The Waiter.
[Pouring out the wine.] It goes to your account, Mr. Monsen?
Monsen.
The whole thing; don't be afraid.
[The Waiter goes.
Monsen.
[Clinks glasses with Stensgård.] Here's welcome among us, Mr. Stensgård! It gives me great pleasure to have made your acquaintance; I cannot but call it an honour to the district that such a man should settle here. The newspapers have made us familiar with your name, on all sorts of public occasions. You have great gifts of oratory, Mr. Stensgård, and a warm heart for the public weal. I trust you will enter with life and vigour into the—h'm, into the
Aslaksen.
The local situation.
Monsen.
Oh yes, the local situation. I drink to that.
[They drink.
Stensgård.
Whatever I do, I shall certainly put life and vigour into it.
Monsen.
Bravo! Hear, hear! Another glass in honour of that promise.
Stensgård.
No, stop; I've already