Tjaelde (greeting BERENT politely but with reserve). I feel honoured at receiving a visit from so distinguished a man.
Tjaelde. At your service! My eldest daughter has just been telling me that she had seen you walking about my property.
Berent. Yes; an extensive property--and an extensive business.
Tjaelde. Too extensive, Mr. Berent. Too many-sided. But one thing has led to another. Pray sit down.
Berent. Thank you; it is very warm to-day. (A maid brings in cakes and wine, and puts them on the table.)
Tjaelde. Let me give you a glass of wine?
Tjaelde (taking out his cigar-case). May I offer you a cigar? I can answer for their quality.
Berent. I am very fond of a good cigar. But for the moment I will not take anything, thank you! (A pause. TJAELDE takes a seat.)
Tjaelde (in a quiet, confidential voice). Have you been long here, Mr. Berent?
Berent. Only a day or two. You have been away, have you not?
Tjaelde. Yes--that unhappy affair of Mr. Möller's. A meeting of creditors after the sale.
Berent. Do you think that Möller's failure will bring down any more firms with it-besides those we know of already, I mean?
Tjaelde. I don't think so. His--his misfortune was an exceptional case in every respect.
Berent. It has made the banks a little nervous, I hear.
Berent. Of course you know the state of affairs here better than any one.
Tjaelde. (with a smile). I am very much indebted to you for your flattering confidence in me.
Berent. I suppose all this might have a bad effect upon the export trade of this part of the country?
Tjaelde. Yes--it is really hard to tell; but the important thing certainly is to keep every one on their legs.
Berent. As a general rule a crisis of this sort shows up the unsound elements in a commercial community.
Tjaelde (with a smile). And for that reason this crisis should be allowed to take its natural course, you mean?
Tjaelde. Hm!--In some places it is possible that the dividing line between the sound firms and the unsound may not be very distinct.
Berent. Can there really be any danger of such a thing here?
Tjaelde. Well--you are expecting too much of my knowledge of affairs; but I should be inclined to think that there may. (A pause.)
Berent. I have been instructed by the banks to prepare an opinion upon the situation--a fact which I have, so far, only confided to you.