Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/46

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Dr. Stockmann.

And a lamp-shade, too. Do you see? Katrina has been saving up for them. They make the room look comfortable, don't they? Come over here. No, no, no, not there. So—yes! Now you see how it concentrates the light——. I really think it has quite an artistic effect. Eh?

Burgomaster.

Yes, when one can afford such luxuries——

Dr. Stockmann.

Oh, I can afford it now. Katrina says I make almost as much as we spend.

Burgomaster.

Ah—almost!

Dr. Stockmann.

Besides, a man of science must live in some style. Why, I believe a mere sheriff[1] spends much more a year than I do.

Burgomaster.

Yes, I should think so! A member of the superior magistracy——

Dr. Stockmann.

Well then, even a common shipowner! A man of that sort will get through many times as much——

Burgomaster.

That is natural, in your relative positions.

  1. Amtmand, the chief magistrate of an Amt or county: consequently a high dignitary in the official hierarchy.