Yes, for my part, I cannot but regard it as a special guidance that sent me up country on business this spring, and led me by chance into a valley where I had never been before. It struck me like a flash of lightning that here was the very track for a branch line. I at once sent an engineer to inspect it; I have here the provisional calculations and estimates; nothing now stands in our way.
Mrs. Bernick.
[Still standing, along with the other ladies, at the garden door.] But, my dear Karsten, why have you kept all this so secret?
Bernick.
Oh, my good Betty, you would not have seen the situation in its true light. Besides, I have spoken of it to no living creature until to-day. But now the decisive moment has come; now we must go to work openly, and with all our might. Ay, if I have to risk all I possess in the affair, I am determined to see it through.
Rummel.
So are we, Bernick; you may rely on us.
Rörlund.
Do you really expect such great results from this undertaking, gentlemen?
Bernick.