May I? Is that a promise?
Dr. Stockmann.
[Handing him the manuscript.] There it is; take it with you. You may as well read it in any case; you can return it to me afterwards.
Hovstad.
Very good; I shall do so. And now, good-bye, Doctor.
Dr. Stockmann.
Good-bye, good-bye. You’ll see it will all go smoothly, Mr. Hovstad—as smoothly as possible.
Hovstad.
H'm—we shall see.
[Bows and goes out through the hall.