Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/424

 into hundreds of homes. In other words—you are in an eminent sense the pillar and cornerstone of this community.

Voices.

Hear, hear! Bravo!

Rörlund.

And it is the halo of disinterestedness resting upon all your actions that is so unspeakably beneficent, especially in these times. You are now on the point of procuring for us—I do not hesitate to say the word plainly and prosaically—a railway.

Many Voices.

Bravo, bravo!

Rörlund.

But this undertaking seems destined to meet with difficulties, principally arising from narrow and selfish interests.

Voices.

Hear, hear! Hear, hear!

Rörlund.

It is no longer unknown that certain individuals, not belonging to our community, have stolen a march upon the energetic citizens of this place, and have secured certain advantages, which should by rights have fallen to the share of our own town.

Voices.

Yes, yes! Hear, hear!

Rörlund.

You are of course not unaware of this deplorable circumstance, Consul Bernick. But, never