The Chamberlain.
I am glad to hear it.
Heire.
And of course you'll understand—with so much business on hand
The Chamberlain.
Very well, my old friend; I can wait.
Madam Rundholmen.
[To Thora.] Yes, I can tell you he's cost me many a tear, that bad man. But now I thank the Lord for Bastian. The other was false as the sea-foam; and then he's a terrible smoker, Miss Bratsberg, and frightfully particular about his meals. I found him a regular gourmand.
A Servant.
[Enters from the left] Dinner is on the table.
The Chamberlain.
Come along, then, all of you. Mr. Lundestad, you shall sit beside me; and you too, Mr. Aslaksen.
Ringdal.
We shall have a lot of toasts to drink after dinner!
Heire.
Yes; and perhaps an old man may be allowed to put in a claim for the toast of "Absent Friends."
Lundestad.
One absent friend will return, Mr. Heire.
Heire.
Stensgård?
