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.