Ingeborg (going on unconcernedly with her work). Oh, so they are fighting, are they? No, I don't care the least bit, sir!
The Doctor (to himself). Ha, ha—the difference between Ingeborg and me is that I am interested in the fight merely as a student of human nature, and she is not interested in it at all. I wonder which is farthest from any genuine belief in politics?—from our "duty as a citizen," as they call it? (To INGEBORG.) Ingeborg, do you know what your "duty as a citizen" means?
Ingeborg. My "duty as a citizen"? That mean; paying fines, doesn't it, sir?
The Doctor. Yes; and a very heavy fine, into the bargain!
Ingeborg. The master was fined because the pavement was not swept. John was ill.
The Doctor. Quite right, that was one of his duties as a citizen.—Tell me, Ingeborg, are they expecting a lot of people here to-night?
Ingeborg. No, sir, I have only laid table for quite a few.
The Doctor. And what are they going to have?
Ingeborg. Oh, one or two dishes and one or two sorts of wine—.
The Doctor. Aha! (A ring is heard at the bell. INGEBORG goes to the door.) There they are! Now we shall have a fine time!