Evje. What is it? What is the matter with her?
Harald. I think I know. She realises that her life's happiness has been bought and sold. (Bows to EVJE.) Good-bye! (Goes out to the right.)
Evje (after standing dumb for some moments). Bought and sold? Some people take everything so dreadfully solemnly. It is only a manoeuvre--to get out of this difficulty. Why is it that I cannot get free of it! They both of them exaggerate matters so absurdly; first of all this crazy fellow, and then Harald with his "Good-bye," spoken as if the ground were giving way beneath his feet! I--I--feel as if every one had deserted me. I will go in to my wife--my dear, good wife; she will understand me. She is sitting up there, full of anxiety about me. (He turns towards his house; but, on reaching the garden gate, sees JOHN standing there.)
John (touching his hat respectfully). Excuse me, Mr. Evje--
Evje. You, John! Go away! I told you never to set foot in my house again.
John (very respectfully). But won't you allow me to stand outside your house either, sir?
John (standing in EVJE'S way, but still with a show of great respect). Not at the door here?
Evje. What are you standing in my way for, you scoundrel?
John. Shall I assist you to call for help, sir? (Calls out.) Help!
Evje. Be quiet, you drunken fool! Don't make a disturbance! What do you want? Be quick!
John. I want, with all respect, to ask you, sir, why you have sent me away.
Evje. Because you are a swine that gets drunk and then talks nonsense. You don't know what a dilemma you have put me in.--Now go away from here, quietly!
John. I know all about it! I was following you and the Editor all the time, you know!
John. These articles, that were to go in the paper--the printing was at a standstill, waiting for them.
Evje. Hush, hush, John! So you overheard that, did you? You are too clever; you ought never to have been a servant.--Now, be off with you! Here is a shilling or two for you. Good-bye.
John. Thank you very much, sir.--This was how it was, sir. You see, I thought of the number of times I had run over to the printer's with messages when that nice Editor gentleman was spending an evening with you--and so I thought I might just as well run over with this one.