Halvdan. I hope so. As soon as he comes into my room I feel as if the atmosphere were charged with electricity--I feel as if I _must_ have a part in what he is doing--and so I work, and tire myself out. Ah, it often seems very hard to have to die, and leave undone a great work that one has failed to accomplish! Haakon. But you have made him what he is, you know--and many others. Halvdan. I have started the fight, that is all. It is hard to have to desert at the beginning of it!--But God is good, and will understand; He will not be surprised at what my thoughts are full of, when I go to Him. (A ring is heard at the bell.) Haakon. I expect that is Harald. Halvdan. No, he never rings. Besides, I expect he is taking a walk, to think over what he is going to say to-night. Haakon. Yes, I suppose it will be a big meeting. (The HOUSEKEEPER comes in.) The Housekeeper. Mr. Evje is here, sir, asking for Mr. Harald. I told him we were expecting him every moment. Shall I ask him to come in? Halvdan. Yes, show him in. (HAAKON gets up, as EVJE is shown in.) Evje (to HALVDAN). Good evening! (Sees HAAKON.) Ah, good evening! So you have come? That is splendid. Is your wife with you? Haakon. No, she couldn't leave the children. Evje. I see. (To HALVDAN.) And how are you? About the same? Of course, yes.--Where is your brother? Halvdan. He has his meeting to-night, you know. Evje. His momentous meeting--I know! I am going to it myself! Halvdan (turns his face towards him). You? Evje. My object in coming here was to take him home with me, so that we could all go together to the meeting. We mean to go on to the platform with him; I mean people to see that we are with him! Halvdan (turning his face away). Really! Evje (to HAAKON). You never answered my letter, Mr. Rejn. Haakon. No, I knew I was coming in to town. Evje. Well--will you sell? Haakon. No. Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, you have not sold a single potato to my distillery for five years! And with a farm like yours! This year you had the best crop in the whole valley. Haakon. Oh, yes--it wasn't so bad. Evje. Not so bad! It was an extraordinary crop; and, everywhere else round about, the crops were very middling. Haakon. Oh, yes--it might have been worse. Evje (laughing). I should think so! But then why won't you sell? (Turns to HALVDAN.) I hope you will excuse our talking business in a sick-room; a business man has to seize every opportunity, you know! (To HAAKON.) You have never got higher prices elsewhere than you have from me. Haakon. No, so I believe; but I have my own reasons. Evje. Your own reasons? What are they?