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Hovstad. Partly. It’s about an article for the paper.

Peter Stockmann. So I imagined. I hear my brother has become a prolific contributor to the “People’s Messenger.”

Hovstad. Yes, he is good enough to write in the “People’s Messenger” when he has any home truths to tell.

Mrs, Stockmann (to HOVSTAD). But won’t you—? (Points to the dining-room.)

Peter Stockmann. Quite so, quite so. I don’t blame him in the least, as a writer, for addressing himself to the quarters where he will find the readiest sympathy. And, besides that, I personally have no reason to bear any ill will to your paper, Mr. Hovstad.

Hovstad. I quite agree with you.

Peter Stockmann. Taking one thing with another, there is an excellent spirit of toleration in the town—an admirable municipal spirit. And it all springs from the fact of our having a great common interest to unite us—an interest that is in an equally high degree the concern of every right-minded citizen

Hovstad. The Baths, yes.

Peter Stockmann. Exactly—-our fine, new, handsome Baths. Mark my words, Mr. Hovstad—the Baths will become the focus of our municipal life! Not a doubt of it!