But, gentlemen—really I'm quite ashamed to mention such a thing—but—what return——?
Hovstad.
Of course, we should prefer to give you our support for nothing. But the Messenger is not very firmly established; it’s not getting on as it ought to; and I should be very sorry to have to stop the paper just now, when there’s so much to be done in general politics.
Dr. Stockmann.
Naturally; that would be very hard for a friend of the people like you. [Flaring up.] But I—I am an enemy of the people! [Striding about the room.] Where’s my stick? Where the devil is my stick?
Hovstad.
What do you mean?
Aslaksen.
Surely you wouldn’t——
Dr. Stockmann.