k we will reduce
the L16,500 to L10,000.

Tjaelde. To L10,000! (Laughs.) As you please.

Berent. Calculating by the same standard, we can scarcely put down the
Stav forest at more than L4000.

Tjaelde. Allow me to say that, if that is the way you are going to make
your valuation, everybody in the place will have to go bankrupt!

Berent (with a smile). We will risk that. You have put down your wharf
and its contents at L12,000.

Tjaelde. Including two ships in course of construction--

Berent.--for which it would be difficult to find a purchaser, as they
are so far from completion.

Tjaelde. Indeed?

Berent. So I think we cannot put down the wharf and its contents at a
higher figure than L8,000--and I believe even that will turn out to be
too high.

Tjaelde. If you can find me another wharf as well stocked, and with the
advantages that this one has, I will buy it whenever you like for L8000;
I am certain I should be more than L4000 to the good over the bargain.

Berent. May I go on?

Tjaelde. If you like! I even feel a certain curiosity to view my
possessions under such an entirely new light.

Berent. As a matter of fact the items that are too highly valued are
just those that comprise this property that you live on--its land, its
gardens, its dwelling houses, warehouses, and quays-not to mention the
brewery and the factory, which I shall come to later. Even regarded as
business premises they seem to me to be over-valued.

Tjaelde. Well?

Berent, Moreover, the luxurious appointments of this house of yours,
which would very probably be superfluous for any one else, cannot
possibly be counted upon to realise their full value in a sale.
Suppose--as is indeed most likely--that it were a countryman that bought
the place?

Tjaelde. You are reckoning me as turned out of it already, then!

Berent. I am obliged to base all my calculations on what the property
would fetch if sold now.

Tjaelde (getting up). What may you happen to value it at then?

Berent. At less than half your valuation; that is to say at--

Tjaelde. You must really forgive me if I use an expression which has
been on the tip of my tongue for some time: this is scandalous! You
force yourself into a man's house, and then, under pretext of asking for
his opinion, you practically--on paper--rob him of his possessions!

Berent. I don't understand you. I am trying to arrive at a basis for
values hereabouts; and you said yourself, did you not,