Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/249

 Aslaksen.

[Alarmed.] I, Doctor? I'm as innocent as the babe unborn!

Fieldbo.

What about that letter, then?

Aslaksen.

It wasn't my fault, I tell you! It was the election and Bastian Monsen, and chance, and destiny, and Madam Rundholmen's punch—there was no lemon in it—and there was I, with the whole responsibility of the press upon me

The Chamberlain.

[Approaching.] What? What's that?

Aslaksen.

The press, sir!

The Chamberlain.

The press! That's just it! Haven't I always said that the press has marvellous influence in these days?

Aslaksen.

Oh, Chamberlain

The Chamberlain.

No false modesty, Mr. Aslaksen! I haven't hitherto been in the habit of reading your paper, but henceforth I will. I shall subscribe for ten copies.

Aslaksen.

Oh, you can have twenty, Chamberlain!

The Chamberlain.

Very well, then; let me have twenty. And if you need money, come to me; I mean to support