’It appears to me that there is something lacking in this discussion—­something that I would call the ethical aspect of the question.  Is it not a fact that in the hearts of all who sit here there is a clear, definite sense of the revolting nature of the crime we call theft?’

These words were received with general and hearty applause.

’And I think it does very great violence to our feelings to hear Dr. Hansen minimising a crime that is distinctly mentioned in Divine and human law as one of the worst—­to hear him reduce it to the size of a trifling and insignificant misdemeanour.  Is not this highly demoralizing and dangerous to Society?’

‘Permit me, too,’ promptly replied the indefatigable Hansen, ’to present an ethical aspect of the question.  Is it not a fact that in the hearts of innumerable persons who do not sit here there is a clear, definite sense of the revolting nature of the crime they call wealth?  And must it not greatly outrage the feelings of those who do not themselves possess any coal except an empty bag, to see a man who permits himself to own two or three hundred thousand sacks letting wild beasts loose to guard his coal mountain, and then going to bed after having written on the gate:  “Watch-dogs unfastened at dusk”?  Is not that very provoking and very dangerous to Society?’

‘Oh, good God and Father!  He is a regular sans-culotte!’ cried old grandmother.

The majority gave vent to mutterings of displeasure; he was going too far; it was no longer amusing.  Only a few still laughingly exclaimed:  ’He does not mean a word of what he says; it is only his way.  Good health, Hansen!’

But the host took the matter more seriously.  He thought of himself, and he thought of Trofast.  With ominous politeness, he began: 

’May I venture to ask what you understand by a reasonable relation between a crime and its punishment?’

‘For example,’ replied Dr. Viggo Hansen, who was now thoroughly roused, ’if I heard that a merchant possessing two or three hundred thousand sacks of coal had refused to allow a poor creature to fill his bag, and that this same merchant, as a punishment, had been torn to pieces by wild beasts, then that would be something that I could very easily understand, for between such heartlessness and so horrible a punishment there is a reasonable relation.’

’Ladies and gentlemen, my wife and I beg you to make yourselves at home, and welcome.’

There was a secret whispering and muttering, and a depressed feeling among the guests, as they dispersed themselves through the salons.

The host walked about with a forced smile on his lips, and, as soon as he had welcomed every one individually, he went in search of Hansen, in order to definitely show him the door once for all.

But this was not necessary.  Dr. Viggo Hansen had already found it.

     III.

There had really been some snow, as the merchant had stated.  Although it was so early in the winter, a little wet snow fell towards morning for several days in succession, but it turned into fine rain when the sun rose.