ACT SECOND.

Petra.

Good evening.

Dr. Stockmann.

Good evening, Petra. Is that you?

[General greetings.Petraputs her cloak, hat, and books on a chair by the door.

Petra.

Here you all are, enjoying yourselves, while I've been out slaving.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well then, you come and enjoy yourself too.

Billing.

May I mix you a little——?

Petra.

[Coming towards the table.] Thank you, I'd rather help myself—you always make it too strong. By the way, father, I have a letter for you.

[Goes to the chair where her things are lying.

Dr. Stockmann.

A letter! From whom?

Petra.

[Searching in the pocket of her cloak.] I got it from the postman just as I was going out——

Dr. Stockmann.

[Rising and going towards her.] And you only bring it me now?

Petra.

I really hadn’t time to run up again. Here it is.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Seizing the letter.] Let me see, let me see, child. [Reads the address.] Yes; this is it——!

Mrs. Stockmann.

Is it the one you have been so anxious about, Thomas?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes it is. I must go at once. Where shall I find a light, Katrina? Is there no lamp in my study again!

Mrs. Stockmann.

Yes—the lamp is lighted. It’s on the writing-table.

Dr. Stockmann.

Good, good. Excuse me one moment——

[He goes into the room on the right.

Petra.

What can it be, mother?

Mrs. Stockmann.

I don’t know. For the last few days he has been continually on the look-out for the postman.

Billing.

Probably a country patient——

Petra.

Poor father! He’ll soon have far too muchto do. [Mixes her toddy.] Ah, this will taste good!

Hovstad.

Have you been teaching in the night school as well to-day?

Petra.

[Sipping from her glass.] Two hours.

Billing.

And four hours in the morning at the institute——

Petra.

[Sitting down by the table.] Five hours.

Mrs. Stockmann.

And I see you have exercises to correct this evening.

Petra.

Yes, a heap of them.

Horster.

It seems to me you have plenty to do, too.

Petra.

Yes; but I like it. You feel so delightfully tired after it.

Billing.

Do you like that?

Petra.

Yes, for then you sleep so well.

Morten.

I say, Petra, you must be a great sinner.

Petra.

A sinner?

Morten.

Yes, if you work so hard. Mr. Rörlund[8]says work is a punishment for our sins.

Eilif.

[Contemptuously.] Bosh! What a silly you are, to believe such stuff as that.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Come come, Eilif.

Billing.

[Laughing.] Capital, capital!

Hovstad.

Should you not like to work so hard, Morten?

Morten.

No, I shouldn’t.

Hovstad.

Then what will you do with yourself in the world?

Morten.

I should like to be a Viking.

Eilif.

But then you’d have to be a heathen.

Morten.

Well, so I would.

Billing.

There I agree with you, Morten! I say just the same thing.

Mrs. Stockmann.

[Making a sign to him.] No, no, Mr. Billing, I'm sure you don’t.

Billing.

Strike me dead but I do, though. I am a heathen, and I'm proud of it. You’ll see we shall all be heathens soon.

Morten.

And shall we be able to do anything we like then?

Billing.

Well, you see, Morten——

Mrs. Stockmann.

Now run away, boys; I'm sure you have lessons to prepare for to-morrow.

Eilif.

You might let me stay just a little longer——

Mrs. Stockmann.

No, you must go too. Be off, both of you.

[The boys say good-night and go into the room on the left.

Hovstad.

Do you really think it can hurt the boys to hear these things?

Mrs. Stockmann.

Well, I don’t know; I don’t like it.

Petra.

Really, mother, I think you are quite wrong there.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Perhaps. But I don’t like it—not here, at home.

Petra.

There’s no end of hypocrisy both at home and at school. At home you must hold your tongue, and at school you have to stand up and tell lies to the children.

Horster.

Have you to tell lies?

Petra.

Yes; do you think we don’t have to tell them many and many a thing we don’t believe ourselves?

Billing.

Ah, that’s too true.

Petra.

If only I could afford it, I should start a school myself, and things should be very different there.

Billing.

Oh, afford it——!

Horster.

If you really think of doing that, Miss Stockmann, I shall be delighted to let you have a room at my place. You know my father’s old house is nearly empty; there’s a great big dining-room on the ground floor——

Petra.

[Laughing.] Oh, thank you very much—but I'm afraid it won’t come to anything.

Hovstad.

No, I fancy Miss Petra is more likely to go over to journalism. By the way, have you had time to look into the English novel you promised to translate for us?

Petra.

Not yet. But you shall have it in good time.

Dr. Stockmannenters from his room, with the letter open in his hand.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Flourishing the letter.] Here’s news, I can tell you, that will waken up the town!

Billing.

News?

Mrs. Stockmann.

What news?

Dr. Stockmann.

A great discovery, Katrina!

Hovstad.

Indeed?

Mrs. Stockmann.

Made by you?

Dr. Stockmann.

Precisely—by me! [Walks up and down.] Now let them go on accusing me of fads and crack-brained notions. But they won’t dare to! Ha-ha! I tell you they won’t dare!

