Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/143

 dismissal; but now I dismiss you—dismiss you from all your offices of trust—. You think I can't do it?—Oh, yes, I can! I have the irresistible forces of society on my side. Hovstad and Billing will thunder in the People's Messenger, and Aslaksen will take the field at the head of the House-owners' Association

Aslaksen.

No, Doctor, I shall not.

Dr. Stockmann. Why, of course you will

Burgomaster.

Aha! Perhaps Mr. Hovstad would like to join the agitation after all?

Hovstad. No, Burgomaster.

Aslaksen.

No, Mr. Hovstad isn't such a fool as to ruin both himself and the paper for the sake of a delusion.

Dr. Stockmann. [Looking about him.] What does all this mean?

Hovstad.

You have presented your case in a false light, Doctor; therefore I am unable to give you my support.

Billing.

And after what the Burgomaster has been so kind as to explain to me, I

Dr. Stockmann. In a false light! Well, I am responsible for that.