Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/41

 Burgomaster.

Was he? Indeed! I gather that certain persons are of that opinion. But I should have thought that I, too, had a modest share in that undertaking.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Yes, that is what Thomas is always saying.

Hovstad.

No one dreams of denying it, Burgomaster. You set the thing going, and put it on a practical basis; everybody knows that. I only meant that the original idea was the doctor's.

Burgomaster.

Yes, my brother has certainly had ideas enough in his time—worse luck! But when it comes to realising them, Mr. Hovstad, we want men of another stamp. I should have thought that in this house at any rate

Mrs. Stockmann.

Why, my dear brother-in-law

Hovstad.

Burgomaster, how can you?

Mrs. Stockmann.

Do go in and have some supper, Mr. Hovstad; my husband is sure to be home directly.

Hovstad.

Thanks; just a mouthful, perhaps.

[He goes into the dining-room.

Burgomaster.

[Speaking in a low voice.] It is extraordinary how