Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/134

 Aslaksen.

And it's all nothing but fancy?

Burgomaster.

With the best will in the world, I have failed to convince myself that it is anything else.

Aslaksen.

In that case it's simply inexcusable of Dr. Stockmann—I beg your pardon, Burgomaster, but

Burgomaster.

I'm sorry to say you are only speaking the truth, Mr. Aslaksen. Unfortunately, my brother has always been noted for his rashness.

Aslaksen.

And yet you want to back him up in this, Mr. Hovstad!

Hovstad.

But who could possibly imagine that?

Burgomaster.

I have drawn up a short statement of the facts, as they appear from a sober-minded standpoint; and I have intimated that any drawbacks that may possibly exist can no doubt be remedied by measures compatible with the finances of the Baths.

Hovstad. Have you the article with you, Burgomaster?

Burgomaster.

[Feeling in his pockets.] Yes; I brought it with me, in case you