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HOVSTAD: Then the doctor's article will be most timely.
MAYOR: So he's been writing again, has he?
HOVSTAD: This is something he wrote during the winter. It's an article about the Baths--strongly recommending them, and laying particular stress on the excellence of sanitary conditions here. But I didn't use it at the time--I held it over.
THE MAYOR: Why? Was he indiscreet, as usual?
HOVSTAD: No, nothing like that; I only thought it would be better to hold it over till the spring, when people start thinking about summer plans.
THE MAYOR: Very sensible; highly sensible, Mr. Hovstad.
MRS. STOCKMANN: Tomas never spares himself where the Baths are concerned.
THE MAYOR: As one of the staff that's no more than his duty.
HOVSTAD: And, after all, it was his idea in the first place.
THE MAYOR: His idea? Was it indeed? I know some people are of that opinion. But it seems to me I too had at least a modest share in the enterprise.
MRS. STOCKMANN: That's what Tomas always says.
HOVSTAD: Of course, Mr. Mayor, that's undeniable; you put it all on a practical basis--you made the whole thing possible; we all know that. I simply meant that the initial idea was Dr. Stockmann's.
THE MAYOR: My brother has had plenty of ideas in his time--unfortunately; but it takes a very different type of man to work them out. I should have thought the members of this household would be among the first to--
MRS. STOCKMANN: My dear Peter--
HOVSTAD: You surely don't--?
MRS. STOCKMANN. Do go in and have some supper, Mr. Hovstad; my husband is sure to be home directly.
HOVSTAD: Thank you; I think I will have just a bite. (He goes into the dining room.)
THE MAYOR (Lowering his voice): It's amazing! These people who come from peasant stock never seem to lose their want of tact.
MRS. STOCKMANN: Now, why should you be upset? You and Tomas are brothers--isn't it natural that you should share the honor?
THE MAYOR: One would think so, yes; but a share is not enough for some people, it seems.
MRS. STOCKMANN: What nonsense! You and Tomas get on so well together. (Listening) I think I hear him now. (She goes and opens the hall door.)
DR. STOCKMANN: (Is heard laughing; he shouts in a loud voice, from the hall): Here's another visitor for you, Katrine. Isn't this splendid, eh? Hang your coat up there on the peg, Captain Horster. But, I forgot--you don't wear an overcoat, do you? What do you think of this, Katrine? I met him on the street--I had a hard time persuading him; at first he wouldn't hear of coming up! (CAPTAIN HORSTER enters and bows to MRS. STOCKMANN) In with you, boys! They're starving again, Katrine! Come along, Captain Horster; you must try a piece of our roast-beef--(He forces CAPTAIN HORSTER into the dining room; EJLIF and MORTEN follow them.)
MRS. STOCKMANN: But, Tomas, don't you see--!
DR. STOCKMANN (Turns in the doorway): Oh, it's you, Peter! (Goes to him and holds out his hand) Well, now this is really splendid!
THE MAYOR. I can only stay a minute--
DR. STOCKMANN: Nonsense! We'll have some hot toddy in a moment. You haven't forgotten the toddy, have you, Katrine?
MRS. STOCKMANN: Of course not! I've got the water boiling. (She goes into the dining room.)
THE MAYOR: Toddy, too-!
DR. STOCKMANN: Yes; let's sit down and be comfortable.
THE MAYOR: Thank you; I don't care for drinking parties.
DR. STOCKMANN: But this isn't a party!
THE MAYOR: It seems to me (He glances towards the dining room) It's incredible the amount of food they can get through!
DR. STOCKMANN (Rubs his hands): Yes--it does one good to see young people eat! They're always hungry! That's the way it should be--they must keep up their strength. They've got things to stir up--they've got to build the future!
THE MAYOR: May I ask what there is that requires "stirring up"--as you call it?
DR. STOCKMANN. You'll have to ask the young people about that--when the time comes. Of course we shan't live to see it. A couple of old fogies like you and me--
THE MAYOR: A fine way to talk, I must say!
DR. STOCKMANN: You mustn't mind my nonsense, Peter. I'm in such high spirits today. It makes me so happy to be a part of all this fertile, teeming life. What a wonderful age we live in! A whole new world is springing up around us!
THE MAYOR: Do you really think so?
DR. STOCKMANN: Of course you can't appreciate it as well as I do. You've spent your whole life surrounded by all this--you take it all for granted. But after being stuck away for years in that dreadful little hole up North--never seeing a soul--never exchanging a stimulating word with anyone--I feel as though I'd suddenly been transported into the heart of some great metropolis!
THE MAYOR: I should hardly call it a metropolis--
DR. STOCKMANN: Oh, I know it may seem small compared to lots of other places; but there's life here--there's a future--there are innumerable things to work and strive for; that's what's important, after all. (Calls out) Katrine! Did the postman bring anything for me?
MRS. STOCKMANN (From the dining room): No--he didn't come today.
DR. STOCKMANN: And to be getting a good salary, Peter! That's something you appreciate when you've lived on starvation-wages as long as we have--
THE MAYOR Oh, come now--
DR. STOCKMANN: Things were often very hard for us up there, let me tell you; but now we can live like princes! Today, for instance, we had roast beef for dinner; and then we had it for supper too. Don't you want to taste it? At least let me show it to you--do come and see it!
THE MAYOR: Certainly not!
DR. STOCKMANN: Well--come over here then. Look! Isn't our new table-cover handsome?
THE MAYOR: Yes--I noticed it.
DR. STOCKMANN: And we have a lamp-shade too; Katrine has been saving up for them. It makes the room look much more cozy. Don't you think so? Stand over here--no, no; not over there--here! That's right! You see how it concentrates the light? I think it's quite magnificent! What do you think?
THE MAYOR: Of course, if one can afford such luxuries--
DR. STOCKMANN: Oh, we can afford them now. Katrine says I earn almost as much as we spend.
THE MAYOR. Almost--!
DR. STOCKMANN: Besides, a man of science should live in a certain amount of style. I'll bet you a mere county commissioner spends more money a year than I do.
THE MAYOR: Well--I should hope so! A high-ranking government official--!
DR. STOCKMANN: Take an ordinary business man, then. I'll bet you a man like that spends ever so much more--
THE MAYOR: Such things are purely relative--
DR. STOCKMANN: As a matter of fact I don't squander money, Peter. But I do so enjoy inviting people to my home--I can't resist it; I was in exile for so long, you see. I feel the need of company--buoyant, active people--liberal-minded people--like those young fellows enjoying their food in there. To me, that makes life worthwhile. I wish you'd make a point of getting to know Hovstad--
THE MAYOR: That reminds me--Hovstad was telling me just now he plans to publish another article of yours.
DR. STOCKMANN: Of mine?
THE MAYOR: Yes--about the Baths. An article you wrote last winter.

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