[Writing.] Yes, yes.

Billing.

Well—they shall soon hear from me!—Now I'll go and write the appeal to the House-owners' Association. [Goes into the room on the right.

Hovstad.

[Sits at his desk, biting his penholder, and says slowly:] H'm—so that’s the way of it.—[A knock at the door.] Come in.

Petra enters from the back, left.

Hovstad.

[Rising.] What! Is it you? Here?

Petra.

Yes; please excuse me——