‘Now, through newly understanding his thwarted joy in Tong ai ecu in her son, maimed by inherited venereal Gnome "ihe superbly appropriate symbol of pobored Scnualiy,” as Bran Jobnston notes—she can recognize het ‘Sify lovin suffering of ha advance insted by a pletitic “poring asthe analogous blight, the poison tat she had ‘meant to im, But past mishidgment is merely her ‘hare of al ihe, greter ghost of dead bell, opinions, {bctrines thet linger on fo. alMet mankind. Finally, most SRosnaiely there iso seme in which even the characters ‘REmncives bem lke appriions manifesting vast Nstorical {orcs in colisio, as Helene Alving works her inate Hel- Tease questing nest out to freedom from is eentres- ‘it domination by the Pauline Chistian Manders mental- Sty. Even the worspint parcpates in thi remarkable ance called up ovt of, fundamentally, jst five, people Nariously eapeneneing a day and = night on haunted round. ‘THE CHARACTERS ag, mune sxe, widow of Captain Alog,tte ‘Court Chamberlain pe Aes ovis sy, pir ‘hoor scree Noms aneanano inservice with Men. Alvog ‘The ection takes place om Mrs, Alving’s country etate by alarg ford in West Norway.{ACT ONE WK A large garden roam, with @ door inthe left-hand wal, ‘and two doors in the wall 10 the eh In the middle of the room a round table with chairs prouped about it: on the table le books, magatines, ond newspapers. In the left foreground, a window, and next to it sll safe wih {owing tale tn front of it. In the background, the room Ut ‘tended into a somewhat omaler greenhouse, whose walls fre erect panct of last. Prom the right side of the Greenhouse, @ door leads into the garden. Through the {lass wals somber ford landscape can be gliiped, half Kidder bythe neody rain NOSTRAND i tending by the garden door. His tft leg 41 parly deformed: under his bootale he hat a wooden Bisck Beant, wih an eonpty porte syringe In her hand, le trying to keep him from entering. i (in @ low voice). What do you want? Jus say where you ate Why, youre dripping wet. NcaTRAND, I's God's own ria, my gi sxscmsa. The devils rai, iis! ENGETRAND. Jeez, how you talk, Regina. (Hobbes a few steps ito the room.) Bt now, what T wanted £039 — eainA. Stop stomping about with that foot, will you! ‘Tue young mate's seeping upstairs, XOSTRAND, Sil sleeping? In broad daplighe? ‘none of your busines wasn. Tos_Becsraanp, Iwas out on a binge last night— ‘mean. 1 can imagine. avesraano, Yes, because we morals are weak, my a necina. Yes, 90 we are ‘esosraawo, And temptations are manifold in this ‘work, You se2— Bat forall of that, vas on the jo, 90 sip ae God, five tiny this morning ary neowxa. All right now, get out of here. I'm not going 10 stand around, having a Feadezvous with yOu. _mvosrmanp. You're not gong 1 have any what? reais, Tim nt going 10 have anyone mecting you ete: So-on Your way. eNosTnAND (g few slept closer). Damned if TM go before Ie had my say with you. This afternoon T' be Gove with my work dows at te schoolhouse, and then TH rip ight back to tows by the night boat. ‘mvooea matters). Pleasant tipt dedicating the orphanage, and Kinds of carrying bere, with bard ‘Aod nsbody'egomg to about Jacob ‘can't pot temptation behind bien ans Hal Enosraan, Yer, because you know 4 lot of the best peoplell be bere tomorrow. Pastor Manders is expected from town, vw. He's coming today. xosraasp, There, you ee, And Tl be damaed if e's ‘going to get anything on me. smote Ab, 80 shat itt ‘evosraann, What do you meao, tha? noone (looks knowingly at hi, Just what are you ‘out to tek im nto tis time? Eworrmano, Shh, afe you cmzy? Would I trick the pastor info anything? Ohno, Pastor Manders, bes been ‘much too good to me for that But its what I wanted 10 {ais to you about, se—that ibe leaving for home then, Aoi. svaina. The sooner the better. ‘evosraano, Yes, but I want you along with me, Re- ina nzowna (open-mouthed), You want me slong—? What id youssy? ‘NGSTHAND, Yim ssying I want you back home with me, eam (scormully), Back home with you? Never. Not chance! ‘mxasraanp. Ob, wel se about that. acorn, Yes, you can bet we vil allright. 