Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/61

This page needs to be proofread.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, well, give me time, and you shall hear all about it. If only I had Peter here now! This just shows how we men can go about forming judgments like the blindest moles——

Hovstad.

What do you mean, doctor?

Dr. Stockmann.

[Stopping beside the table.] Isn't it the general opinion that our town is a healthy place?

Hovstad.

Of course.

Dr. Stockmann.

A quite exceptionally healthy place, indeed—a place to be warmly recommended, both to invalids and people in health——

Mrs. Stockmann.

My dear Thomas——

Dr. Stockmann.

And assuredly we haven't failed to recommend and belaud it. I've sung its praises again and again, both in the Messenger and in pamphlets——

Hovstad.

Well, what then?

Dr. Stockmann.

These Baths, that we have called the pulse of the town, its vital nerve, and—and the devil knows what else——