Petra.

Do tell us what it is, father.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, well, give me time, and you shall hear all about it. If only I had Peter here now! This just shows how we men can go about forming judgments like the blindest moles——

Hovstad.

What do you mean, doctor?

Dr. Stockmann.

[Stopping beside the table.] Isn’t it the general opinion that our town is a healthy place?

Hovstad.

Of course.

Dr. Stockmann.

A quite exceptionally healthy place, indeed—a place to be warmly recommended, both to invalids and people in health——

Mrs. Stockmann.

My dear Thomas——

Dr. Stockmann.

And assuredly we haven’t failed to recommend and belaud it. I've sung its praises again and again, both in theMessengerand in pamphlets——

Hovstad.

Well, what then?

Dr. Stockmann.

These Baths, that we have called the pulse of the town, its vital nerve, and—and the devil knows what else——

Billing.

“Our city’s palpitating heart,” I once ventured to call them in a convivial moment——

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, I daresay. Well—do you know what they really are, these mighty, magnificent, belauded Baths, that have cost so much money—do you know what they are?

Hovstad.

No, what are they?

Mrs. Stockmann.

Do tell us.

Dr. Stockmann.

Simply a pestiferous hole.

Petra.

The Baths, father?

Mrs. Stockmann.

[At the same time.] Our Baths!

Hovstad.

[Also at the same time.] But, Doctor——!

Billing.

Oh, it’s incredible!

Dr. Stockmann.

I tell you the whole place is a poisonous whited-sepulchre; noxious in the highest degree! All that filth up there in the Mill Dale—the stuff that smells so horribly—taints the water in thefeed-pipes of the Pump-Room; and the same accursëd poisonous refuse oozes out by the beach——

Hovstad.

Where the sea-baths are?

Dr. Stockmann.

Exactly.

Hovstad.

But how are you so sure of all this, Doctor?

Dr. Stockmann.

I've investigated the whole thing as conscientiously as possible. I've long had my suspicions about it. Last year we had some extraordinary cases of illness among the patients—both typhoid and gastric attacks——

Mrs. Stockmann.

Yes, I remember.

Dr. Stockmann.

We thought at the time that the visitors had brought the infection with them; but afterwards—last winter—I began to question that. So I set about testing the water as well as I could.

Mrs. Stockmann.

It wasthatyou were working so hard at!

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, you may well say I've worked, Katrina. But here, you know, I hadn’t the necessary scientific appliances; so I sent samples both of our drinking-water and of our sea-waterto the University, for exact analysis by a chemist.

Hovstad.

And you have received his report?

Dr. Stockmann.

[Showing letter.] Here it is! And it proves beyond dispute the presence of putrefying organic matter in the water—millions of infusoria. It’s absolutely pernicious to health, whether used internally or externally.

Mrs. Stockmann.

What a blessing you found it out in time.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, you may well say that.

Hovstad.

And what do you intend to do now, Doctor?

Dr. Stockmann.

Why, to set things right, of course.

Hovstad.

You think it can be done, then?

Dr. Stockmann.

It must be done. Else the whole Baths are useless, ruined. But there’s no fear. I am quite clear as to what is required.

Mrs. Stockmann.

But, my dear Thomas, why should you have made such a secret of all this?

Dr. Stockmann.

Would you have had me rush all over the town and chatter about it, before I was quite certain? No, thank you; I'm not so mad as that.

Petra.

But to us at home——

Dr. Stockmann.

I couldn’t say a word to a living soul. But to-morrow you may look in at the Badger’s——

Mrs. Stockmann.

Oh, Thomas!

Dr. Stockmann.

Well well, at your grandfather’s. The old fellow will be astonished! He thinks I'm not quite right in my head—yes, and plenty of others think the same, I've noticed. But now these good people shall see—yes, they shall see now! [Walks up and down rubbing his hands.] What a stir there will be in the town, Katrina! Just think of it! All the water-pipes will have to be relaid.

Hovstad.

[Rising.] All the water-pipes——?

Dr. Stockmann.

Why, of course. The intake is too low down; it must be moved much higher up.

Petra.

So you were right, after all.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, do you remember, Petra? I wrote against it when they were beginning the works. But no one would listen to me then. Now, you may be sure, I shall give them my full broadside—for of course I've prepared a statement for the Directors; it has been lying ready a whole week; I've only been waiting for this report. [Points to letter.] But now they shall have it at once. [Goes into his room and returns with a MS. in his hand.] See! Four closely-written sheets! And I'll enclose the report. A newspaper, Katrina! Get me something to wrap them up in. There—that’s it. Give it to—to—[Stamps.]—what the devil’s her name? Give it to the girl, I mean, and tell her to take it at once to the Burgomaster.

[Mrs. Stockmanngoes out with the packet through the dining-room.

Petra.

What do you think Uncle Peter will say, father?

Dr. Stockmann.

What should he say? He can’t possibly be otherwise than pleased that so important a fact has been brought to light.

