Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/108

 ACT THIRD.

The Editor's Room of the "People's Messenger" In the background, to the left, an entrance-doorto the right another door, with glass panes, through which can be seen the composing-room. A door in the right-hand wall. In the middle of the room a large table covered with papers, newspapers, and books. In front, on the left, a window, and by it a desk with a high stool. A couple of arm-chairs beside the table; some other chairs along the walls. The room is dingy and cheerless, the furniture shabby, the arm-chairs dirty and torn. In the composing-room are seen a few compositors at work; further back, a hand-press in operation.

Hovstad is seated at the desk, writing. Presently Billing enters from the right, with the Doctor's manuscript in his hand.

Billing.

Well, I must say!

Hovstad.

[Writing.] Have you read it through?

Billing.

[Laying the MS. on the desk] Yes, I should think I had.

Hovstad.

Don't you think the Doctor comes out strong?