Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/308

 Regina shall be with me always. You will come to the rescue, Regina, won't you?

Regina.

I don't understand

Mrs. Alving.

To the rescue?

Oswald.

Yes—when the need comes.

Mrs. Alving.

Oswald, have you not your mother to come to the rescue?

Oswald.

You? [Smiles.] No, mother; that rescue you will never bring me. [Laughs sadly.] You! ha ha! [Looks earnestly at her.] Though, after all, who ought to do it if not you? [Impetuously.] Why can't you say "thou" to me, Regina? Why do'n't you call me "Oswald"?

Regina.

[Softly.] I don't think Mrs. Alving would like it.

Mrs. Alving.

You shall have leave to, presently. And meanwhile sit over here beside us.

[Regina seats herself demurely and hesitatingly at the other side of the table.

Mrs. Alving.

And now, my poor suffering boy, I am going to take the burden off your mind

1 "Sige du"=Fr. tutoyer.