Dr. Stockmann. I daresay you find it rather draughty here today. Put your hat on.
Peter Stockmann. Thank you, if I may. (Does so.) I think I caught cold last night; I stood and shivered—
Dr. Stockmann. Really? I found it warm enough.
Peter Stockmann. I regret that it was not in my power to prevent those excesses last night.
Dr. Stockmann. Have you anything in particular to say to me besides that?
Peter Stockmann (taking a big letter from his pocket). I have this document for you, from the Baths Committee.
Dr. Stockmann. My dismissal?
Peter Stockmann. Yes, dating from today. (Lays the letter on the table.) It gives us pain to do it; but, to speak frankly, we dared not do otherwise on account of public opinion.
Dr. Stockmann (smiling). Dared not? I seem to have heard that word before, today.
Peter Stockmann. I must beg you to understand your position clearly. For the future you must not count on any practice whatever in the town.