[A movement at the door in the background.
Hovstad.
[To Billing.] There’s the Burgomaster! Look!
Billing.
Yes, strike me dead if he hasn’t put in an appearance after all!
Burgomaster Stockmann makes his way blandly through the meeting, bowing politely to both sides, and takes his stand by the wall on the left. Soon afterwards, Dr. Stockmann enters by the door on the right. He wears a black frock-coat and white necktie. Faint applause, met by a subdued hissing. Then silence.
Dr. Stockmann.
[In a low tone.] How do you feel, Katrina?
Mrs. Stockmann.
Quite comfortable, thank you. [In a low voice.] Now do keep your temper, Thomas.