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ACT II SCENE I
(SCENE.--The same room. The table, which has been drawn to one
side, is covered with bottles of champagne aged dishes of fruit.
MRS. TJAELDE and SIGNE, with a man-servant and a maid, are busy
preparing it. Through the door on the right a lively conversation
can be heard, and occasional bursts of laughter.)
MRS. TJAELDE (in a tired voice). Now I think it is all ready.
SIGNE. They are talking a long time over their dinner.
MRS. TJAELDE (looking at her watch). Yes, they will only have half
an hour for their dessert, because Mr. Lind has to leave at five
o'clock.
SIGNE. Ah, they have finished at last! Listen, they are getting up
from the table. (Amidst the loud noise of conversation the noise of
chairs being pushed back is audible.) Here they come!
MRS. TJAELDE. Yes; let us retreat. (The maid goes out by the
farther door; SIGNE helps MRS. TJAELDE out after her. The
man-servant begins opening the champagne. The guests come in from
the dining-room, headed by LIND escorted by TJAELDE, whom he is
assuring that the dinner was excellent, to which TJAELDE replies
that it is impossible to do much in a small country town. Both look
at their watches, and observe that there is only half an hour left.
TJAELDE vainly endeavours to persuade LIND to stay longer. Close
behind them come HOLM and RING, engaged in an animated dispute
about timber prices, the former maintaining that they will fall
still lower, the latter that they will rise speedily owing to the
fall in the prices of coal and iron, a point of view which the
former vigorously controverts. Immediately behind them comes the
VICAR, escorted by HAMAR, who is a little tipsy. The VICAR is
assuring him that he has no objection to parishioners repudiating
the obligation to attend the services of their own priest, so long
as they are compelled to pay him for those services whether they
avail themselves of them or not; because order, which is an
essential characteristic of the Heavenly Kingdom, must be
maintained. HAMAR tries to get in a word or two about the bay
horse, but without success. At the same time KNUTZON and FALBE are
deep in a discussion about a dancer whom FALBE has seen at Hamburg.
He is maintaining that she can leap six feet into the air, which
KNUTZON ventures to doubt, but FALBE says there is no doubt about
it, and he knows because he has once sat at the same dinner-table
with her. FINNE, KNUDSEN, and JAKOBSEN follow them. JAKOBSEN is
heard challenging any one to contradict him, while the others
eagerly protest that he has entirely misunderstood their meaning.
He affirms stoutly that he doesn't care a damn what they meant, but
that his employer is the greatest business man and the finest
fellow in the world, or at all events in Norway. PRAM comes in by
himself, wrapt in tipsy contemplation. They all talk at the same
time.)
TJAELDE (rapping on a glass). Gentlemen! (There is a sudden
silence, except for the sound of the voices of FALBE and JAKOBSEN,
who are hushed down by the others.) Gentlemen! I am sorry dinner
has occupied such a long time.
ALL (unanimously). No, no!
TJAELDE. Our distinguished guest has, unfortunately, to leave us in
half an hour, so I should like to take the opportunity of saying a
few words. Gentlemen, we have a prince among us to-day. I say a
prince, because if it is true that it is the financiers that rule
the world--and it is true, gentlemen--
PRAM (who is standing well forward, supporting himself by the edge
of the table, says solemnly:) Yes.
TJAELDE. --then our friend here is a prince! There is not a single
important undertaking that he has not initiated, or at any rate
backed with his name.
PRAM (lifting his glass). Mr. Lind, may I have the honour--?
VOICES. Sh! Sh!
TJAELDE. Yes, gentlemen, his name backs every enterprise. It would
be impossible to carry one through that had not his backing.
PRAM (solemnly). His backing.
TJAELDE. Am I not right, then, in describing him as a prince?
FALBE (in a feeble voice). Yes.
TJAELDE. Gentlemen, to-day his name is once more exercising its
powerful, I might say its creative, influence upon circumstances.
I may say that at this moment the country holds no truer benefactor
than he.
PRAM. Great man.
TJAELDE. Let us drink his health! May prosperity attend him and
his, and may his name be deathless in Norway! Mr. Lind!
ALL. Mr. Lind! Mr. Lind! (They all drink his health effusively.)
TJAELDE (to HAMAR, whom he pulls forward somewhat roughly, as the
others begin to help themselves to the dessert.) What has become of
the salute?
