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
