Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/216

 —really responsible people—who might be scandalised?

Mrs. Alving.

What do you mean by "really responsible people "?

Manders.

Well, I mean people in such independent and influential positions that one cannot help attaching some weight to their opinions.

Mrs. Alving.

There are several people of that sort here, who would very likely be shocked if

Manders.

There, you see! In town we have many such people. Think of all my colleague's adherents! People would be only too ready to interpret our action as a sign that neither you nor I had the right faith in a Higher Providence.

Mrs. Alving.

But for your own part, my dear Pastor, you can at least tell yourself that

Manders.

Yes, I know—I know; my conscience would be quite easy, that is true enough. But nevertheless we should not escape grave misinterpretation; and that might very likely react unfavourably upon the Orphanage.

Mrs. Alving. Well, in that case