Mrs. Evje. Yes, you will never be able to bear it, dear; I told you
so.

Evje. To think of _my_ name appearing in the papers, when all my
life I have--

Mrs. Evje. --done everything you could to keep clear of such
things! And you such a dear, good, upright man!--Oh, these politics
are the curse of the world!

The Doctor (laughing). As I told you, you must go through a
special process of hardening before you can stand them.

Evje. And think of public opinion--my position--my connections! It
is more than I can bear!

Mrs. Evje (to the Doctor). I am sure the first time he reads
something about himself in the paper, it will make him really ill!
He won't be able to stand it, I know.

The Doctor. Oh, he will get over it.

Mrs. Evje. No, he won't. I am frightened at the mere thought of it.
He will never be able to bear it, never!

Evje. When all my life I have tried to keep clear of such things--!

Mrs. Evje. And now in your old age, though you deserve it no
more than a child does, to be dragged into it! If I could prevent
that, I would willingly take on my own shoulders whatever--