not known those bad days we should never have known
this happy one! (He gives her a grip of the hand.)

Tjaelde (to BERENT). Allow me to present to you my daughter Valborg's
fiance--Mr. Sannaes.

Berent. I congratulate you on your choice, Miss Valborg--and I
congratulate the whole family on such a son-in-law.

Valborg (triumphantly). There, Sannaes!

Jakobsen. May I too, though I am only a stupid sort of chap, say that
this lad has been in love with you ever since he was in his teens--he
hardly could be sooner than that. But I can tell you, honestly, I should
never have credited you with having so much sense as to take him. (All
laugh.)

Mrs. Tjaelde. Signe is whispering to me that our dinner is getting cold.

Signe. May I take my mother's place and ask you to take me in to dinner,
Mr. Berent?

Berent (offering her his arm). I am honoured!--But our bridal pair must
go first!

Valborg. Sannaes--?

Sannaes (whispers, as he gives her his arm). To think that I have you
on my arm! (They go into the house, followed by BERENT and SIGNE, and by
JAKOBSEN.)

Tjaelde (bending over his wife, as he prepares to wheel her chair in).
My dear, God has blessed our house now!

Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear man!

Curtain.

THE KING

A PLAY IN A PROLOGUE AND FOUR ACTS

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

The KING.
HARALD GRAN, a rich manufacturer.
KOLL, Chief Magistrate of the district.
FLINK.
CLARA ERNST.
The PRINCESS.
BARONESS MARC.
ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl.
FALBE.
The MAYOR.
NATHALIE, his daughter.
ALSTAD.
VILHELM, his son.
The PARISH PRIEST.
BANG, a rich trader.
VINAeGER.
COUNT PLATEN.
The GENERAL.
MATILDE.
A Ballad Singer.
A Young Beggar.
A Servant of the King's.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Masked Dancers,
Work-people,
Farmers, etc.

PROLOGUE

(SCENE.--A large gothic hall, brilliantly illuminated, in which a masked
ball is taking place. At the rise of the curtain a ballet is being
performed in the centre of the hall. Masked dancers are grouped around,
watching it. Two of them, women, are conversing on the right of the
stage.)

First Mask. Have you heard that the King is to be here to-night?

Second Mask. Yes, and since I heard it I have been imagining I saw him
everywhere.

First Mask (pointing). That is not he, is it?

Second Mask. He is taller than that.

First Mask. T