Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/230

 Alving, what they ought to do. They ought to exercise self-restraint from the first; that is what they ought to do.

Oswald.

That doctrine will scarcely go down with warm-*blooded young people who love each other.

Mrs. Alving.

No, scarcely!

Manders.

[Continuing.] How can the authorities tolerate such things! Allow them to go on in the light of day! [Confronting Mrs. Alving.] Had I not cause to be deeply concerned about your son? In circles where open immorality prevails, and has even a sort of recognised position!

Oswald.

Let me tell you, sir, that I have been in the habit of spending nearly all my Sundays in one or two such irregular homes

Manders.

Sunday of all days!

Oswald.

Isn't that the day to enjoy one's self? Well, never have I heard an offensive word, and still less have I witnessed anything that could be called immoral. No; do you know when and where I have come across immorality in artistic circles?

Manders.

No, thank heaven, I don't!