Hovstad.

I suppose you will let me put a short announcement of your discovery in theMessenger.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, I shall be much obliged if you will.

Hovstad.

It is highly desirable that the public should know about it as soon as possible.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, certainly.

Mrs. Stockmann.

[Returning.] She’s gone with it.

Billing.

Strike me dead if you won’t be the first man in the town, Doctor!

Dr. Stockmann.

[Walks up and down in high glee.] Oh, nonsense! After all, I have done no more than my duty. I've been a lucky treasure-hunter, that’s all. But all the same——

Billing.

Hovstad, don’t you think the town ought to get up a torchlight procession in honour of Dr. Stockmann?

Hovstad.

I shall certainly propose it.

Billing.

And I'll talk it over with Aslaksen.

Dr. Stockmann.

No, my dear friends; let all such claptrap alone. I won’t hear of anything of the sort. And if the Directors should want to raise my salary, I won’t accept it. I tell you, Katrina, I will not accept it.

Mrs. Stockmann.

You are quite right, Thomas.

Petra.

[Raising her glass.] Your health, father!

HovstadandBilling.

Your health, your health, Doctor!

Horster.

[Clinking glasses with theDoctor.] I hope you may have nothing but joy of your discovery.

Dr. Stockmann.

Thanks, thanks, my dear friends! I can’t tell you how happy I am—! Oh, what a blessing it is to feel that you have deserved well of your native town and your fellow citizens. Hurrah, Katrina!

[He puts both his arms round her neck, and whirls her round with him.Mrs. Stockmannscreams and struggles. A burst of laughter, applause, and cheers for theDoctor. The boys thrust their heads in at the door.

ACT SECOND.

TheDoctor’ssitting-room. The dining-room door is closed. Morning.

Mrs. Stockmann.

[Enters from the dining-room with a sealed letter in her hand, goes to the foremost door on the right, and peeps in.] Are you there, Thomas?

Dr. Stockmann.

[Within.] Yes, I have just come in. [Enters.] What is it?

Mrs. Stockmann.

A letter from your brother.[Hands it to him.

Dr. Stockmann.

Aha, let us see. [Opens the envelope and reads.] “The MS. sent me is returned herewith——” [Reads on, mumbling to himself.] H'm—

Mrs. Stockmann.

Well, what does he say?

Dr. Stockmann.

[Putting the paper in his pocket.] Nothing; only that he’ll come up himself about midday.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Then be sure you remember to stay at home.

Dr. Stockmann.

Oh, I can easily manage that; I've finished my morning’s visits.

Mrs. Stockmann.

I am very curious to know how he takes it.

Dr. Stockmann.

You’ll see he won’t be over-pleased that it is I that have made the discovery, and not he himself.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Ah, that’s just what I'm afraid of.

Dr. Stockmann.

Of course at bottom he’ll be glad. But still—Peter is damnably unwilling that any one but himself should do anything for the good of the town.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Do you know, Thomas, I think you might stretch a point, and share the honour with him. Couldn’t it appear that it was he that put you on the track——?

Dr. Stockmann.

By all means, for aught I care. If only I can get things put straight——

OldMorten Kiilputs his head in at the hall door, and asks slyly:

Morten Kiil.

Is it—is it true?

Mrs. Stockmann.

[Going towards him.] Father—is that you?

Dr. Stockmann.

Hallo, father-in-law! Good morning, good morning.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Do come in.

Morten Kiil.

Yes, if it’s true; if not, I'm off again.

Dr. Stockmann.

If what is true?

Morten Kiil.

This crazy business about the water-works. Now, is it true?

Dr. Stockmann.

Why, of course it is. But how came you to hear of it?

Morten Kiil.

[Coming in.] Petra looked in on her way to the school——

Dr. Stockmann.

Oh, did she?

Morten Kiil.

Ay ay—and she told me—. I thought she was only making game of me; but that’s not like Petra either.

Dr. Stockmann.

No, indeed; how could you think so?

Morten Kiil.

Oh, you can never be sure of anybody. You may be made a fool of before you know where you are. So it is true, after all?

Dr. Stockmann.

Most certainly it is. Do sit down, father-in-law. [Forces him down on the sofa.] Now isn’t it a real blessing for the town——?

Morten Kiil.

[Suppressing his laughter.] A blessing for the town?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, that I made this discovery in time——

Morten Kiil.

[As before.] Ay, ay, ay!—Well, I could never have believed that you would play monkey-tricks with your very own brother.

Dr. Stockmann.

Monkey-tricks!

Mrs. Stockmann.

Why, father dear——

Morten Kiil.

[Resting his hands and chin on the top of his stick and blinking slyly at theDoctor.] What was it again? Wasn’t it that some animals had got into the water-pipes?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes; infusorial animals.

Morten Kiil.

And any number of these animals had got in, Petra said—whole swarms of them.

Dr. Stockmann.

Certainly; hundreds of thousands.

Morten Kiil.

But no one can see them—isn’t that it?

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