At the same time it was obvious that our
house was finding it difficult to meet its obligations. What was
more natural than that scandal-mongers should find some
connection between these two rumours? And as the woman remained
here, living in poverty, people declared that he had taken the
money with him to America; and every time rumour mentioned the
sum, it grew larger.
Lona: And you, Karsten--?
Bernick: I grasped at the rumour like a drowning man at a straw.
Lona: You helped to spread it?
Bernick: I did not contradict it. Our creditors had begun to be
pressing, and I had the task of keeping them quiet. The result
was the dissipating of any suspicion as to the stability of the
firm; people said that we had been hit by a temporary piece of
ill-luck--that all that was necessary was that they should not
press us--only give us time and every creditor would be paid in
full.
Lona: And every creditor was paid in full?
Bernick: Yes, Lona, that rumour saved our house and made me the
man I now am.
Lona: That is to say, a lie has made you the man you now are.
Bernick: Whom did it injure at the time? It was Johan's intention
never to come back.
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