Petra. There is so much falsehood both at home and at school. At
home one must not speak, and at school we have to stand and tell
lies to the children.

Horster. Tell lies?

Petra. Yes, don't you suppose we have to teach them all sorts of
things that we don't believe?

Billing. That is perfectly true.

Petra. If only I had the means, I would start a school of my own;
and it would be conducted on very different lines.

Billing. Oh, bother the means--!

Horster. Well if you are thinking of that, Miss Stockmann, I
shall be delighted to provide you with a schoolroom. The great
big old house my father left me is standing almost empty; there
is an immense dining-room downstairs--

Petra (laughing). Thank you very much; but I am afraid nothing
will come of it.

Hovstad. No, Miss Petra is much more likely to take to
journalism, I expect. By the way, have you had time to do
anything with that English story you promised to translate for
us?

Petra. No, not yet, but you shall have it in good time.