engagement came about, we have scarcely had a moment's peace
here.

Evje. No, no, that is not the case! We must be reasonable. At first,
when Mr. Rejn had a fine future before him, when people vied
with one another to catch him, then the engagement was an honour
to us as well as to our daughter. But from the moment he took up these
wretched politics--that is to say, from the time his brother fell ill--
well, he can see for himself what the result has been to us!

Mrs. Evje. And he certainly must admit that it is not what we
have deserved; indeed it is more than a respected and well-bred
family can put up with.

Harald. I quite agree that it is more than a respected and
well-bred family _ought_ to put up with.

Mrs. Evje. Oh, so _you_ feel that too?

Harald. Certainly. And the only excuse I can see is that there are
many more in the same case. It is only in that way that such
things become possible.

Evje. I do not understand. Many more like--?--like whom?

Harald. Like you!

Mrs. Evje. In what respect?

Harald. I will explain. Most of the successful politicians