Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/55

 Dr. Stockmann.

[Rising and going towards her.] And you only bring it me now?

Petra.

I really hadn't time to run up again. Here it is.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Seizing the letter.] Let me see, let me see, child. [Reads the address.] Yes; this is it!

Mrs. Stockmann.

Is it the one you have been so anxious about, Thomas?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes it is. I must go at once. Where shall I find a light, Katrina? Is there no lamp in my study again!

Mrs. Stockmann.

Yes—the lamp is lighted. It's on the writing-table.

Dr. Stockmann.

Good, good. Excuse me one moment

[He goes into the room on the right.

Petra.

What can it be, mother?

Mrs. Stockmann.

I don't know. For the last few days he has been continually on the look-out for the postman.

Billing.

Probably a country patient

Petra.

Poor father! He'll soon have far too much