The existing water-works are, once for all, a fact, and must naturally be treated as such. But when the time comes, the Directors will probably not be indisposed to consider whether it may not be possible, without unreasonable pecuniary sacrifices, to introduce certain improvements. DR. STOCKMANN. And do you imagine I could ever be a party to such dishonesty? BURGOMASTER. Dishonesty? DR. STOCKMANN. Yes, it would be dishonesty—a fraud, a lie, an absolute crime against the public, against society as a whole! BURGOMASTER. I have not, as I before remarked, been able to convince myself that there is really any such imminent danger. DR. STOCKMANN. You have! You must have! I know that my demonstration is absolutely clear and convincing. And you understand it perfectly, Peter, only you won’t admit it. It was you who insisted that both the Bath-buildings and the water-works should be placed where they now are; and it’s _that_—it’s that damned blunder that you won’t confess. Pshaw! Do you think I don’t see through you? BURGOMASTER. And even it were so? If I do watch over my reputation with a certain anxiety, I do it for the good of the town. Without moral authority I cannot guide and direct affairs in the way I consider most conducive to the general welfare. Therefore—and on various other grounds—it is of great moment to me that your statement should not be submitted to the Board of Directors. It must be kept back, for the good of the community. Later on I will bring up the matter for discussion, and we will do the best we can, quietly; but not a word, not a whisper, of this unfortunate business must come to the public ears. DR. STOCKMANN. But it can’t be prevented now, my dear Peter. BURGOMASTER. It must and shall be prevented. DR. STOCKMANN. It can’t be, I tell you; far too many people know about it already. BURGOMASTER. Know about it! Who? Surely not those fellows on the _People’s Messenger_——? DR. STOCKMANN. Oh yes; they know. The liberal, independent press will take good care that you do your duty. BURGOMASTER. [_After a short pause._] You are an amazingly reckless man, Thomas. Have not you reflected what the consequences of this may be to yourself? DR. STOCKMANN. Consequences?—Consequences to me? BURGOMASTER. Yes—to you and yours. DR. STOCKMANN. What the devil do you mean? BURGOMASTER. I believe I have always shown myself ready and willing to lend you a helping hand. DR. STOCKMANN. Yes, you have, and I thank you for it.