Dr. Stockmann.

I'll tell you afterwards; I have other things to think of now. [Goes to the table and writes on a visiting-card.] Look here, Katrina: what’s written here?

Mrs. Stockmann.

Three big Noes; what does that mean?

Dr. Stockmann.

That I'll tell you afterwards, too. [Handing the card.] There, Petra; let smudgy-face run to the Badger’s with this as fast as she can. Be quick!

[Petra goes out through the hall with the card.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, if I haven’t had visits to-day from all the emissaries of the devil! But now I'll sharpen my pen against them till it becomes a goad; I'll dip it in gall and venom; I'll hurl my inkstand straight at their skulls.

Mrs. Stockmann.