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The two friends were no longer children; they treated each other with the greatest courtesy and were sincerely fond of each other. Ole got hold of Tidemand's hat and cane, which he put away, at the same time pointing his friend to a seat on the little sofa. "What may I offer you?" he asked. "Thanks nothing," said Tidemand. "I have just had my dinner at the Grand."
He wondered a little over Tidemand's remark about boat-rides being dangerous; Tidemand had given the remark a subtle meaning, and Ole had looked at him interrogatingly. Ole found Aagot in her own room; she was reading. When he entered she threw down her book and ran to him. She was well again, entirely well just feel the pulse, not a trace of fever! How she looked forward to Sunday!
And Tidemand rose quickly and said good-bye; he was going to the bank and had to hurry. Ole remained lost in contemplation; Tidemand's fate had made him thoughtful. What had become of Aagot? She had promised to be back in an hour, and it was much more than two hours since she had left. Of course, it was all right to take a walk, but.... Tidemand was right.
Tidemand's tar steamer was ready to weigh anchor. He had come down himself to see it off. Hanka was with him; they stood there quietly arm in arm. They glanced at each other every few moments with eyes that were filled with youth and happiness; the harbour saluted them with a swirl of flags.
But Ole Henriksen declared that he was going home; he was thinking of Tidemand, who was in need of rest and quiet. They parted outside Tidemand's house. Mrs. Hanka asked abruptly, before even the door was opened: "Will you please let me have a hundred or so?" "A hundred? Hm. Certainly. But you will have to come with me to the office; I haven't got the money here."
Nobody could predict to what heights it would climb. Tidemand's business with Ole was a proposition that the two friends and colleagues join in a speculation in American rye while there still was time. They were to join forces and import a mass of rye that should materially assist in keeping the country fed during the coming year.
Take another glass; do me the favour " Tidemand's eyes had suddenly become clear and sharp. He got up, made a few turns across the floor, and went back to the sofa. "I am not at all surprised that people are talking," he said. "I myself have done what I could to start the gossip; I know that only too well. But I have ceased to care about anything any more."
Nobody should say that he collected souvenirs of her. He closed the office as usual and went out. The street lamps were burning brightly; the evening was calm. He saw a light in Tidemand's office and started to go in; but he paused on the stairs and reflected. Tidemand might be busy; he had better go on. Hour after hour passed by; he wandered around as in a stupor. How tired and weary he was!
Now, for instance, we shall get to Christiania at three; what would you like to see this afternoon?" "Oscarshall," said Helga, "and Tidemand's pictures is what I long to see; but we had best go there to-morrow. We can take a walk this afternoon." "And come back to dinner and go to the theatre?" added John.
The telegram was from Tidemand's agent in Archangel. Ole Henriksen immediately grasped the situation: on account of the Russian crop failure, in connection with the already low supplies, Russia was preparing to prohibit all grain exports. Hard times were coming. Norway, too, would feel the pressure, and grain would soar to incredible prices.
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