Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/90

 Dr. Stockmann.

And what do you think of the affair?

Burgomaster.

H'm—[With a sidelong glance.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Come, Petra.

[She and Petra go into the room on the left.

Burgomaster.

[After a pause.] Was it necessary to make all these investigations behind my back?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, till I was absolutely certain, I

Burgomaster.

And are you absolutely certain now?

Dr. Stockmann.

My paper must surely have convinced you of that.

Burgomaster.

Is it your intention to submit this statement to the Board of Directors, as a sort of official document?

Dr. Stockmann.

Of course. Something must be done in the matter, and that promptly.

Burgomaster.

As usual, you use very strong expressions in your statement. Amongst other things, you say that what we offer our visitors is a slow poison.