STUDENT. With whom have I the honour——
STRANGER. It's no special honour, as you know, for once I ran away to America on account of debts——
STUDENT. That wasn't right.
STRANGER. Right or wrong, it remains a fact.—So you were looking for Mrs. Walström? Well, she isn't here, but I am sure that she will come soon, like all the rest, for they are drawn by the fire like moths——
STUDENT. By a candle!
STRANGER. That's what you say, but I should rather have said "lamp," in order to choose a more significant word. However, you had better hide your feelings, my dear fellow, if you can—I can hide mine!—We were talking of that lamp, were we not? How about it?
STUDENT. Which lamp?
STRANGER. Well, well! Every one of them lies and denies!—The lamp that was placed in the cook's closet and set fire to the house?
STUDENT. I know nothing about it.
STRANGER. Some blush when they lie and others turn pale. This one has invented an entirely new manner.