7, who've ‘been brought up by Mi, Alving—? Been take in Uke ove fof the famiy-—? J should move bark with you? To a howe Ake that? Pabt NcsTaiND, What the devil is this? You trying to cross your ows father, you lt? DANA (mutters, without loking at him). You've tk sways id [had no part of you. ‘Bxosr2an. Ab, never mind about that— anonta, How many tus haven't you curved me and called me af done! ‘ewosr¥and, So help me God if I've ever used such sity word. ‘necina. Ob, havea forgoten the word you uted. swosraaso, Yes, but that was only when T had some rink in me—-hm. Temptations are manifold ln this work, Regina anon. Uphl NosTaAND. And when your mother got nasty, sc0— ‘thea T hud 10nd something to needle fer with Always made berelf so refined, (Mimics) “Let go of me, Eng Fran! Leave me bel Ive bean three years in service 10 Cine Aig at Renny (ugh) Jez at Srus something she never could forget—tat the captain (WSS funds a chamberlain while se was in service there,me ouosts rors, Poor mother—you bait the Wife out of her sere enouth sncernano (witha shrug). Yes, thats right; T get the ame for everthing rain (in an undertone, as she turns away). Usb ‘And that Teg ‘rcsraano, What did you sy, my ge? ucINA, Pied de mouton cermin, Whats that—German?® _pxostt0, Oh yes, you got some Teraing out here, and ‘thas going to come in andy now, Regina ‘neoixa (after a short silence). Aad what was it you wanted with me in town? ‘ewosrnano. How can you ask what a father wants with bis only child? Arent I lonely, forsaken widower? ‘nconsa, Oh, don't give me thet garbage. Why do you vant me ia town Nosraanp, Allright, Pl tel youT've been thinking ‘of tring nto something ew. azanen (with a snort). Youve done that so often, end it sways goes wr00e. xosraaso, Ab, but this time, Regina, you walt and see! Hal's belle ann (stamps her foot). Stop swearing! esosrmanc, Sb, abl Perfety right you are, my git! Y only wanted to sa)-—T've put by 2 nice piece of change out ff the work on this new orphanage neo1NA. Have you? Wel tats good for you. xceraano, Because what can you spend your money coalbere, out i the country? soma. Wel, so? LEN te on wh es tn no Eo sncstnasb, Yes, s0 you se, thought 1 might put the smomty into something thats tara 9 peott. Ke was Boing (© bea srt of ote for seane— ia, Ush-abl NoSTHAND, A regula, istlass inn, you understand— rot ust aay old pasty for sailor No, damnit allie Pong 10 be for sip captains and mates and—and re ne people, you understand. ga. And how do I? _Enosrnayo, You? You gat to help, se, Just fr the ook fof tinge you follow me, There would't be 40 dam ‘uch todo, You ca have i ust ike you want st ava, I bet rnnostaasn, But there've got wo be women on the prem isch thats sear as day. Boctiae we want tile fe In the eeningesloging aed daacing and that sort of thing You ave to remember, these afe Wayfaring seamen on the ocean of life. (Comes nearer.) Now doa't be stupid tpl hold yourself back, Regina, What can you come 10 fut here? What good ean Ht do 900, allthis earning Mr ‘Aiving's paid out or? Youre supposed wo take care of the Children, T hear, in the new orphanage. Ts thar anything for you uh? Have you such « hunger t run yourself Tagged for the sake of those fithy brats ‘asa, No, i things go the way I want, then— And i could happen, allright Yes, it could! NOSTRAND, What could? neoma. Nove of your busines, Ix it—quite a bit of money you made out here? ‘exosraanp, Between tis and that, ' say up to seve0, sight bundred exowns. eaina. Tan's not so bad sxostRanp. Its enough fora start, my gi tazona, Doa't you thnk you might give me some of sat money? ‘pwasraano, No, I don't tink Tight! zcina. Don't you think you could send me at lest tome lot fora dress?‘cstaan, Just come wih me {ato town, and youl shave dreues to Bur TuOINA, Pah! Tcan doar well oa my own, iT cae to nestaand. No, but i goes beter, Regina, with & fathers guiding hand, Theres nice house 1 ean get 20 fn Litde Harbor Suest, They dom want too much money ‘Sowor and it could make sme fond af Seamen's home, all right N®OINA. But I dont want to stay with you! I've got no business with you. Get out! ‘csraasp, You woulda stay so damn 1ong with me, git, No such Iuek-if you kaow how to show off youre Kvwench ar goodooking as youve turned out these lst ‘wo years aeaina, Ye? ‘pxostuNo, It wouldnt be long before some ship’ offcer--mayoe even cptain— recusa, Tm not marrying any of those. Silrs doo't have any svelte nosraanp. They don't have any what? reas, Let me tell you, I know about silos. They arent any aor mary. nosraano, Then forget sbout geting