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." "And why, pray?" asked Irgens stiffly. Milde stared at him, stared at the Attorney, and burst into a surprised laugh. "Listen to that, Grande! He asks why we need another head like Paulsberg's in this country!" "I do," said Irgens. But Grande did not laugh either, and Milde was unable to understand why his words failed to provoke mirth. He decided to pass it off; he began to speak about other things. "You said you struck a huckster for brandy; you have got brandy, then?" "As for me, I place Paulsberg so high that I consider him _alone_ able to do what is needed," said Irgens with thinly veiled sarcasm. This took Milde by surprise; he was not prepared to contradict Irgens; he nodded and said: "Certainly--exactly. I only thought it might accelerate matters to have a little assistance, so to speak--a brother in arms. But of course I agree with you." Outside the Grand Hotel they were fortunate enough to run across Tidemand, a huckster also, a wholesaler, a big business man, head of a large and well-known business house. "Have you dined?" called the Artist to him. "Lots of times!" countered Tidemand. "Now, no nonsense! Are you going to take me to dinner?" "May I be permitted to shake hands first?" It was finally arranged that they should take a run up to Irgens's rooms to sample the brandy, after which they were to return to the Grand for dinner. Tidemand and the Attorney walked ahead. "It is a good thing that we have these peddlers to fall back on," said Milde to Irgens. "They are useful after all." Irgens replied with a shrug of the shoulders which might mean anything. "And they never consider that they are being imposed upon," continued Milde. "On the contrary, they think they are highly favoured; it flatters them. Treat them familiarly, drink their health, that is sufficient. Ha, ha, ha! Isn't it true?" The Attorney had stopped; he was waiting. "While we remember it, we have got to make definite arrangements about that farewell celebration for Ojen," he said.