New Hampshire Services reported $$2\mathrm{.}3$ million of retained earnings on its $1997$ balance sheet. In $1998,$ the company lost money; its net income was $-$$$500,000($negative $$500,000).$ Despite the loss, the company still paid a $$1\mathrm{.}00$ per share dividend. The company's earnings per share for $1998$ were $-$$$2\mathrm{.}50($negative $$2\mathrm{.}50).$ What was the level of retained earnings on the company's $1998$ balance sheet?