Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/195

 Dr. Stockmann. Have you anything else in particular to say to me?

Burgomaster.

[Producing a large letter.] I have this document for you from the Directors of the Baths.

Dr. Stockmann. My dismissal?

Burgomaster.

Yes; dated from to-day. [Places the letter on the table.] We are very sorry—but frankly, we dared not do otherwise, on account of public opinion.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Smiling.] Dared not? I've heard that phrase already to-day.

Burgomaster.

I beg you to realise your position clearly. For the future, you cannot count upon any sort of practice in the town.

Dr. Stockmann.

Devil take the practice! But how can you be so sure of that?

Burgomaster.

The House-owners' Association is sending round a circular from house to house, in which all well-disposed citizens are called upon not to employ you; and I dare swear that not a single head of a family will venture to refuse his signature; he simply dare not.

Dr. Stockmann. Well well; I don't doubt that. But what then?