Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/311

 Oswald.

Why have you never spoken of this in writing to me?

Mrs. Alving.

I have never before seen it in such a light that I could speak of it to you, his son.

Oswald.

In what light did you see it, then?

Mrs. Alving.

[Slowly.] I saw only this one thing: that your father was a broken-down man before you were born.

Oswald

[Softly.] Ah!

[He rises and walks away to the window.

Mrs. Alving.

And then, day after day, I dwelt on the one thought that by rights Regina should be at home in this house—just like my own boy.

Oswald.

[Turning round quickly.] Regina!

Regina.

[Springs up and asks, with bated breath.] I?

Mrs. Alving.

Yes, now you know it, both of you.

Oswald.

Regina!