Hovstad.

No, no. I spoke without thinking. You mustn’t believe that of me.

Petra.

I know what to believe. Good-bye.

Aslaksen enters from printing-room, hurriedly and mysteriously.

Aslaksen.

What do you think, Mr. Hovstad—[Seeing Petra.] Ow, that’s awkward——

Petra.

Well, there is the book. You must give it to some one else. [Going towards the main door.

Hovstad.