Billing.
[Eating.] It is excellent—really first rate.
Mrs. Stockmann.
You know how Stockmann insists on regular meal-hours
Billing.
Oh, I don't mind at all. I almost think I enjoy my supper more when I can sit down to it like this, alone and undisturbed.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Oh, well, if you enjoy it[Listening in the direction of the hall.] I believe this is Mr. Hovstad coming too.
Billing.
Very likely.
Burgomaster Stockmann enters, wearing an overcoat and an official gold-laced cap, and carrying a stick.
Burgomaster.
Good evening, sister-in-law.
Mrs. Stockmann.
[Coming forward into the sitting-room.] Oh, good evening; is it you? It is good of you to look in.
Burgomaster.
I was just passing, and so[Looks towards the drawing-room.] Ah, I see you have company.
Mrs. Stockmann.
[Rather embarrassed.] Oh no, not at all; it's the merest chance. [Hurriedly.] Won't you sit down and have a little supper?
