Stensgård.

Of course not.

Lundestad.

And with industry and determination you’ll soon be on your feet again. Don’t let poverty frighten you. I know what love is; I went into all that in my young days. A happy home; a faithful woman——! My dear young friend, beware how you take any step that may involve you in life-long self-reproach.

Stensgård.

But what will become of your plans?

Lundestad.

Oh, they must go as best they can. I couldn’t think of demanding the sacrifice of your heart!

Stensgård.

But I will make the sacrifice. Yes, I will show you that I have the strength for it. Think of the longing multitude out there: they claim me with a sort of voiceless pathos. I cannot, I dare not, fail them!