Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/208

 Dr. Stockmann. Yes, he has been buying Bath stock to-day but

Aslaksen. It would have been more prudent to let somebody else do that—some one not so closely connected with you.

Hovstad. And then you ought not to have appeared in the matter under your own name. No one need have known that the attack on the Baths came from you. You should have taken me into your counsels, Dr. Stockmann.

Dr. Stockmann. [Stares straight in front of him; a light seems to break in upon him, and he says as though thunderstruck.] Is this possible? Can such things be?

Aslaksen. [Smiling.] It's plain enough that they can. But they ought to be managed delicately, you understand.

Hovstad. And there ought to be more people in it; for the responsibility always falls more lightly when there are several to share it.

Dr. Stockmann. [Calmly.] In one word, gentlemen—what is it you want?

Aslaksen. Mr. Hovstad can best