“Well, two or three thousand barrels would be better.”
“Two or three thousand!” said Fruen. “Only fancy!”
“But when I don’t make big enough hauls myself, I can always buy from others. There was a boat from the outlying parts made a good haul yesterday; I bought it up on the spot. I’m going to load every vessel I’ve got with herring.”
“It’s a big business this of yours,” said the priest.
Mack admitted that it was getting on that way. It was an old-established business when he came into it, he said, but he had worked it up, and extended its operations. For the sake of the children, he felt he must.
“But, heavens, how many factories and stores and things have you altogether?” asked Fruen enthusiastically.
Mack laughed, and said, “Really, Frue, I couldn’t say offhand, without counting.”
But Mack forgot his troubles and annoyances for a little as he sat talking; he was by no means displeased at being asked about his numerous factories and stores.
“You’ve a bakery at Rosengaard,” said Fruen, thinking all at once of her housekeeping. “I wish we lived nearer. We can’t make nice bread, somehow, at home here.”
“There’s a baker at the Lensmandsgaard.”