Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/138

 Dr. Stockmann.

Aha! I thought there was something brewing! But I won't hear of it. If they are getting up anything of that sort

Hovstad. Of what sort?

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, anything of any sort—a procession with banners, or a banquet, or a subscription for a testimonial, or whatever it may be—you must give me your solemn promise to put a stop to it. And you too, Mr. Aslaksen; do you hear?

Hovstad.

Excuse me, Doctor; we may as well tell you the whole truth first as last

Mrs. Stockmann enters from the back, left

Mrs. Stockmann. [Seeing the Doctor.] Ah! just as I thought

Hovstad. [Going towards her.] Mrs. Stockmann, too?

Dr. Stockmann. What the devil do you want here, Katrina?

Mrs. Stockmann. You know very well what I want

Hovstad. Won't you sit down? Or perhaps

Mrs. Stockmann. Thanks, please don't trouble. And you must