Berent. I congratulate you on your choice, Miss Valborg--and I congratulate the whole family on such a son-in-law. Valborg (triumphantly). There, Sannaes! Jakobsen. May I too, though I am only a stupid sort of chap, say that this lad has been in love with you ever since he was in his teens--he hardly could be sooner than that. But I can tell you, honestly, I should never have credited you with having so much sense as to take him. (All laugh.) Mrs. Tjaelde. Signe is whispering to me that our dinner is getting cold. Signe. May I take my mother's place and ask you to take me in to dinner, Mr. Berent? Berent (offering her his arm). I am honoured!--But our bridal pair must go first! Valborg. Sannaes--? Sannaes (whispers, as he gives her his arm). To think that I have you on my arm! (They go into the house, followed by BERENT and SIGNE, and by JAKOBSEN.) Tjaelde (bending over his wife, as he prepares to wheel her chair in). My dear, God has blessed our house now! Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear man! Curtain. THE KING A PLAY IN A PROLOGUE AND FOUR ACTS DRAMATIS PERSONAE The KING. HARALD GRAN, a rich manufacturer. KOLL, Chief Magistrate of the district. FLINK. CLARA ERNST. The PRINCESS. BARONESS MARC. ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl. FALBE. The MAYOR. NATHALIE, his daughter. ALSTAD. VILHELM, his son. The PARISH PRIEST. BANG, a rich trader. VINAeGER. COUNT PLATEN. The GENERAL. MATILDE. A Ballad Singer. A Young Beggar. A Servant of the King's. Ladies and Gentlemen, Masked Dancers, Work-people, Farmers, etc. PROLOGUE (SCENE.--A large gothic hall, brilliantly illuminated, in which a masked ball is taking place. At the rise of the curtain a ballet is being performed in the centre of the hall. Masked dancers are grouped around, watching it. Two of them, women, are conversing on the right of the stage.) First Mask. Have you heard that the King is to be here to-night? Second Mask. Yes, and since I heard it I have been imagining I saw him everywhere. First Mask (pointing). That is not he, is it? Second Mask. He is taller than that. First Mask. That one, then? Look, that one! Second Mask. That one has spoken to me. He has too old a voice. First Mask. Shall we see if we can find him? Second Mask. Yes, come along! (A number of girls, wearing similar costumes and all masked, have meanwhile collected on the left side of the stage.) First Girl. Are we all here? Second Girl. All but Matilde. Matilde. Here I am! Have you heard that the King is to be here? All. Really? Matilde. I don't know how he is dressed; but one of the masters of the ceremonies told me he was to be here. Several of the Girls. The dear King! (Two masked dancers, dressed as Cats, pass by.) Tom Cat. Do you hear that, my pet? Puss. Miau! Matilde. Let us try and discover him. All. Yes, yes! A Mask. And when we have discovered him--?