The debt shall be duly acknowledged. But a journalist of my democratic tendencies cannot let such an opportunity slip through his fingers. We must explode the tradition of official infallibility. That rubbish must be got rid of, like every other superstition. DR. STOCKMANN. There I am with you with all my heart, Mr. Hovstad. If it’s a superstition, away with it! HOVSTAD. I should be sorry to attack the Burgomaster, as he is your brother. But I know you think with me—the truth before all other considerations. DR. STOCKMANN. Why, of course. [_Vehemently._] But still—! but still——! HOVSTAD. You mustn’t think ill of me. I am neither more self-interested nor more ambitious than other men. DR. STOCKMANN. Why, my dear fellow—who says you are? HOVSTAD. I come of humble folk, as you know; and I have had ample opportunities of seeing what the lower classes really require. And that is to have a share in the direction of public affairs, Doctor. That is what develops ability and knowledge and self-respect—— DR. STOCKMANN. I understand that perfectly. HOVSTAD. Yes; and I think a journalist incurs a heavy responsibility if he lets slip a chance of helping to emancipate the downtrodden masses. I know well enough that our oligarchy will denounce me as an agitator, and so forth; but what do I care? If only my conscience is clear, I—— DR. STOCKMANN. Just so, just so, my dear Mr. Hovstad. But still—deuce take it——! [_A knock at the door._] Come in! ASLAKSEN, _the printer, appears at the door leading to the hall. He is humbly but respectably dressed in black, wears a white necktie, slightly crumpled, and has a silk hat and gloves in his hand._ ASLAKSEN. [_Bowing._] I beg pardon, Doctor, for making so bold—— DR. STOCKMANN. [_Rising._] Hallo! If it isn’t Mr. Aslaksen! ASLAKSEN. Yes, it’s me, Doctor. HOVSTAD. [_Rising._] Is it me you want, Aslaksen? ASLAKSEN. No, not at all. I didn’t know you were here. No, it’s the Doctor himself—— DR. STOCKMANN. Well, what can I do for you? ASLAKSEN. Is it true, what Mr. Billing tells me, that you’re going to get us a better set of water-works? DR. STOCKMANN. Yes, for the Baths. ASLAKSEN. Of course, of course. Then I just looked in to say that I'll back up the movement with all my might. HOVSTAD. [_To the DOCTOR._] You see! DR. STOCKMANN.