the curtains? FIELDBO. Now I understand! THE CHAMBERLAIN. Yes, you are the one to keep your own counsel—— FIELDBO. Would it have been of any use for me to speak earlier? THE CHAMBERLAIN. You are right, Fieldbo. These days have taught me a lesson. THORA. [_Aside to_ FIELDBO.] Yes, you can keep your own counsel. All this about Mr. Stensgård—why did you tell me nothing? FIELDBO. When a hawk is hovering over the dove-cote, one watches and shields his little dove—one does not alarm her. [_They are interrupted by_ MADAM RUNDHOLMEN. HEIRE. [_To the_ CHAMBERLAIN.] I’m sorry to tell you, Chamberlain, that the settlement of our little legal differences will have to be adjourned indefinitely. THE CHAMBERLAIN. Indeed! Why so? HEIRE. You must know I’ve accepted a post as society reporter on Aslaksen’s paper. THE CHAMBERLAIN. I am glad to hear it. HEIRE.