Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/220

 Manders.

Ah, that melancholy weakness! But he is often driven to it by his injured leg, he says. Last time he was in town I was really touched by him. He came and thanked me so warmly for having got him work here, so that he might be near Regina.

Mrs. Alving.

He doesn't see much of her.

Manders.

Oh, yes; he has a talk with her every day. He told me so himself.

Mrs. Alving.

Well, it may be so.

Manders.

He feels so acutely that he needs some one to keep a firm hold on him when temptation comes. That is what I cannot help liking about Jacob Engstrand: he comes to you so helplessly, accusing himself and confessing his own weakness. The last time he was talking to me Believe me, Mrs. Alving, supposing it were a real necessity for him to have Regina home again-

Mrs. Alving.

[Rising hastily.] Regina!

Manders.

you must not set yourself against it.

Mrs. Alving.

Indeed I shall set myself against it. And