Ole signed the papers and said:
"How are things coming out?"
"Oh, about as usual. One day at a time, you know."
"Your wife hasn't moved as yet?"
"Not yet—no. I imagine she has a hard time finding a suitable apartment.
Well, that is her lookout. What I want to say—how is Miss Aagot?"
"All right, I guess; she is out walking. Irgens called for her."
Pause.
Ole said: "You still have all your help?"
"Well, you see, I couldn't fire them all in a minute; they have to have time to look around for something else. But they are leaving soon; I am only going to keep one man in the office."
They discussed business matters for a while. Tidemand had ground up a large quantity of his grain in order to accelerate the sales; he sold and lost, but he raised money. There was no longer any danger of a receivership. He had also a little idea, a plan which had begun to ferment in his brain; but he would rather not mention it until it had been developed a little more fully. One did not stand knee-deep in schemes day in and day out without occasionally stumbling over an idea. Suddenly he said: