BURGOMASTER. The worst of it is, that we shall be obliged to close the establishment for a couple of years. HOVSTAD. To close it? Completely? ASLAKSEN. For two years! BURGOMASTER. Yes, the work will require that time—at least. ASLAKSEN. But, damn it all! we can’t stand that, Burgomaster. What are we house-owners to live on in the meantime? BURGOMASTER. It’s extremely difficult to say, Mr. Aslaksen. But what would you have us do? Do you think a single visitor will come here if we go about making them fancy that the water is poisoned, that the place is pestilential, that the whole town—— ASLAKSEN. And it’s all nothing but fancy? BURGOMASTER. With the best will in the world, I have failed to convince myself that it is anything else. ASLAKSEN. In that case it’s simply inexcusable of Dr. Stockmann—I beg your pardon, Burgomaster, but—— BURGOMASTER. I'm sorry to say you are only speaking the truth, Mr. Aslaksen. Unfortunately, my brother has always been noted for his rashness. ASLAKSEN. And yet you want to back him up in this, Mr. Hovstad! HOVSTAD. But who could possibly imagine that——? BURGOMASTER. I have drawn up a short statement of the facts, as they appear from a sober-minded standpoint; and I have intimated that any drawbacks that may possibly exist can no doubt be remedied by measures compatible with the finances of the Baths. HOVSTAD. Have you the article with you, Burgomaster? BURGOMASTER. [_Feeling in his pockets._] Yes; I brought it with me, in case you—— ASLAKSEN. [_Quickly._] Plague take it, there he is! BURGOMASTER. Who? My brother? HOVSTAD. Where? where? ASLAKSEN. He’s coming through the composing-room. BURGOMASTER. Most unfortunate! I don’t want to meet him here, and yet there are several things I want to talk to you about. HOVSTAD. [_Pointing to the door on the right._] Go in there for a moment. BURGOMASTER. But——? HOVSTAD. You’ll find nobody but Billing there. ASLAKSEN. Quick, quick, Burgomaster; he’s just coming. BURGOMASTER. Very well, then. But try to get rid of him quickly. [_He goes out by the door on the right, which ASLAKSEN opens, and closes behind him._ HOVSTAD.