matied. That can ey just a well (More confidentially) Hime English Tanthe one with tbe. yacht—he gave three. hundred {flog e dian she wat no beter Tooking than YOu. rxotna (advancing om him). Get out of heel ewosraann (steps back). Easy now, you dont want 19 it me eaiae roa, Don't If Talk about Mother, and you'll nd ‘out Get out of here, L ssl (She forcer him Back tonard the seen door) And no sang dom: youne Mt ‘atving— anceraano, Yes, e's aslep. TCs something al right row you worry about young Me. Alving-— (Drop his oie.) Hosho! Tejas wouldnt be that he—? rina, Out of here, quick! You'e all mixed up! No. ot that way. Ther’ Pasior Manders coming, Down the icsen sain svrma (moving 10 the right, Al ht im 2108 Beer ith hon thats coming im He's the 8 Bat whet acid oes et fate. Deseo wpe ty ters you hao. Tcan prove 3 iat parish eer. Ite oot out by the ferter door, whic REGIA hat He tag aie him, She arid lanes at Peer ee ron fa hers with her handherchiel ae ate calar, ten uses eri the Fe ce Moen Im on ovecoe, CTINE at for eae wth eal raving ba Om @ ap OP Foerinedte"omes vhrough the worden deor Into the freemowe} Seuns. Good morsag, Mis Egsrnd vm curing wih a pleasantly reise Look). Why Peete fod otangt The bors akeady somet erwonns, Te jost_arives, (Enering the room) It ction weather weve Den having tet 3% etna flowing hin). 1s godsend forthe fmm Pate ranogns, Yee, you're quite rght, That's someting we oem Yeti thnk ok (He ss ang ve Sore) sce, Oh, etme help youths &, My, how wet "Pipe base up ia We bal And the Umbres 00 tina open td. (She gous of with the ting hough the frher door om (She geet ot ts removes har reveling bag ad 308 i es TeN at down on cab REOH Yeu) stovonaa. Ab, but it good t© Be ioor. So— evayung® gig well Best ‘eons, Yes, thank you nvonas, But erly buy, Tsuppose, sting rey or tomorow? ia, Oh yo, theres plenty t0 anoens, And, hopefully, Mrs. Alviags at home?‘aciva, Why, of coure. Se ust went upto Bing the young ste some ot chocolat. sewoens. Yer tell me—t earl down at the pier that Covald was sposed ta have come m nroinA, He got in the day before yesterday. We bade expected him before lode MaNDERS, In the best of health, ¥ hope? eoiwa Yer, just fie, think yoo, But awfully tied ancr ns ip. He came srsight from Pacis without 3 Freck "I mesa, he went the whole route without changing frei thnk he's gaping = hte now, so we should tal Justa dy bit Softer. Danone, Shit Well be so aut. aia (as she mover om armchair up 10 the table) peese now, do it down, Pastor, and make yourll com forte. Cte ts: he slips a footstool under his Jeet) ‘Thats that al sgh, Pastor? seawoens. Just perfect, thank you, (Rexording her) ‘you know, Miss Tengrrand, 1 definitely thiak you've brown since Isa you last. ona. Do you thik £9, Pastor? Mrs, Alving says that se filed out, ton Manoens, Filed out—? Well, yes, maybe site —bot scceptably. (4 show pause.) ‘sansa, Shall tl Mrs, Alving you're bere? saxpens, Ob, dank you. there's no hurry, my dear child swell ube-hut tell me sow, Regina, hows been {fing for your father oat bere? ‘anes, Fatty wel Pastor, thank you. Stanpens. He was in to see me when Ie was fast in acuta. Really? He's always so happy when he can talk with you, ayogns, And you make it your rule, of court, to took in on him dally earva. 17 Oh, yes, of eourse—whenever I bave some cawoens. Your father ix not very strong in characte, in Bogrtrand He's woefully in seed of a guiding band. ‘neo, Yes, Pi sre ofthat axmens. He needs to have someone around pln that ne a ove, and hoe hidgment carries some weight He ear S'S; mck quite Franky when he Was lst Up 9 562 Seeonss, Yes, be said something lke that to me, Bot T dont know if Migs Aling. could spare, mo—evpecaly seme ess eve got the new orphanage to manage. AD ‘ovale so awflly sohappy to Teave Mrs. Alvig—she Always been to kind tome. Twanness. But, my dear gil, a daughters duty— Natlyg we'd ft have to obiain Mrs, Alvng’s consent aeons, But T dont know ifs would do for me, at my agelto keep house fora single man eseoens. What! But, my dear Miss Engstrand, this your own faiher were speaking off ‘neciva, Yes, maybe 50, bat all che same—sou see, if ‘were pod house, wie real genleman— ‘waNDERs, But, my dear Regina— sneora. One I could caze for and look wp 1, almost tikes davghter— Deano, Ye, but my dear chil 1d Tike 40 much to tive in town. Out