MRS. STOCKMANN. Yes, that is what Thomas is always saying. HOVSTAD. No one dreams of denying it, Burgomaster. You set the thing going, and put it on a practical basis; everybody knows that. I only meant that the original idea was the doctor’s. BURGOMASTER. Yes, my brother has certainly had ideas enough in his time—worse luck! But when it comes to realising them, Mr. Hovstad, we want men of another stamp. I should have thought that in this house at any rate—— MRS. STOCKMANN. Why, my dear brother-in-law—— HOVSTAD. Burgomaster, how can you——? MRS. STOCKMANN. Do go in and have some supper, Mr. Hovstad; my husband is sure to be home directly. HOVSTAD. Thanks; just a mouthful, perhaps. [_He goes into the dining-room._ BURGOMASTER. [_Speaking in a low voice._] It is extraordinary how people who spring direct from the peasant class never can get over their want of tact. MRS. STOCKMANN. But why should you care? Surely you and Thomas can share the honour, like brothers. BURGOMASTER. Yes, one would suppose so; but it seems a share of the honour is not enough for some persons. MRS. STOCKMANN. What nonsense! You and Thomas always get on so well together. [_Listening._] There, I think I hear him. _Goes and opens the door to the hall._ DR. STOCKMANN. [_Laughing and talking loudly, without._] Here’s another visitor for you, Katrina. Isn’t it capital, eh? Come in, Captain Horster. Hang your coat on that peg. What! you don’t wear an overcoat? Fancy, Katrina, I caught him in the street, and I could hardly get him to come in. CAPTAIN HORSTER. _Enters and bows to MRS. STOCKMANN._ DR. STOCKMANN. [_In the doorway._] In with you, boys. They’re famishing again! Come along, Captain Horster; you must try our roast beef—— [_He forces HORSTER into the dining-room. EILIF and MORTEN follow them._ MRS. STOCKMANN. But, Thomas, don’t you see—— DR. STOCKMANN. [_Turning round in the doorway._] Oh, is that you, Peter! [_Goes up to him and holds out his hand._] Now this is really capital. BURGOMASTER. Unfortunately, I have only a moment to spare—— DR. STOCKMANN. Nonsense! We shall have some toddy in a minute. You’re not forgetting the toddy, Katrina? MRS. STOCKMANN. Of course not; the water’s boiling. [_She goes into the dining-room._