Capital; that will save time. Cut it up into slips. That’s it. [To the meeting.] Blue means no, white means aye. I myself will go round and collect the votes.
[The Burgomaster leaves the room. Aslaksen and a few others go round with pieces of paper in hats.
A Gentleman.
[To Hovstad.] What can be the matter with the Doctor? What does it all mean?
Hovstad.
Why, you know what a hare-brained creature he is.
Another Gentleman.
[To Billing.] I say, you’re often at his house. Have you ever noticed if the fellow drinks?
Billing.
Strike me dead if I know what to say. The toddy’s always on the table when any one looks in.