"Henrik Ibsen - An Enemy Of The People" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ibsen Henrik)

Hovstad. And unemployment is diminishing,
Peter Stockmann. Yes, that is another thing. The burden on the poor rates has
been lightened, to the great relief of the propertied classes; and that relief
will be even greater if only we get a really good summer this year, and lots of
visitorsЧ plenty of invalids, who will make the Baths talked about.
Hovstad. And there is a good prospect of that, I hear.
Peter Stockmann. It looks very promising. Inquiries about apartments and that
sort of thing are reaching us, every day.
Hovstad. Well, the doctor's article will come in very suitably.
Peter Stockmann. Has he been writing something just lately?
Hovstad. This is something he wrote in the winter; a recommendation of the
BathsЧan account of the excellent sanitary conditions here. But I held the
article over, temporarily.
Peter Stockmann. Ah,Чsome little difficulty about it, I suppose?
Hovstad. No, not at all; I thought it would be better to wait until the spring,
because it is just at this time that people begin to think seriously about their
summer quarters.
Peter Stockmann. Quite right; you were perfectly right, Mr. Hovstad.
Hovstad. Yes, Thomas is really indefatigable when it is a question of the Baths.

Peter Stockmann. Well remember, he is the Medical Officer to the Baths.
Hovstad. Yes, and what is more, they owe their existence to him.
Peter Stockmann. To him? Indeed! It is true I have heard from time to time that
some people are of that opinion. At the same time I must say I imagined that I
took a modest part in the enterprise,
Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, that is what Thomas is always saying.
Hovstad. But who denies it, Mr. Stockmann? You set the thing going and made a
practical concern of it; we all know that. I only meant that the idea of it came
first from the doctor.
Peter Stockmann. Oh, ideas yes! My brother has had plenty of them in his
timeЧunfortunately. But when it is a question of putting an idea into practical
shape, you have to apply to a man of different mettle. Mr. Hovstad. And I
certainly should have thought that in this house at least...
Mrs. Stockmann. My dear PeterЧ
Hovstad. How can you think thatЧ?
Mrs. Stockmann. Won't you go in and have something, Mr. Hovstad? My husband is
sure to be back directly.
Hovstad. Thank you, perhaps just a morsel. (Goes into the dining- room.)
Peter Stockmann (lowering his voice a little). It is a curious thing that these
farmers' sons never seem to lose their want of tact.
Mrs. Stockmann. Surely it is not worth bothering about! Cannot you and Thomas
share the credit as brothers?
Peter Stockmann. I should have thought so; but apparently some people are not
satisfied with a share.
Mrs. Stockmann. What nonsense! You and Thomas get on so capitally together.
(Listens.) There he is at last, I think. (Goes out and opens the door leading to
the hall.)
Dr. Stockmann (laughing and talking outside). Look hereЧhere is another guest
for you, Katherine. Isn't that jolly! Come in, Captain Horster; hang your coat
up on this peg. Ah, you don't wear an overcoat. Just think, Katherine; I met him