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!