STENSGÅRD. Is there any truth in all this gossip? LUNDESTAD. You showed me a bill; I thought I saw young Mr. Bratsberg’s name upon it? STENSGÅRD. The Chamberlain’s too. LUNDESTAD. And you asked me if it was good? STENSGÅRD. Yes; just look at it. LUNDESTAD. It’s perhaps not so good as it might be. STENSGÅRD. You see it then? LUNDESTAD. What? STENSGÅRD. That it is a forgery. LUNDESTAD. A forgery? Forged bills are often the safest; people redeem them first. STENSGÅRD. But what do you think? Isn’t it a forgery? LUNDESTAD. I don’t much like the look of it. STENSGÅRD. How so? LUNDESTAD. I’m afraid there are too many of these about, Mr. Stensgård. STENSGÅRD. What! It’s not possible that——? LUNDESTAD. If young Mr. Bratsberg slips off the string, those nearest him are only too likely to follow. STENSGÅRD. [_Seizes his arm._] What do you mean by those nearest him? LUNDESTAD. Who can be nearer than father and son? STENSGÅRD. Why, good God——! LUNDESTAD. Remember, I say nothing! It was Daniel Heire that was talking of failure and bankruptcy and—— STENSGÅRD. This is a thunderbolt to me. LUNDESTAD. Oh, many a man that seemed solid enough has gone to the wall before now. Perhaps he’s too good-natured; goes and backs bills; ready money isn’t always to be had; property has to be sold for an old song—— STENSGÅRD. And of course this falls on—falls on the children as well. LUNDESTAD. Yes, I’m heartily grieved for Miss Bratsberg. She didn’t get much from her mother; and heaven knows if even the little she has is secured. STENSGÅRD. Oh, now I understand Fieldbo’s advice! He’s a true friend, after all. LUNDESTAD. What did Doctor Fieldbo say? STENSGÅRD. He was too loyal to say anything, but I understand him all the same. And now I understand you too, Mr. Lundestad. LUNDESTAD. Have you not understood me before? STENSGÅRD. Not thoroughly. I forgot the proverb about the rats and the sinking ship. LUNDESTAD.