Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/136

 Hovstad.

Pretend to be busy, Aslaksen.

[He sits down and writes. Aslaksen turns over a heap of newspapers on a chair, right.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Entering from the composing-room.] Here I am, back again. [Puts down his hat and stick.]

Hovstad.

[Writing.] Already, Doctor? Make haste with what we were speaking of, Aslaksen. We've no time to lose to-day.

Dr. Stockmann. [To Aslaksen.] No proof yet, I hear.

Aslaksen.

[Without turning round.] No; how could you expect it?

Dr. Stockmann.

Of course not; but you understand my impatience. I can have no rest or peace until I see the thing in print.

Hovstad.

H'm; it will take a good while yet. Don't you think so, Aslaksen?

Aslaksen. I'm afraid it will.

Dr. Stockmann.

All right, all right, my good friend; then I shall look in again. I'll look in twice if necessary. With so much at stake—the welfare of the whole