And Paulsberg went. It was his wont to go when he said he would.
But after Paulsberg's departure it seemed as if they might as well all go; there was no reason to remain now. The Actor saluted and disappeared; he hurried off in order to catch up with Paulsberg. The Painter threw his ulster around himself without buttoning it, drew up his shoulders, and said:
"I feel rotten! If a fellow could only afford a little dinner!"
"You must try and strike a huckster," said Irgens. "I struck one for a brandy this morning."
"I am wondering what Paulsberg really meant by that remark," said the Attorney. "'Your communication shall be Yea, yea, and Nay, nay'; it is evident it had a deeper meaning."
"Yes, very evident," said Milde. "Did you notice, he laughed when he said it; something must have amused him."
Pause.
A crowd of promenaders were sauntering continually up and down the street, back and forth, laughing and talking.
Milde continued:
"I have often wished that we had just one more head like Paulsberg's here in Norway."