Hovstad.

[Rising.] H'm, Doctor, I won’t conceal from you——

Dr. Stockmann.

Aha! I thought there was something brewing! But I won’t hear of it. If they are getting up anything of that sort——

Hovstad.

Of what sort?

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, anything of any sort—a procession with banners, or a banquet, or a subscription for a testimonial, or whatever it may be—you must give me your solemn promise to put a stop to it. And you too, Mr. Aslaksen; do you hear?

Hovstad.

Excuse me, Doctor; we may as well tell you the whole truth first as last——