MRS. STOCKMANN. I thought you got on well enough with him. HOVSTAD. Oh, yes; but it’s only a sort of armistice between us. BILLING. That’s it. That word sums up the situation. DR. STOCKMANN. We must remember that Peter is a lonely bachelor, poor devil! He has no home to be happy in; only business, business. And then all that cursëd weak tea he goes and pours down his throat! Now then, chairs round the table, boys! Katrina, shan’t we have the toddy now? MRS. STOCKMANN. [_Going towards the dining-room._] I am just getting it. DR. STOCKMANN. And you, Captain Horster, sit beside me on the sofa. So rare a guest as you——. Sit down, gentlemen, sit down. [_The men sit round the table; MRS. STOCKMANN brings in a tray with kettle, glasses, decanters, etc._ MRS. STOCKMANN. Here you have it: here’s arrak, and this is rum, and this cognac. Now, help yourselves. DR. STOCKMANN. [_Taking a glass._] So we will. [_While the toddy is being mixed._] And now out with the cigars. Eilif, I think you know where the box is. And Morten, you may fetch my pipe. [_The boys go into the room on the right._] I have a suspicion that Eilif sneaks a cigar now and then, but I pretend not to notice. [_Calls._] And my smoking-cap, Morten! Katrina, can’t you tell him where I left it. Ah, he’s got it. [_The boys bring in the things._] Now, friends, help yourselves. I stick to my pipe, you know;—this one has been on many a stormy journey with me, up there in the north. [_They clink glasses._] Your health! Ah, I can tell you it’s better fun to sit cosily here, safe from wind and weather. MRS. STOCKMANN. [_Who sits knitting._] Do you sail soon, Captain Horster? HORSTER. I hope to be ready for a start by next week. MRS. STOCKMANN. And you’re going to America? HORSTER. Yes, that’s the intention. BILLING. But then you’ll miss the election of the new Town Council. HORSTER. Is there to be an election again? BILLING. Didn’t you know? HORSTER. No, I don’t trouble myself about those things. BILLING. But I suppose you take an interest in public affairs? HORSTER. No, I don’t understand anything about them. BILLING. All the same, one ought at least to vote. HORSTER. Even those who don’t understand anything about it? BILLING.