Hovstad.

The Burgomaster didn’t seem in the best of tempers this evening.

Dr. Stockmann.

That’s his stomach. He has a very poor digestion.

Hovstad.

I fancy it’s the staff of the Messenger he finds it hardest to stomach.

Mrs. Stockmann.

I thought you got on well enough with him.

Hovstad.

Oh, yes; but it’s only a sort of armistice between us.