Petra. What do you suppose it is, mother?

Mrs. Stockmann. I don't know; for the last day or two he has
always been asking if the postman has not been,

Billing. Probably some country patient.

Petra. Poor old dad!--he will overwork himself soon. (Mixes a
glass for herself.) There, that will taste good!

Hovstad. Have you been teaching in the evening school again
today?

Petra (sipping from her glass). Two hours.

Billing. And four hours of school in the morning?

Petra. Five hours.

Mrs. Stockmann. And you have still got exercises to correct, I
see.

Petra. A whole heap, yes.

Horster. You are pretty full up with work too, it seems to me.

Petra. Yes--but that is good. One is so delightfully tired after
it.