Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/226

 Jensen.

Is he one of the office people?

Pettersen.

No, he's only an outside hand that does odd jobs of copying. But he's been a tip-topper in his day, has old Ekdal.

Jensen.

You can see he's been through a lot.

Pettersen.

Yes; he was an army officer, you know.

Jensen.

You don't say so?

Pettersen.

No mistake about it. But then he went into the timber trade or something of the sort. They say he once played Mr. Werle a very nasty trick. They were partners in the Höidal works at the time. Oh, I know old Ekdal well, I do. Many a nip of bitters and bottle of ale we two have drunk at Madam Eriksen's.

Jensen.

He don't look as if he'd much to stand treat with.

Pettersen.

Why, bless you, Jensen, it's me that stands treat. I always think there's no harm in being a bit civil to folks that have seen better days.

Jensen.

Did he go bankrupt then?