Hovstad.
Pretend to be busy, Aslaksen.
[He sits down and writes. Aslaksen turns over a heap of newspapers on a chair, right.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Entering from the composing-room.] Here I am, back again. [Puts down his hat and stick.]
Hovstad.
[Writing.] Already, Doctor? Make haste with what we were speaking of, Aslaksen. We've no time to lose to-day.
Dr. Stockmann. [To Aslaksen.] No proof yet, I hear.
Aslaksen.
[Without turning round.] No; how could you expect it?
Dr. Stockmann.
Of course not; but you understand my impatience. I can have no rest or peace until I see the thing in print.
Hovstad.
H'm; it will take a good while yet. Don't you think so, Aslaksen?
Aslaksen. I'm afraid it will.
Dr. Stockmann.
All right, all right, my good friend; then I shall look in again. I'll look in twice if necessary. With so much at stake—the welfare of the whole
