Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/231

 Oswald.

Well, then, allow me to inform you. I have met with it when one or other of our pattern husbands and fathers has come to Paris to have a look round on his own account, and has done the artists the honour of visiting their humble haunts. They knew what was what. These gentlemen could tell us all about places and things we had never dreamt of.

Manders.

What! Do you mean to say that respectable men from home here would?

Oswald.

Have you never heard these respectable men, when they got home again, talking about the way in which immorality runs rampant abroad?

Manders. Yes, no doubt

Mrs. Alving. I have too.

Oswald.

Well, you may take their word for it. They know what they are talking about! [Presses his hands to his head.] Oh! that that great, free, glorious life out there should be defiled in such a way!

Mrs. Alving.

You mustn't get excited, Oswald. It's not good for you.

Oswald.

Yes; you're quite right, mother. It's bad for