Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/137

 town—one mustn't grudge a little trouble. [Is on the point of going but stops and comes back.] Oh, by the way—there's one other thing I must speak to you about.

Hovstad.

Excuse me; wouldn't some other time?

Dr. Stockmann.

I can tell you in two words. You see it's this when people read my article in the paper tomorrow, and find I have spent the whole winter working quietly for the good of the town

Hovstad. Yes but, Doctor

Dr. Stockmann.

I know what you're going to say. You don't think it was a bit more than my duty—my simple duty as a citizen. Of course I know that, as well as you do. But you see, my fellow townsmen—good Lord! the poor souls think so much of me

Aslaksen.

Yes, the townspeople have hitherto thought very highly of you, Doctor.

Dr. Stockmann.

That's exactly why I'm afraid that—. What I wanted to say was this: when all this comes to them—especially to the poorer classes—as a summons to take the affairs of the town into their own hands for the future

Hovstad.

[Rising.] H'm, Doctor, I won't conceal from you