Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/93

 Dr. Stockmann.

Then what do you think should be done?

Burgomaster.

I have not succeeded in convincing myself that the condition of the water at the Baths is as serious as your statement represents.

Dr. Stockmann.

I tell you it's if anything worse—or will be in the summer, when the hot weather sets in.

Burgomaster.

I repeat that I believe you exaggerate greatly. A competent physician should know what measures to take—he should be able to obviate deleterious influences, and to counteract them in case they should make themselves unmistakably felt.

Dr. Stockmann.

Indeed—? And then—?

Burgomaster.

The existing water-works are, once for all, a fact, and must naturally be treated as such. But when the time comes, the Directors will probably not be indisposed to consider whether it may not be possible, without unreasonable pecuniary sacrifices, to introduce certain improvements.

Dr. Stockmann.

And do you imagine I could ever be a party to such dishonesty?

Burgomaster.

Dishonesty?