Mrs. Stockmann (opening the door). What is the matter?
Dr. Stockmann. Oh, nothing, nothing; you can go back. (She shuts the door. DR. STOCKMANN walks up and down in his excitement.) Provided for!—Just think of it, we are all provided for! And for life! What a blessed feeling it is to know one is provided for!
Peter Stockmann. Yes, but that is just exactly what you are not. Mr. Kiil can alter his will any day he likes.
Dr. Stockmann. But he won't do that, my dear Peter. The "Badger" is much too delighted at my attack on you and your wise friends.
Peter Stockmann (starts and looks intently at him). Ah, that throws a light on various things.
Dr. Stockmann. What things?
Peter Stockmann. I see that the whole thing was a combined manoeuvre on your part and his. These violent, reckless attacks that you have made against the leading men of the town, under the pretence that it was in the name of truth—
Dr. Stockmann. What about them?
Peter Stockmann. I see that they were nothing else than the stipulated price for that vindictive old man's will.
Dr. Stockmann (almost speechless). Peter—you are the most disgusting plebeian I have ever met in all my life.