Berent. Is your position such, then, that you are afraid?
Tjaelde. The question is not my position, but your behaviour!
Berent. I think we had better keep to the point. You have put down the Brewery at—
Tjaelde. No; your conduct is so absolutely underhanded that, as an honest man, I must refuse all further dealing with you. I am, as I said before, accustomed to have to deal with gentlemen.
Berent. I think you misunderstand the situation. Your indebtedness to the banks is so considerable that a settlement of it may reasonably be required of you. But to effect that you must work with us in the matter.
Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). Very well! But, no more details—let me know your conclusions, briefly.
Berent. My conclusions, briefly, are that you have estimated your assets at £90,800. I estimate them at £40,600.
Tjaelde (quietly). That is to say, you make me out to have a deficit of about £30,000?
Berent. As to that, I must point out that your estimate of your liabilities does not agree with mine, either.
Tjaelde (quietly). Oh, of course not!