My dismissal?
Burgomaster.
Yes; dated from to-day. [Places the letter on the table.] We are very sorry—but frankly, we dared not do otherwise, on account of public opinion.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Smiling.] Dared not? I've heard that phrase already to-day.
Burgomaster.
I beg you to realise your position clearly. For the future, you cannot count upon any sort of practice in the town.
Dr. Stockmann.
Devil take the practice! But how can you be so sure of that?
Burgomaster.