Hovstad.

Yes, at least he was talking in that strain the other day. It was Billing that was so anxious to get the story into the paper; I don’t even know the book.

Petra.

But how can Mr. Billing, with his advanced views——

Hovstad.

Well, Billing is many-sided. He’s applying for the secretaryship to the Town Council, I hear.

Petra.

I don’t believe that, Mr. Hovstad. How could he descend to such a thing?

Hovstad.

That you must ask him.