They wouldn’t even lend him the hall at the Baths. SECOND CITIZEN. No, you may be sure they wouldn’t. A MAN. [_In another group._] Now, who’s the one to follow in this business, eh? ANOTHER MAN. [_In the same group._] Just keep your eye on Aslaksen, and do as he does. BILLING. [_With a portfolio under his arm, makes his way through the crowd._] Excuse me, gentlemen. Will you allow me to pass? I'm here to report for the _People’s Messenger_. Many thanks. [_Sits by the table on the left._ A WORKING-MAN. Who’s he? ANOTHER WORKING-MAN. Don’t you know him? It’s that fellow Billing, that writes for Aslaksen’s paper. CAPTAIN HORSTER _enters by the door in front on the right, escorting_ MRS. STOCKMANN _and_ PETRA. EILIF _and_ MORTEN _follow them._ HORSTER. This is where I thought you might sit: you can so easily slip out if anything should happen. MRS. STOCKMANN. Do you think there will be any disturbance? HORSTER. One can never tell—with such a crowd. But there’s no occasion for anxiety. MRS. STOCKMANN. [_Sitting down._] How kind it was of you to offer Stockmann this room. HORSTER. Since no one else would, I—— PETRA. [_Who has also seated herself._] And it was brave too, Captain Horster. HORSTER. Oh, I don’t see where the bravery comes in. HOVSTAD _and_ ASLAKSEN _enter at the same moment, but make their way through the crowd separately._ ASLAKSEN. [_Going up to_ HORSTER.] Hasn’t the Doctor come yet? HORSTER. He’s waiting in there. [_A movement at the door in the background._ HOVSTAD. [_To BILLING._] There’s the Burgomaster! Look! BILLING. Yes, strike me dead if he hasn’t put in an appearance after all! BURGOMASTER STOCKMANN _makes his way blandly through the meeting, bowing politely to both sides, and takes his stand by the wall on the left. Soon afterwards,_ DR. STOCKMANN _enters by the door on the right. He wears a black frock-coat and white necktie. Faint applause, met by a subdued hissing. Then silence._ DR. STOCKMANN. [_In a low tone._] How do you feel, Katrina? MRS. STOCKMANN. Quite comfortable, thank you. [_In a low voice._] Now do keep your temper, Thomas. DR. STOCKMANN.