Lundestad.

I cannot, in fact. After the disappointments in love that have befallen Mr. Stensgård to-day, Heaven forbid we should force the poor fellow into the political mill. He must rest and recover; a change of air is what he wants, and I shall see that he gets it. So if my constituents want me, why, they can have me.

The Gentlemen.

[Shaking hands with him enthusiastically.] Thanks, Lundestad! That’s a good fellow! You won’t fail us?

The Chamberlain.

Now, this is as it should be; things are settling down again. But whom have we to thank for all this?

Fieldbo.

Come, Aslaksen, you can explain——?

Aslaksen.

[Alarmed.] I, Doctor? I’m as innocent as the babe unborn!