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? BURGOMASTER. I? No, thank you. Good gracious! hot meat in the evening! That wouldn’t suit my digestion. MRS. STOCKMANN. Oh, for once in a way—— BURGOMASTER. No, no,—much obliged to you. I stick to tea and bread and butter. It’s more wholesome in the long run—and rather more economical, too. MRS. STOCKMANN. [_Smiling._] You mustn’t think Thomas and I are mere spendthrifts, either. BURGOMASTER. You are not, sister-in-law; far be it from me to say that. [_Pointing to the Doctor’s study._] Is he not at home? MRS. STOCKMANN. No, he has gone for a little turn after supper—with the boys. BURGOMASTER. I wonder if that is a good thing to do? [_Listening._] There he is, no doubt. MRS. STOCKMANN. No, that is not he. [_A knock._] Come in! HOVSTAD _enters from the hall._ MRS. STOCKMANN. Ah, it’s Mr. Hovstad—— HOVSTAD. You must excuse me; I was detained at the printer’s. Good evening, Burgomaster. BURGOMASTER. [_Bowing rather stiffly._] Mr. Hovstad? You come on business, I presume? HOVSTAD. Partly. About an article for the paper. BURGOMASTER. So I supposed. I hear my brother is an extremely prolific contributor to the _People’s Messenger_. HOVSTAD. Yes, when he wants to unburden his mind on one thing or another, he gives the _Messenger_ the benefit. MRS. STOCKMANN. [_To HOVSTAD._] But will you not——? [_Points to the dining-room._] BURGOMASTER.