HAMAR (in consternation).Good Lord, yes! (Rushes to the window, but
comes back.) I have no handkerchief. I must have laid it down in
the dining-room.
TJAELDE. Here is mine!(Feels in his pocket for it.) One cannot rely
on you for the least thing. The salute will be too late now. It is
disgraceful! (HAMAR goes to the window and waves the handkerchief
madly. At last the report of a cannon is heard. The guests are
standing in a group, holding their dessert plates.)
HOLM. A little bit late!
KNUTZON. Rather behind the moment--
RING. A very important moment, however!
HOLM. A very unexpected one, anyway!
KNUTZON (jestingly). Allow me, amidst the cannon's roar, to
introduce to you a man who has been led by the nose!
RING. Oh, Tjaelde knows what he is about!
TJAELDE. Mr. Lind is kind enough to wish to propose a toast. (They
all compose themselves into respectful silence.)
LIND. Our worthy host has proposed my health in most flattering
terms. I would merely add this, that wealth is entrusted to those
who have it precisely in order that they may support industry,
genius, and great undertakings.
PRAM (who has never changed his position). Nobly said.
LIND. I am only an administrator of a trust, and too often a weak
and short-sighted one.
PRAM. Beautiful.
LIND. But I shall not be mistaken if I say that Mr. Tjaelde's
many-sided activities, which we must all admire, rest upon a sound
foundation; and of that fact no one, at the present moment, is
better able to judge than I. (The guests look at one another in
surprise.) Therefore I have no hesitation in saying that his
activities are an honour to this town, to this district, to our
whole country, and that therefore his genius and his energy deserve
support. I propose the toast of "prosperity to the firm of
Tjaelde!"
ALL. Prosperity to the firm of Tjaelde!
(HAMAR signals again with the handkerchief, and a cannon shot is
heard.)
TJAELDE. I thank you heartily, Mr. Lind! I am profoundly touched.
LIND. I said no more than I am convinced of, Mr. Tjaelde!!
TJAELDE. Thank you! (To HAMAR.) What do you mean by signalling for
a salute for the host? Blockhead!
HAMAR. You said there was to be a salute when a toast was proposed,
didn't you?
TJAELDE. Oh, you are a--!
HAMAR (to himself). Well, if ever again I--!
HOLM. Then it is an accomplished fact, I suppose?
KNUTZON. _Fait accompli_! That toast represents twenty thousand
pounds, at least.
RING. Yes, Tjaelde knows what he is about! I have always said that!
(FALBE is seen drinking ceremoniously with LIND. JAKOBSEN comes
forward, talking to KNUDSEN.)
Jakobsen (in a low voice). There isn't a word of truth in what you
say!
KNUDSEN. But, my dear Jakobsen, you misunderstand me!
JAKOBSEN (louder). Hang it, I know my people!
KNUDSEN. Don't talk so loud!
JAKOBSEN (still louder). What I say any one may hear!
TJAELDE. (at the same moment). The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
KNUDSEN (to JAKOBSEN). Hush! The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
JAKOBSEN. Have I got to hush because that damned--
TJAELDE (in a voice of authority). The Vicar wishes to speak.
JAKOBSEN. I beg your pardon!
The VICAR (in a feeble voice). As the spiritual adviser of this
household, I have the pleasing duty of invoking a blessing on the
gifts that have been so richly showered upon our host and his
friends. May they be to their souls' present good and eternal
welfare!
PRAM. Amen.
The VICAR. I am going to ask you to drink the health of our host's
dear children--those lovely girls whose welfare has been the object
of my prayers ever since they were confirmed--ever since that
memorable day when household and religious duties began to walk
side by side.
PRAM. Ah, yes!
The VICAR. May they always in the future, as they have in the past,
grow in the holy fear of God and in meekness and gratitude towards
their parents!
ALL. Miss Valborg, Miss Signe!
HAMAR (in a panic). Am I to signal?
TJAELDE. Oh, go to--!
HAMAR. Well, if ever again--!
TJAELDE. Thank you very much, Mr. Vicar. Like you, I hope that
the intimate relations between parent and child that exist here--
The VICAR. It has always been a pleasure to me to come into your
most hospitable house.
TJAELDE. May I have the honour of drinking a glass of wine with
you? (They drink to each other.)
The VICAR. Excellent champagne, my dear sir!
