Captain Horster enters by the door in front on the right, escorting Mrs. Stockmann and Petra. Eilif and Morten follow them.

Horster.

This is where I thought you might sit: you can so easily slip out if anything should happen.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Do you think there will be any disturbance?

Horster.

One can never tell—with such a crowd. But there’s no occasion for anxiety.

Mrs. Stockmann.

[Sitting down.] How kind it was of you to offer Stockmann this room.

Horster.