Nils Stensson.

[Softly.] Oh, the devil! [Stretches himself in the chair.] Well, you see—’tis not yet certain. I, for my part, were nothing loath to stay quiet here awhile; but——

Nils Lykke.

——But you are not in all points your own master? There be other duties and other affairs——?

Nils Stensson.

Ay, that is just the rub. Were I to choose, I would rest me at Östråt at least the winter through; I have for the most part led a soldier’s life, and——

[Interrupts himself suddenly, fills a goblet, and drinks.

Your health, Sir!

Nils Lykke.

A soldier’s life? H’m!