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ships' captains and first mates would come to; really good sort
of people, you know.

Regina. And what should I--?

Engstrand. You would help there: But only to make show, you know.
You wouldn't find it hard work, I can promise you, my girl. You
should do exactly as you liked.

Regina. Oh, yes, quite so!

Engstrand. But we must have some women in the house; that is as
clear as daylight. Because in the evening we must make the place
a little attractive-- some singing and dancing, and that sort of
thing. Remember they are seafolk-- wayfarers on the waters of
life! (Coming nearer to her.) Now don't be a fool and stand in
your own way, Regina. What good are you going to do here? Will
this education, that your mistress has paid for, be of any use?
You are to look after the children in the new Home, I hear. Is
that the sort of work for you? Are you so frightfully anxious to
go and wear out your health and strength for the sake of these
dirty brats?

Regina. No, if things were to go as I want them to, then--. Well,
it may happen; who knows? It may happen!

Engstrand. What may happen?

Regina. Never you mind. Is it much that you have put by, up here?

Engstrand. Taking it all round, I should say about forty or fifty
pounds.

Regina. That's not so bad.

Engstrand. It's enough to make a start with, my girl.

Regina. Don't you mean to give me any of the money?

Engstrand. No, I'm hanged if I do.

Regina. Don't you mean to send me as much as a dress-length of
stuff, just for once?

Engstrand. Come and live in the town with me and you shall have
plenty of dresses.

Regina: Pooh!--I can get that much for myself, if I have a mind
to.

Engstrand. But it's far better to have a father's guiding hand,
Regina. Just now I can get a nice house in Little Harbour Street.
They don't want much money down for it-- and we could make it like
a sort of seamen's home, don't you know.

Regina. But I have no intention of living with you! I'll have
nothing whatever to do with you: So now, be off!

Engstrand. You wouldn't be living with me long, my girl. No such
luck-- not if you knew how to play your cards. Such a fine wench
as you have grown this last year or two...

Regina. Well--?

Engstrand. It wouldn't be very long before some first mate came
along-- or perhaps a captain.

Regina. I don't mean to marry a man of that sort. Sailors have no
savoir-vivre.

Engstrand. What haven't they got?

Regina. I know what sailors are, I tell you. They aren't the sort
of people to marry.

Engstrand. Well, don't bother about marrying them. You can make
it pay just as well. (More confidentially.) That fellow--the
Englishman--the one with the yacht--he gave seventy pounds, he
did; and she wasn't a bit prettier than you.

Regina (advancing towards him). Get out!

Engstrand (stepping back). Here! here!--you're not going to hit
me, I suppose?

Regina. Yes! If you talk like that of mother, I will hit you. Get
out, I tell. You! (Pushes him up to the garden door.) And don't
bang the doors. Young Mr. Alving--

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