Fieldbo.

Take care I don’t say the same!

Stensgård.

You! What right have you to pose as guardian and protector to Chamberlain Bratsberg’s family?

Fieldbo.

I have at least the right of a friend.

Stensgård.

Pooh! that sort of talk won’t do with me. Your motive is mere self-interest! It gratifies your petty vanity to imagine yourself cock-of-the-walk in this house; and so I am to be kept outside the pale.

Fieldbo.

That is the best thing that could happen to you. Here you are standing on hollow ground.