"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: "If I could be sure of not offending you I should like to speak to you about something that concerns yourself only--I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I have thought a good deal about it. Hm; it is about Irgens--You should not allow Aagot to go out so much. Miss Aagot walks a good deal with him lately. It would be all right if you were along; of course, it is perfectly right as it is--that she should take a walk occasionally, but--Well, don't be angry because I mention this." Ole looked at him with open mouth, then he burst out laughing. "But, friend Andreas, what do you mean? Since when did _you_ begin to look at people distrustfully?" Tidemand interrupted him brusquely. "I only want to tell you that I have never been in the habit of carrying gossip." Ole looked at him steadily. What could be the matter with Tidemand? His eyes had become cold and steely; he put down his glass hard. Gossip? Of course not. Tidemand did not carry gossip, but his mind must have become affected. "Well, you may be right if you mean that this kind of thing may lead to unpleasant comment, to gossip," Ole said finally. "I really have not given it a thought, but now you mention it--I will give Aagot a hint the first opportunity I have." Nothing further was said on the subject; the conversation swung back to Tidemand's affairs. How was it--did he still take his meals in restaurants?