Berent. I am delighted to hear it. Then you will not misunderstand me if I ask you also to prepare a balance-sheet which shall show the actual position of your firm.
Tjaelde. With the greatest pleasure, if by doing so I can assist the general welfare.
Berent. I assure you, you can. It is by such means that public confidence is strengthened.
Tjaelde. When do you want the balance-sheet? Of course, it can only be a summary one.
Berent. Naturally. I will give myself the pleasure of calling for it.
Tjaelde. By no means. I can let you have it at once, if you like. I am in the habit of frequently drawing up summary balance-sheets of that kind—as prices rise and fall, you know.
Berent. Indeed? (Smiles.) You know, of course, what they say of swindlers—that they draw up three balance-sheets everyday, and all different! But you are teaching me, apparently—
Tjaelde (laughing).—that others too, may have that bad habit!—though I haven't actually got as far as three a day!
Berent. Of course I was only joking. (Gets up.)
Tjaelde (getting up). Of course. I will send it to the hotel in an hour's time; for I suppose you are staying in our only so-called hotel! Would you not care, for the rest of your stay, to move your things over here and make yourself at home in a couple of empty spare rooms that I have?