crew of big shareholders in the Baths, who have hitherto been his main support
Billing.
Yes, of course; for no doubt they'll have to fork out a lot of money
Hovstad.
You may take your oath of that. And then, don't you see, when the ring is broken up, we'll din it into the public day by day that the Burgomaster is incompetent in every respect, and that all responsible positions in the town, the whole municipal government in short, must be entrusted to men of liberal ideas.
Billing.
Strike me dead if that isn't the square truth! I see it—I see it: we are on the eve of a revolution!
[A knock at the door.
Hovstad.
Hush! [Calls.] Come in!
Dr. Stockmann enters from the back, left.
Hovstad.
[Going towards him.] Ah, here is the Doctor. Well?
Dr. Stockmann.
Print away, Mr. Hovstad!
Hovstad.
So it has come to that?
Billing.
Hurrah!
