Nonsense, Katrina;—you go home and look after your house, and let me take care of society. How can you be in such a fright when you see me so confident and happy? [Rubbing his hands and walking up and down.] Truth and the People must win the day; you may be perfectly sure of that. Oh! I can see all our free-souled citizens standing shoulder to shoulder like a conquering army——! [Stopping by a chair.] Why, what the devil is that?
Aslaksen.
[Looking at it.] Oh Lord!
Hovstad.
[The same.] H'm—
Dr. Stockmann.
Why, here’s the top-knot of authority!
[He takes the Burgomaster’s official cap carefully between the tips of his fingers and holds it up.
Mrs. Stockmann.
The Burgomaster’s cap!