Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/45

 Burgomaster.

Well, metropolis

Dr. Stockmann.

Oh, I know well enough that things are on a small scale here, compared with many other places. But there's life here—there's promise—there's an infinity of things to work and strive for; and that is the main point. [Calling.] Katrina, haven't there been any letters?

Mrs. Stockmann.

[In the dining-room.] No, none at all.

Dr. Stockmann.

And then a good income, Peter! That's a thing one learns to appreciate when one has lived on starvation wages

Burgomaster.

Good heavens!

Dr. Stockmann.

Oh yes, I can tell you we often had hard times of it up there. And now we can live like princes! To-day, for example, we had roast beef for dinner; and we've had some of it for supper too. Won't you have some? Come along—just look at it, at any rate

Burgomaster.

No, no; certainly not

Dr. Stockmann.

Well then, look here—do you see we've bought a table-cover?

Burgomaster.

Yes, so I observed.