Tjaelde (rapping on a glass). Gentlemen! (There is a sudden silence, except for the sound of the voices of FALBE and JAKOBSEN, who are hushed down by the others.) Gentlemen! I am sorry dinner has occupied such a long time.
All (unanimously). No, no!
Tjaelde. Our distinguished guest has, unfortunately, to leave us in half an hour, so I should like to take the opportunity of saying a few words. Gentlemen, we have a prince among us to-day. I say a prince, because if it is true that it is the financiers that rule the world—and it is true, gentlemen—
Pram (who is standing well forward, supporting himself by the edge of the table, says solemnly:) Yes.
Tjaelde.—then our friend here is a prince! There is not a single important undertaking that he has not initiated, or at any rate backed with his name.
Pram (lifting his glass). Mr. Lind, may I have the honour—?
Voices. Sh! Sh!
Tjaelde. Yes, gentlemen, his name backs every enterprise. It would be impossible to carry one through that had not his backing.
Pram (solemnly). His backing.
Tjaelde. Am I not right, then, in describing him as a prince?