Halvdan. No, I know I have not. It is only sometimes that the busy world outside seems to me like a ship sailing idly before the wind. More often, I am back in the midst of it again—planning, hoping, praying! I am young, you know, and have had to suffer so much—there was so much I wanted to do. (Lifts a handkerchief to his forehead. HAAKON helps him to wipe his face with it. A pause.)
Haakon. But it must be a comfort to you, too, that Harald is taking up what you are laying down. There is good stuff in him.
Halvdan. Yes.
Haakon. And he never says more than is necessary. The country folk will understand him all the better for it.
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.)