DR. STOCKMANN. Well then, look here—do you see we’ve bought a table-cover? BURGOMASTER. Yes, so I observed. 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[7] 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. DR. STOCKMANN. And after all, Peter, I really don’t squander any money. But I can’t deny myself the delight of having people about me. I must have them. After living so long out of the world, I find it a necessity of life to have bright, cheerful, freedom-loving, hard-working young fellows around me—and that’s what they are, all of them, that are sitting there eating so heartily. I wish you knew more of Hovstad—— BURGOMASTER. Ah, that reminds me—Hovstad was telling me that he is going to publish another article of yours. DR. STOCKMANN. An article of mine? BURGOMASTER. Yes, about the Baths. An article you wrote last winter. DR. STOCKMANN. Oh, that one! But I don’t want that to appear for the present. BURGOMASTER. Why not? It seems to me this is the very time for it. DR. STOCKMANN. Very likely—under ordinary circumstances—— [_Crosses the room._ BURGOMASTER. [_Following him with his eyes._] And what is unusual in the circumstances now? DR. STOCKMANN. [_Standing still._] The fact is, Peter, I really cannot tell you just now; not this evening, at all events. There may prove to be a great deal that is unusual in the circumstances. On the other hand, there may be nothing at all. Very likely it’s only my fancy. BURGOMASTER.