I was in love.

FALK.
Is that time over, then?
Have you slept off the sweet intoxication?

STIVER.
I'm now engaged--I hold official station--
That's better than in love, I apprehend!

FALK.
Quite so! You're in the right my good old friend.
The worst is past--_vous voila bien avance_--
Promoted from mere lover to _fiance_.

STIVER [with a smile of complacent recollection].
It's strange to think of it--upon my word,
I half suspect my memory of lying--
[Turns to FALK.
But seven years ago--it sounds absurd!--
I wasted office hours in versifying.

FALK.
What! Office hours--!

STIVER.
Yes, such were my transgressions.

GULDSTAD [ringing on his glass].
Silence for our solicitor's confessions!