Dr. Stockmann (standing still by the table). Isn't it the
universal opinion that our town is a healthy spot?

Hovstad. Certainly.

Dr. Stockmann. Quite an unusually healthy spot, in fact--a place
that deserves to be recommended in the warmest possible manner
either for invalids or for people who are well--

Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, but my dear Thomas--

Dr. Stockmann. And we have been recommending it and praising it--
I have written and written, both in the "Messenger" and in
pamphlets...

Hovstad. Well, what then?

Dr. Stockmann. And the Baths--we have called them the "main
artery of the town's life-blood," the "nerve-centre of our town,"
and the devil knows what else--

Billing. "The town's pulsating heart" was the expression I once
used on an important occasion.

Dr. Stockmann. Quite so. Well, do you know what they really are,
these great, splendid, much praised Baths, that have cost so much
money--do you know what they are?

Hovstad. No, what are they?