r?

Peter Stockmann (fumbling in his pocket). Yes, I brought it with me in
case you should--

Aslaksen. Good Lord, there he is!

Peter Stockmann. Who? My brother?

Hovstad. Where? Where?

Aslaksen. He has just gone through the printing room.

Peter Stockmann. How unlucky! I don't want to meet him here, and I had
still several things to speak to you about.

Hovstad (pointing to the door on the right). Go in there for the
present.

Peter Stockmann. But--?

Hovstad. You will only find Billing in there.

Aslaksen. Quick, quick, Mr. Mayor--he is just coming.

Peter Stockmann. Yes, very well; but see that you get rid of him
quickly. (Goes out through the door on the right, which ASLAKSEN opens
for him and shuts after him.)

Hovstad. Pretend to be doing something, Aslaksen. (Sits down and
writes. ASLAKSEN begins foraging among a heap of newspapers that are
lying on a chair.)

Dr. Stockmann (coming in from the printing room). Here I am again.
(Puts down his hat and stick.)

Hovstad (writing). Already, Doctor? Hurry up with what we were speaking
about, Aslaksen. We are very pressed for time today.

Dr. Stockmann (to ASLAKSEN). No proof for me to see yet, I hear.

Aslaksen (without turning round). You couldn't expect it yet, Doctor.

Dr. Stockmann. No, no; but I am impatient, as you can understand. I
shall not know a moment's peace of mind until I see it in print.

Hovstad. Hm!--It will take a good while yet, won't it, Aslaksen?

Aslaksen. Yes, I am almost afraid it will.

Dr. Stockmann. All right, my dear friends; I will come back. I do not
mind coming back twice if necessary. A matter of such great
importance--the welfare of the town at stake--it is no time to shirk
trouble, (is just going, but stops and comes back.) Look here--there is
one thing more I want to speak to you about.

Hovstad. Excuse me, but could it not wait till some other time?

Dr. Stockmann. I can tell you in half a dozen words. It is only this.
When my article is read tomorrow and it is realised that I have been
quietly working the whole winter for the welfare of the town--

Hovstad. Yes but, Doctor--

Dr. Stockmann. I know what you are going to say. You don't see how on
earth it was any more than my duty--my obvious duty as a citizen. Of
course it wasn't; I know that as well as you. But my fellow citizens,
you know--! Good Lord, think of all the good souls who think so highly
of me--!

Aslaksen. Yes, our townsfolk have had a