Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/198

 Burgomaster.

You understand well enough. But as your brother, and as a man who knows the world, I warn you not to build too confidently upon prospects and expectations that may very likely come to nothing.

Dr. Stockmann.

Why, what on earth are you driving at?

Burgomaster.

Do you really want me to believe that you are ignorant of the terms of old Morten Kiil's will?

Dr. Stockmann.

I know that the little he has is to go to a home for old and needy artizans. But what has that got to do with me?

Burgomaster.

To begin with, "the little he has" is no trifle. Morten Kiil is a tolerably wealthy man.

Dr. Stockmann. I have never had the least notion of that!

Burgomaster.

H'm—really? Then I suppose you have no notion that a not inconsiderable part of his fortune is to go to your children, you and your wife having a life-interest in it. Has he not told you that?

Dr. Stockmann.

No, I'll be hanged if he has! On the contrary, he has done nothing but grumble about being so preposterously over-taxed, But are you really sure of this, Peter?