The King. I beg your pardon! I did not mean to offend you.
Flink. You have done so to a degree that you are naturally incapable of appreciating. (Goes out.)
The King. This is a nice business! (Laughs. Then notices GRAN, who is standing at his desk with his back to the KING, and goes up to him.) You are angry with me.
Gran (looking up slowly). Yes.
The King. Why didn't you stop me?
Gran. It all happened too quickly. But to think that you could have the heart to do it—in my own house—to a man who was my father's oldest friend, and is mine—!
The King. Harald! (Puts his arm round his shoulders.) Have I ever asked you for anything that you have not given me?
Gran. No.
The King. Then I ask you now to admit that you know that, if I had thought this would hurt you, I would never have done it—not for worlds! Do you still believe as well of me as that?
Gran. Yes.