Not just now; precisely at this moment I need all the respect and goodwill of my fellow citizens, I have a great undertaking in hand, as you have probably heard; and if evil-disposed persons should succeed in shaking people’s unqualified confidence in me, it may involve me in the most serious difficulties. I must silence these carping and spiteful scribblers at any cost; and that is why I give you till the day after to-morrow.

Aune.

You might just as well give me till this afternoon, Consul Bernick.

Bernick.

You mean that I am demanding impossibilities?

Aune.

Yes, with the present working staff——

Bernick.

Oh, very well;—then we must look about us elsewhere.

Aune.