Bernick: But why did you not tell me about this before?

Rummel: Just because I was afraid you would raise objections to
it. But I consulted your wife; she allowed me to take charge of
the arrangements, while she looks after the refreshments.

Bernick (listening): What is that noise? Are they coming already?
I fancy I hear singing.

Rummel (going to the verandah door): Singing? Oh, that is only
the Americans. The "Indian Girl" is being towed out.

Bernick: Towed out? Oh, yes. No, Rummel, I cannot this evening; I
am not well.

Rummel: You certainly do look bad. But you must pull yourself
together; devil take it--you must! Sandstad and Vigeland and I
all attach the greatest importance to carrying this thing
through. We have got to crush our opponents under the weight of
as complete an expression of public opinion as possible. Rumours
are getting about the town; our announcement about the purchase
of the property cannot be withheld any longer. It is imperative
that this very evening--after songs and speeches, amidst the clink
of glasses--in a word, in an ebullient atmosphere of festivity--
you should inform them of the risk you have incurred for the good
of the community. In such an ebullient atmosphere of festivity--
as I just now described it--you can do an astonishing lot with the
people here. But you must have that atmosphere, or the thing
won't go.