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Engstrand. Is asleep--I know. It's funny how anxious you are
about young Mr. Alving. (In a lower tone.) Oho! is it possible
that it is he that--?

Regina. Get out, and be quick about it! Your wits are wandering,
my good man. No, don't go that way; Mr. Manders is just coming
along. Be off down the kitchen stairs.

Engstrand (moving towards the right). Yes, yes--all right. But
have a bit of a chat with him that's coming along. He's the chap
to tell you what a child owes to its father. For I am your
father, anyway, you know, I can prove it by the Register. (He
goes out through the farther door which REGINA has opened. She
shuts it after him, looks hastily at herself in the mirror, fans
herself with her handkerchief and sets her collar straight; then
busies herself with the flowers. MANDERS enters the conservatory
through the garden door. He wears an overcoat, carries an
umbrella, and has a small travelling-bag slung over his shoulder
on a strap.)

Manders. Good morning, Miss Engstrand.

Regina (turning round with a look of pleased surprise), Oh, Mr.
Manders, good morning. The boat is in, then?

Manders. Just in. (Comes into the room.) It is most tiresome,
this rain every day.

Regina (following him in). It's a splendid rain for the farmers,
Mr. Manders.

Manders. Yes, you are quite right. We townfolk think so little
about that. (Begins to take off his overcoat.)

Regina. Oh, let me help you. That's it. Why, how wet it is! I
will hang it up in the hall. Give me your umbrella, too; I will
leave it open, so that it will dry.

(She goes out with the things by the farther door on the right.
MANDERS lays his bag and his hat down on a chair. REGINA re-
enters.)

Manders. Ah, it's very pleasant to get indoors. Well, is
everything going on well here?

Regina. Yes, thanks.

Manders. Properly busy, though, I expect, getting ready for
tomorrow?

Regina. Oh, yes, there is plenty to do.

Manders. And Mrs. Alving is at home, I hope?

Regina. Yes, she is. She has just gone upstairs to take the young
master his chocolate.

Manders. Tell me--I heard down at the pier that Oswald had come
back.

Regina. Yes, he came the day before yesterday. We didn't expect
him until today.

Manders. Strong and well, I hope?

Regina. Yes, thank you, well enough. But dreadfully tired after
his journey. He came straight from Paris without a stop--I mean,
he came all the way without breaking his journey. I fancy he is
having a sleep now, so we must talk a little bit more quietly, if
you don't mind.

Manders. All right, we will be very quiet.

Regina (while she moves an armchair up to the table), Please sit
down, Mr. Manders, and make yourself at home. (He sits down; she
puts a footstool under his feet.) There! Is that comfortable?

Manders. Thank you, thank you. That is most comfortable; (Looks
at her.) I'll tell you what, Miss Engstrand, I certainly think
you have grown since I saw you last.

Regina. Do you think so? Mrs. Alving says, too-- that I have
developed.

Manders. Developed? Well, perhaps a little--just suitably.

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