Hovstad.

I shall come on presently. I have still one or two things to arrange.

Aslaksen.

Very well.

[Bows and goes. Dr. Stockmann accompanies him into the hall.

Hovstad.

[As the Doctor re-enters.] Well, what do you say to that, Doctor? Don’t you think it is high time we should give all this weak-kneed, half-hearted cowardice a good shaking up?

Dr. Stockmann.

Are you speaking of Aslaksen?

Hovstad.