[Exit Montanus followed by Jacob bearing the cloak.]
SCENE 4
JEPPE. Haven't we cause to be pleased with a son like that, Nille?
NILLE. Yes, indeed, not a penny has been wasted on him.
JEPPE. We shall hear to-day what the deacon is good for. But I am afraid that he won't come if he hears that Rasmus Berg is here,—there is no need of our letting him know that. We will write the bailiff, too; he is glad enough to come, for he likes our ale.
NILLE. It is very dangerous, husband, to treat the bailiff; a man like that mustn't find out how our affairs stand.
JEPPE. He is welcome to know. Every man here in the village is aware that we are well-to-do folks. As long as we pay our taxes and land rent, the bailiff can't touch a hair of our head.
NILLE. Oh, dear husband, I wonder if it is too late to let our Jacob get an education. Just think, if he could be a learned lad like his brother, what a joy it would be for his old parents!
JEPPE. No, wife, one is enough; we must have one at home who can give us a hand and do our work.
NILLE. Oh, at such work as that a man cannot do more than live from hand to mouth. Rasmus Berg, who is a scholar, can do our family more good, with his brain, in an hour than the other in a year.