Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/78

 Dr. Stockmann.

Well, smoothly or not, it will have to be done.

Hovstad.

Yes, if the press exerts its influence.

Dr. Stockmann.

Not at all necessary, my dear fellow; I am sure my brother

Hovstad.

Excuse me, Doctor, but I must tell you that I think of taking the matter up.

Dr. Stockmann.

In the paper?

Hovstad.

Yes. When I took over the Peoples Messenger, I was determined to break up the ring of obstinate old blockheads who held everything in their hands.

Dr. Stockmann.

But you told me yourself what came of it. You nearly ruined the paper.

Hovstad.

Yes, at that time we had to draw in our horns, that's true enough. The whole Bath scheme might have fallen through if these men had been sent about their business. But now the Baths are an accomplished fact, and we can get on without these august personages.

Dr. Stockmann.

Get on without them, yes; but still we owe them a great deal.