But towards your family, Thomas? Towards us at home? Do you think that is doing your duty towards those who are dependent on you?
Petra.
Oh, mother, don’t always think first of us.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Yes, it’s easy for you to talk; you can stand alone if need be.—But remember the boys, Thomas; and think a little of yourself too, and of me——
Dr. Stockmann.
You’re surely out of your senses, Katrina! If I were to be such a pitiful coward as to knuckle under to this Peter and his confounded crew—should I ever have another happy hour in all my life?
Mrs. Stockmann.
I don’t know about that; but God preserve us from the happiness we shall all of us have if you persist in defying them. There you will be again, with nothing to live on, with no regular income. I should have thought we had had enough of that in the old days. Remember them, Thomas; think of what it all means.
Dr. Stockmann.