Harald (sitting down on the sofa). If I have any talent, it is for politics--and so I intend to devote my means to that. Evje. What do you propose to gain by it? Harald. What any one who believes in a cause hopes to gain--that is to say, to help it on. Evje. And to become a cabinet minister? Harald. I certainly can't do that any other way; well, I admit--that _is_ my idea. Evje. You will not be elected now. Harald. That we shall see. Evje. But suppose you are not re-elected to-morrow? Harald. Then I must find some other way. Evje. Always with the same object? Harald. Always with the same object. (EVJE sighs.) Mrs. Evje (who has taken her sewing and sat down by the fire). Oh, these politics! Harald. At any rate, they are the most prominent factors in life just now. Evje. We do not suppose we can exercise any influence over you. But at any rate it is possible that you yourself have not considered the position into which you have put the whole of us. (Both he and his wife avoid looking at HARALD during this discussion.) Mrs. Evje. Say what you really mean, dear--that he is making us all thoroughly unhappy, and that is the truth! Harald (getting up, and walking up and down). Well, look here--I have a proposal to make. It is, that you should abandon all opposition to Gertrud's marrying me at once. To-day again my brother has expressed the wish that we should be married by his bedside; so that he should be able to take part in it. I scarcely need add how happy it would make me. Evje. But whether she is here at home or married to you, you know, her parents' distress would be just as great every time their child was persecuted. Mrs. Evje. Surely you can appreciate that! Harald. But what answer am I to give to my brother's request?--most likely the last he will ever--. (Stops.) Evje (after a pause). He is very kind to wish it, as he always is. Nothing would make us happier; but we who are her parents do not consider that you could make our daughter happy as long as you remain in politics and on the lines on which you are now travelling. Harald (after a pause, during which he has stood still). That is to say, you contemplate breaking off our engagement? Evje (looking at him quickly). Far from it! Mrs. Evje (at the same time). How can you say such a thing? Evje (turning towards the fire again). We have spoken about it to Gertrud to-day--as to whether it would not be possible to induce you to choose some other career. Mrs. Evje. You understand now, why you found Gertrud upset. You must listen to us now, as she did, in all friendliness. Evje (getting up and standing with his back to the fire). The first thing I do in the morning is to read my paper. You know what was in it to-day--the same as is in it now every day. Mrs. Evje. No; I am sure it has never been as bad as to-day. Harald (walking up and down again). The election is just at hand!