And all this now, just now, when the Baths are doing so well! Neighbouring towns, too, are not without their claims to rank as health-resorts. Do you think they would not at once set to work to divert the full stream of visitors to themselves? Undoubtedly they would; and we should be left stranded. We should probably have to give up the whole costly undertaking; and so you would have ruined your native town.
Dr. Stockmann.
I—ruined——!
Burgomaster.
It is only through the Baths that the town has any future worth speaking of. You surely know that as well as I do.
Dr. Stockmann.
Then what do you think should be done?
Burgomaster.
I have not succeeded in convincing myself that the condition of the water at the Baths is as serious as your statement represents.
Dr. Stockmann.