It was as if a
drain had been left open and men were suddenly reminded that the town,
that splendid creation of civilisation, was built over a sea of
corruption, which might at any moment burst its bonds and poison the
inhabitants. It was said that Theodore Wennerstroem, in a paroxysm of
passion had assaulted one of his friends, and the rumour did not lie.
His father went to Upsala and had an interview with the Dean of the
Theological Faculty. The professor of pathology was present. What was
to be done? The doctor remained silent. They pressed him for his
opinion.
"Since you ask me," he said, "I must give you an answer; but you know
as well as I do that there is but one remedy."
"And that is?" asked the theologian.
"Need you ask?" replied the doctor.
"Yes," said the theologian, who was a married man. "Surely, nature
does not require immorality from a man?"
The father said that he quite understood the case, but that he was
afraid of making recommendations to his son, on account of the risks
the latter would run.
"If he can't take care of himself he must be a fool," said the doctor.
The Dean requested them to continue such an agitating conversation in
a more suitable place.... He himself had nothing more to add.
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