Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/39

 public spirit. And that is because we have a great common interest to hold us together—an interest in which all right-minded citizens are equally concerned

Hovstad.

Yes—the Baths.

Burgomaster.

Just so. We have our magnificent new Baths. Mark my words! The whole life of the town will centre around the Baths, Mr. Hovstad. There can be no doubt of it!

Mrs. Stockmann.

That is just what Thomas says.

Burgomaster.

How marvellously the place has developed, even in this couple of years! Money has come into circulation, and brought life and movement with it. Houses and ground-rents rise in value every day.

Hovstad.

And there are fewer people out of work.

Burgomaster.

That is true. There is a gratifying diminution in the burden imposed on the well-to-do classes by the poor-rates; and they will be still further lightened if only we have a really good summer this year—a rush of visitors—plenty of invalids, to give the Baths a reputation.

Hovstad.

I hear there is every prospect of that.