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Hovstad.
Call it what you will; but we could not act otherwise.
Dr. Stockmann.
You dared not, I suppose? Isn't that so?
Hovstad. Yes, if you like to put it so.
Aslaksen.
But why didn't you just say a word to us beforehand? The merest hint to Mr. Hovstad or to me
Dr. Stockmann.
A hint? What about?
Aslaksen.
About what was really behind it all.
Dr. Stockmann. I don't in the least understand you?
Aslaksen.
[Nods confidentially.] Oh yes, you do, Dr. Stockmann.
Hovstad.
It's no good making a mystery of it any longer.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Looking from one to the other.] Why, what in the devil's name
!Aslaksen.
May I ask—isn't your father-in-law going about the town buying up all the Bath stock?