HARALD helps her to move the table.)
Evje (to his wife). Don't let Ingeborg hear. Come along, we will go
into my room.
Mrs. Evje. You forget, all the windows are open there. I have had
the fire lit here, so that we could stay here.
Evje. Very well--then we will sit here. (Sits down by the fire.)
Will you have a cigar?
Harald. No, thanks. (INGEBORG goes out.)
Evje (taking a cigar and lighting it). As my wife said just now--
couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald? You, who have
both talent and means, need not be at a loss for a vocation in
life.
Harald (sitting down on the sofa). If I have any talent, it is for
politics--and so I intend to devote my means to that.
Evje. What do you propose to gain by it?
Harald. What any one who believes in a cause hopes to gain--that
is to say, to help it on.
Evje. And to become a cabinet minister?
Harald. I certainly can't do that any other way; well, I admit--
that _is_ my idea.
Evje. You will not be elected now.
Harald. That we shall see.
Evje. But suppose you are not re-elected to-morrow?
Harald. Then I must find some other way.
Evje. Always with the same object?
Harald. Always with the same object. (EVJE sighs.)
Mrs. Evje (who has taken her sewing and sat down by the fire).
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