Berent. No, thank you.
Tjaelde. Or something to eat?
Berent. Nothing, thank you.
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. Times are hard just now.
Tjaelde. Extraordinarily so!