let them have it now. Of course I have prepared a report for the Baths
Committee; I have had it ready for a week, and was only waiting for this to come.
(Shows the letter.) Now it shall go off at once. (Goes into his room and comes
back with some papers.) Look at that! Four closely written sheets!--and the letter
shall go with them. Give me a bit of paper, Katherine--something to wrap them up
in. That will do! Now give it to-to-(stamps his foot)--what the deuce is her name? -
-give it to the maid, and tell her to take it at once to the Mayor.
(Mrs. Stockmann takes the packet and goes out through the dining- room.)
Petra. What do you think Uncle Peter will say, father?
Dr. Stockmann. What is there for him to say? I should think he would be very
glad that such an important truth has been brought to light.
Hovstad. Will you let me print a short note about your discovery in the
"Messenger?"
Dr. Stockmann. I shall be very much obliged if you will.
Hovstad. It is very desirable that the public should be informed of it without
delay.
Dr. Stockmann. Certainly.
Mrs. Stockmann (coming back). She has just gone with it.
Billing. Upon my soul, Doctor, you are going to be the foremost man in the town!
Dr. Stockmann (walking about happily). Nonsense! As a matter of fact I have
done nothing more than my duty. I have only made a lucky find--that's all. Still, all
the same...
Billing. Hovstad, don't you think the town ought to give Dr. Stockmann some sort
of testimonial?
Hovstad. I will suggest it, anyway.
Billing. And I will speak to Aslaksen about it.
Dr. Stockmann. No, my good friends, don't let us have any of that nonsense. I
won't hear anything of the kind. And if the Baths Committee should think of voting
me an increase of salary, I will not accept it. Do you hear, Katherine?--I won't
accept it.
Mrs. Stockmann. You are quite right, Thomas.
