Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/207

 Hovstad.

Call it what you will; but we could not act otherwise.

Dr. Stockmann.

You dared not, I suppose? Isn't that so?

Hovstad. Yes, if you like to put it so.

Aslaksen.

But why didn't you just say a word to us beforehand? The merest hint to Mr. Hovstad or to me

Dr. Stockmann.

A hint? What about?

Aslaksen.

About what was really behind it all.

Dr. Stockmann. I don't in the least understand you?

Aslaksen.

[Nods confidentially.] Oh yes, you do, Dr. Stockmann.

Hovstad.

It's no good making a mystery of it any longer.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Looking from one to the other.] Why, what in the devil's name!

Aslaksen.

May I ask—isn't your father-in-law going about the town buying up all the Bath stock?