"Does he? A little peculiarity. One must pardon such men a few oddities."
"But I notice that they treat each other with the greatest respect," Coldevin continued. "They talk about everything; they make excellent speeches on every subject imaginable."
"Don't they, though? It is wonderful to listen to them, I must say."
"But how are you getting on—in the business, I mean?"
"Oh, we take one day at a time. We have just turned a little trick in Brazil which I hope will prove satisfactory. I remember, you are interested in business matters. When you come down tomorrow I will take you around and show you how we do it. We will all go—you and Aagot and myself—we three old friends."
"I thought I heard my name?" said Aagot merrily and joined them. "Yes, I did; don't try to fool me, Ole. It seems to me it is my turn to speak a little with Coldevin; you have had him to yourself long enough, Ole."
And she took Ole's chair and sat down.
"The letters from home are full of questions about you. Mamma asked me to see that you were comfortable at your hotel."
Coldevin's lips quivered again, and he said, with his eyes on the floor:
"How can you bother with such things now? Don't worry about me; I am very comfortable. I hope you are enjoying yourself? Though I hardly need to ask you that."