LIND (to HOLM). It pains me to hear what you say. Is it possible
that this town, which owes so much to Mr. Tjaelde, repays him
with such ingratitude?
HOLM (in a low voice). One never can quite confidently rely on him.
LIND. Really? I have heard others sing his praises so loudly, you
know.
HOLM (as before). You misunderstand me. I mean his position--
LIND. His position? That must be merely envy! People are often so
unjust towards those whose enterprise has lifted them above the
heads of the crowd.
HOLM. At any rate I assure you it was not from--
LIND (coldly). I don't doubt it. (Walks away from him.)
JAKOBSEN (with whom TJAELDE has just drunk). Gentlemen!
KNUTZON (to HOLM, in passing). Is that boor really going to be
allowed to make a speech! (Going up to LIND.) May I have the honour
of drinking a glass of wine with you, Mr. Lind? (Several of the
guests begin to talk, ostentatiously indifferent to JAKOBSEN who is
trying to begin his speech.)
JAKOBSEN (in a formidable voice). Gentlemen! (Silence ensues, and
he continues in his usual voice.) Permit a common man to say a
word, too, on this festive occasion. I was a poor little boy when I
entered Mr. Tjaelde's employment; but he pulled me out of the
gutter. (Laughter.) I am-what I am, gentlemen! And therefore if
any here is qualified to talk about Mr. Tjaelde, it is I; because I
know him. I know he is a fine fellow.
LIND (to TJAELDE). Children and drunken men--
TJAELDE (laughing). --speak the truth!
JAKOBSEN. There are lots of people that will tell you one thing or
another about him--and, of course, he may have his failings like
all of us. But as I find myself in such fine company as this I am
going to say that--that--devil take me if Mr. Tjaelde isn't too
good for the lot of you! (Laughter.)
TJAELDE. That's enough, Jakobsen!
JAKOBSEN. No, it's not enough! Because there is one toast we have
all forgotten, although we have all had such a splendid dinner.
(Laughter. FALBE claps his hands and cries: "Bravo!") Yes, and it
is nothing to laugh at; because it is the toast of Mrs. Tjaelde's
health that we have not drunk!
LIND. Bravo!
JAKOBSEN. There's a wife and mother for you! I can tell you--and
it's true--she goes about the house attending to her duties and
preparing for our entertainment when all the time she is ill, and
she takes the whole thing on her shoulders and says nothing. God
bless her, I say!--and that is all I have to say.
Several of the Guests (raising their glasses). Mrs. Tjaelde! Mrs.
Tjaelde!
PRAM (grasping JAKOBSEN by the hand). That was fine of you,
Jakobsen! (LIND joins them; PRAM steps aside respectfully.)
LIND. Will you drink a glass of wine with me, Jakobsen?
JAKOBSEN. Thank you, very much. I am only a common man--
LIND. But a good-hearted one! Your health! (They drink to each
other. A boat is seen putting in to shore below the verandah. Its
crew of six men stand up and toss their oars in naval fashion.
SANNAES is standing at the helm.)
HOLM (in a whisper, to KNUTZON). Tjaelde knew what he was doing
when he invited Jakobsen!
KNUTZON (whispering). Just look at the boat!
RING. Tjaelde is a very clever fellow--a very clever fellow!
(VALBORG, SIGNE and MRS. TJAELDE are seen coming up the verandah
steps.)
TJAELDE. Gentlemen, the moment of departure is at hand; I see the
ladies coming to take leave of our distinguished guest. Let us take
this last opportunity of gathering around him--round our prince--
and thanking him for coming! Let us cheer him with three times
three! (Cheers.)
LIND. Thank you, gentlemen! There is so little time left that I
must confine myself to merely bidding you all good-bye. (To MRS.
TJAELDE.) Good-bye, my dear madam! You should have heard how your
health was proposed and drunk just now. My warmest thanks for
your hospitality, and forgive me for the trouble I have caused you.
(To SIGNE.) Good-bye, Miss Signe. I am sorry time has not permitted
me to have the honour of becoming better acquainted with you; you
seem so full of spirit! But if, as you said, you are soon coming to
Christiania--
SIGNE. I shall then do myself the honour of calling upon your wife.
LIND. Thank you, thank you--you will be most welcome. (To VALBORG.)
Are you not feeling well, Miss Valborg?
VALBORG. Yes.
LIND. You look so serious. (As VALBORG does not reply, he continues
somewhat coldly:) Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (To HAMAR.) Good-bye,
Mr.--Mr.--
TJAELDE. Mr. Hamar.
LIND. Ah, the young man that talked to me about a horse--your
future son-in-law! Pray forgive me for not--
HAMAR. Don't mention it!
LIND. Good-bye!
HAMAR. A pleasant journey, sir!
LIND (coldly, to HOLM). Good-bye, Mr. Holm.
HOLM (imperturbably polite). I wish you a very pleasant journey,
Mr. Lind.
LIND (to PRAM). Good-bye, Mr. Pram.
PRAM (holds his hand, and seems as if he wanted to say something
but could not. At last he finds his voice). I want to thank you
for--for--I want to thank you for--for--
LIND. You are an excellent fellow!
PRAM (in a relieved voice). I am so glad to hear it! Thank you.
LIND (to KNUTZON). Good-bye, Mr.--
KNUTZON (hastily). Knutzon.
PRAM. With a "z."
LIND (to KNUDSEN). Good-bye, Mr.--
KNUDSEN. Knudsen, again.
PRAM. With an "s."
LIND (to FALBE). Mr--?
FALBE. Falbe.
LIND. Good-bye, Mr. Falbe! (To RING.) I am delighted to see you
looking so well, Mr. Ring.
RING (with a low bow). The same to you, sir!
LIND. Good-bye, Mr. Vicar!
The VICAR (holding his hand, impressively). Let me wish you good
luck and happiness, Mr. Lind--
LIND. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
The VICAR. --in your journey over the perilous seas to foreign
lands!
LIND. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
The VICAR. Let me wish you a safe return, Mr. Lind--
LIND. Thank you very much. (Tries to get away.)
The VICAR. --to our dear fatherland; a land, Mr. Lind, which
possesses in you--
LIND. You must excuse me, Mr. Vicar, but time presses.
The VICAR. Let me thank you for the pleasure of our meeting
to-day, Mr. Lind, for--
LIND. Indeed, there is no occasion! Good-bye! (To JAKOBSEN.)
Good-bye, Jakobsen, good-bye!
JAKOBSEN. Good-bye, Mr. Lind! I am only a common man, I know; but
that is no reason why I shouldn't wish you a pleasant journey too,
is it?
LIND. Certainly not, Jakobsen.--Good-bye, Mr. Finne! By the way--
just a word! (In an undertone.) You said that Mr. Berent--.
(Takes him aside.)
TJAELDE (to HAMAR). Now, remember the salute this time!--No, no,
no! Don't be in such a hurry! Wait till the boat puts off! You
want to make a mess of it again!
HAMAR. Well, if ever again I--!
TJAELDE (to LIND, who holds out his hand to him). Goodbye, Mr.
Lind! (In a low voice.) No one has so much reason to thank you
for your visit as I. You are the only one that can understand--.
LIND (a shade coldly). Don't mention it, Mr. Tjaelde! Good luck to
your business! (In warmer tones.) Good-bye everybody--and thank you
all for your kindness! (The footman, who has for some time been
holding out his hat to him, gives it him, and his coat to SANNAES.
LIND steps on board the boat.)
ALL. Good-bye, Mr. Lind, good-bye!
TJAELDE. One cheer more! (Cheers and a cannon salute are heard
together. The boat glides away. They all wave their handkerchiefs.
TJAELDE hurries into the room.) I have no handkerchief; that
blockhead has--. (Looks at VALBORG.) Why are you not waving?
VALBORG. Because I don't wish to. (TJAELDE looks at her, but says
nothing. He goes into the other room and comes back with a
table-napkin in each hand, and hurries on to the verandah.)
TJAELDE (waving and shouting). Good-bye! Good-bye!
SIGNE. Let us go out to the point and see the last of them!
ALL. Yes, yes! (All but TJAELDE and VALBORG hurry off to the
right.)
TJAELDE (coming into the room). I saw Berent coming! (VALBORG
goes out by the door on the right. TJAELDE comes forward, throws
the napkins on to a table and himself into a chair.) Oh--oh! But
this must be the last time.--I shan't need this sort of thing any
more! Never again! (Gets up wearily.) Ah, I had forgotten. Berent!
[The Curtain falls.]
[The interval between this scene and the next should be as short as
possible.]
Content of ACT II SCENE I [Bjornstjerne Bjornson's play/drama: The Bankrupt]
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