Mrs. Evje. Yes, you will never be able to bear it, dear; I told you so.
Evje. To think of my name appearing in the papers, when all my life I have—
Mrs. Evje.—done everything you could to keep clear of such things! And you such a dear, good, upright man!—Oh, these politics are the curse of the world!
The Doctor (laughing). As I told you, you must go through a special process of hardening before you can stand them.
Evje. And think of public opinion—my position—my connections! It is more than I can bear!
Mrs. Evje (to the Doctor). I am sure the first time he reads something about himself in the paper, it will make him really ill! He won't be able to stand it, I know.
The Doctor. Oh, he will get over it.
Mrs. Evje. No, he won't. I am frightened at the mere thought of it. He will never be able to bear it, never!
Evje. When all my life I have tried to keep clear of such things—!
Mrs. Evje. And now in your old age, though you deserve it no more than a child does, to be dragged into it! If I could prevent that, I would willingly take on my own shoulders whatever—