Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/132

 Hovstad.

The town?

Aslaksen.

But I don't understand. It's the Baths

Burgomaster.

At a rough provisional estimate, the alterations the Doctor thinks desirable will come to two or three hundred thousand crowns.

Aslaksen. That's a lot of money; but

Burgomaster.

Of course we shall be obliged to raise a municipal loan.

Hovstad.

[Rising.] You surely can't mean that the town?

Aslaksen.

Would you come upon the rates? Upon the scanty savings of the lower middle-class?

Burgomaster.

Why, my dear Mr. Aslaksen, where else are the funds to come from?

Aslaksen. The proprietors of the Baths must see to that.

Burgomaster.

The proprietors are not in a position to go to any further expense.

Aslaksen. Are you quite sure of that, Burgomaster?