Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/260

 Manders.

Those without I shall help you to lay. After all the terrible things I have heard from you today, I cannot in conscience permit an unprotected girl to remain in your house.

Mrs. Alving.

Don't you think the best plan would be to get her provided for?—I mean, by a good marriage.

Manders.

No doubt. I think it would be desirable for her in every respect. Regina is now at the age whenOf course I don't know much about these things, but

Mrs. Alving.

Regina matured very early.

Manders.

Yes, I thought so. I have an impression that she was remarkably well developed, physically, when I prepared her for confirmation. But in the meantime, she ought to be at home, under her father's eyeAh! but Engstrand is notThat he—that he—could so hide the truth from me! [A knock at the door into the hall.

Mrs. Alving.

Who can this be? Come in!

Engstrand.

[In his Sunday clothes, in the doorway.] I humbly beg your pardon, but

Manders.

Aha! H'm