Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/54

 Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, yes, you may be right; but you must hold it over all the same. I shall explain to you by-and-by.

Petra, wearing a hat and cloak, and with a number of exercise-books under her arm, enters from the hall.

Petra.

Good evening.

Dr. Stockmann.

Good evening, Petra. Is that you?

[General greetings. Petra puts her cloak, hat, and books on a chair by the door.

Petra.

Here you all are, enjoying yourselves, while I've been out slaving.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well then, you come and enjoy yourself too.

Billing.

May I mix you a little?

Petra.

[Coming towards the table.] Thank you, I'd rather help myself—you always make it too strong. By the way, father, I have a letter for you.

[Goes to the chair where her things are lying.

Dr. Stockmann.

A letter! From whom?

Petra.

[Searching in the pocket of her cloak.] I got it from the postman just as I was going out