Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/38

 Hovstad.

You must excuse me; I was detained at the printer's. Good evening, Burgomaster.

Burgomaster.

[Bowing rather stiffly.] Mr. Hovstad? You come on business, I presume?

Hovstad.

Partly. About an article for the paper.

Burgomaster.

So I supposed. I hear my brother is an extremely prolific contributor to the People's Messenger.

Hovstad.

Yes, when he wants to unburden his mind on one thing or another, he gives the Messenger the benefit.

Mrs. Stockmann.

[To Hovstad.] But will you not? [Points to the dining-room.]

Burgomaster.

Well, well, I am far from blaming him for writing for the class of readers he finds most in sympathy with him. And, personally, I have no reason to bear your paper any ill-will, Mr. Hovstad.

Hovstad.

No, I should think not.

Burgomaster.

One may say, on the whole, that a fine spirit of mutual tolerance prevails in our town—an excellent