Tjaelde. No money in the safe! A big business like this, and nothing in the safe on settling day! What kind of management is that, I should like to know? Must I teach you the A B C of business over and over again? One can never take a half day off, or hand over the control! of the tiniest part of the business--! I have no one, absolutely no one, that I can rely on! How have you let things get into such a state? Sannaes. Well, there was a third bill, which expired to-day--Holm and Co., for L400. I had relied upon the bank, unfortunately--so there was nothing for it but to empty the safe--here and at the brewery as well. Tjaelde (walking about restlessly). Hm--hm--hm!--Now, who can have put that into Holst's head?--Very well, that will do. (Dismisses SANNAES, who goes out but comes back immediately.) Sannaes (whispering). Here is Mr. Berent! Tjaelde (surprised). Coming here? Sannaes. He is just coming up the steps! (Goes out by the further door on the right.) Tjaelde. (calls after him in a whisper). Send up some wine and cakes!--It is just as I suspected! (Catches sight of himself in a mirror.) Good Lord, how bad I look! (Turns away painfully from the mirror; looks in it again, forces a smile to his face, and so, smiling, goes towards the verandah, where BERENT is seen coming in slowly from the left.) Tjaelde (greeting BERENT politely but with reserve). I feel honoured at receiving a visit from so distinguished a man. Berent. Mr. Tjaelde, I believe? Tjaelde. At your service! My eldest daughter has just been telling me that she had seen you walking about my property. Berent. Yes; an extensive property--and an extensive business. Tjaelde. Too extensive, Mr. Berent. Too many-sided. But one thing has led to another. Pray sit down. Berent. Thank you; it is very warm to-day. (A maid brings in cakes and wine, and puts them on the table.) Tjaelde. Let me give you a glass of wine? Berent. No, thank you. Tjaelde. Or something to eat? Berent. Nothing, thank you. Tjaelde (taking out his cigar-case). May I offer you a cigar? I can answer for their quality. Berent. I am very fond of a good cigar. But for the moment I will not take anything, thank you! (A pause. TJAELDE takes a seat.) Tjaelde (in a quiet, confidential voice). Have you been long here, Mr. Berent? Berent. Only a day or two. You have been away, have you not? Tjaelde. Yes--that unhappy affair of Mr. Moeller's. A meeting of creditors after the sale. Berent. Times are hard just now. Tjaelde. Extraordinarily so! Berent. Do you think that Moeller's failure will bring down any more firms with it-besides those we know of already, I mean? Tjaelde. I don't think so. His--his misfortune was an exceptional case in every respect. Berent. It has made the banks a little nervous, I hear. Tjaelde. I dare say. Berent. Of course you know the state of affairs here better than any one. Tjaelde. (with a smile). I am very much indebted to you for your flattering confidence in me.