Hovstad (following her). But, Miss Stockmann—
Petra. Goodbye. (Goes out.)
Aslaksen. I say—Mr. Hovstad—
Hovstad. Well well!—what is it?
Aslaksen. The Mayor is outside in the printing room.
Hovstad. The Mayor, did you say?
Aslaksen. Yes he wants to speak to you. He came in by the back door—didn't want to be seen, you understand.
Hovstad. What can he want? Wait a bit—I will go myself. (Goes to the door of the printing room, opens it, bows and invites PETER STOCKMANN in.) Just see, Aslaksen, that no one—
Aslaksen. Quite so. (Goes into the printing-room.)
Peter Stockmann. You did not expect to see me here, Mr. Hovstad?