Haakon. I was thinking of going to the meeting. Would you mind if I went with you?—for I do not know the way myself.
Evje. You will come with me, Mr. Rejn? (To himself.) That will be splendid—to make my entrance in the company of one of our yeomen farmers! (Aloud.) By all means let us go together! I feel flattered by the opportunity, because I have always maintained that our yeomen are the pick of the nation. Well, then—(to Halvdan) I hope you will soon be feeling better, Mr. Rejn. God bless you!
Halvdan (raising himself on his elbow, and looking at him with a smile). Something must have gone amiss with you to-day.
Evje. Why do you say that?
Halvdan. Because as a rule you appear so composed so aloof from all this squabbling.
Evje (impetuously). But, do what I like, I am not allowed to keep aloof from it! I have no greater wish in the world than to do so, I can assure you. Oh, well, your excellent brother—my future son-in-law, as I am proud to call him—he will tell you all about it. Good-bye!—and—and—God bless you!
Haakon. Shall I tell your housekeeper to come to you?
Halvdan. Oh, no; but you might tell her to come in a little while.
Haakon. Good-bye for the present, then!
Halvdan. Thank you for coming! Good-bye. (Sinks back on to the sofa. The others go out, HAAKON turning round once at the door.)