per its erniby Toney--end you Know yourselt, Pastor, er eto stand none in the word, And T think 1 can Tach goin capable and wing. Me. Manders, doo't You know ots place lke tht for me? ‘eanoens. I?'No, [d'or the ile of me. rama, But deat, dear Mr, Manders—you wil think of sme, in any 88, eve aspen (geting up, Yes, TL remember, Miss Eng scan ‘necivs. Yer, because if1— anoens. Pechaps yout be good enough 10 tll Met Aiving Tve come,goal er ight ay, Pastor. (She goes ut left. MANDERS paces Back end forth in the oom couple of times then tends for a momen atthe fer tad of the room hands behind hs back, looking out Irth garden, He then reruns tothe tbl, picks up @ ook and locks er the tie pag start and nsec Soe! oer) anoens, Hen—shat Well (oaas. avn comes in by the door, left, She is followed Sse who immediately get out bythe nearer door {0 the nahe) xs. avvano (extending her hand), So good to see you, Mr. Manser ‘ayoens, Good morning, Mrs Alving. Here fam, jst 1 promibed, ‘ans, aLviva, Always onthe dot aweouns. Bot you can imagine, was toch and 99 former geting avey. All those blessed boards ad com ‘Mrs. ALyINo. All the more kind of you to come 50 prompily. Now we can get our busines Jone before din er Bot where dou have your begs? ‘asoens (hurried). MY things are dowa atte gener a1 More=1 ton a vo0m tere for tones * uaa. suvINo (reresing 4 smile). You cant be per sued even yt pend the night bere fa my hows? anoans. No, no rely: thank you so much, but FU stay down there ural Is 39 convenient to the boa. ns. auvise, Well you do a8 you wih But 1 really ‘ought instead that two old people ike wo ‘mavoens. Gracious me, the way you joke! Yen of course you're in tare spr today. Ft the eelbaton tomorrow and then Jouve got Ona home ‘ns Avvo. Yea, ea 3ou imagine how happy ¥ am! Ite than two jeassnce he was home fase And then tet promised toss) with ne this whole winter asoens. No, has he feally? That certainly a sice etre fora 00h (0 make™betate there must be oe, que diferent attractions to fe ia Rome and Pari Ym ens, atvino, Yes, but he has his mother here at home, you set Oh, that dear, Blessed boy—he sll has room 19 Bi heart for met eanoens. Tt would relly be tragic if distance and devotion to anything like ar should duit bis natural fel ings. hens, atvino. You're perfectly sight, But there's 90 chance A all of that with im. Oh, Tm going 10 be so urious to pee if you sll recognize him. Hell be down Shorty, bes jut stretched out to reat a ite on the sols ‘sta But ow, my dear Mr. Manders—do st down. hanoens, Thank you, It convenient, then —? dans, aLvino, Why, of cours, (She sits atthe table.) anoens. Good, Then let's have a look— (Goer over 10 tne nae there his bug hes, tes out 0 sheaf of Papers Ie eth opposite side of the table, and searches for & Bee ie ine papers out) Now ere, Bt, we ave {Breeds of} Te me, Mrs Alving, where did dese books fcome from? Das, atv, There books? I'm reading them. aasoens, You read tis ort of thing? ans. avvasa, Yes, ofcourse I 0. wavnens. Do you fed yeu've grows any better oF Inapae for thi kindof reading? uns, ALVING. think it makes me fel more secur. ‘aaxouns, That's astonishing. What do you mean? uns, anvive, Wel, 1 nd it clarifies and reiforees 0 many idens Te been thinking out all to mye. Yes, thats Be tage pare Mr. Manders there's actually nothing feally aow io these bookt, nothing beyood what mort reat think nod beieve, 1 simpy that mort people don't Tice face these things, or what they imply ‘wanoans. Ob, my dear God You doo’ seriously con- sider that most poople—? vans, gavin, Yes I certainly do,tongs. Walk tt ot ae in ou sc? Nat uns. ALVING. Ye, flea 0. Dasoens, Wel Imus, really! gt fhe Bt wht xy do ow ob Sn sine tplong at kad Potieniond iat ode condeuningy, a You Know setting of Mawoens, Tve read quite enough about these wr to diapprove of them. se sas, aLvino, Yes, but your own opinion — saxoens. My dear Mr. Alving, there are many c= cares ioe wae oe hat etn of ater. Tha’ te condion of tis word, and is all {Ot the eat How ese could society fonction? ate ‘eas, aLvi. Tats tre: maybe youre ht. anoans, Besides, I wouldn't deny that there's a certain fascination about sich writing. And T cant Blame 30a ‘ther for waning 19 Desome acquainted with the ite fectst cureas that, Tear are que prevalent ia the Sigr worth youve fot Jour sn wander 0 te aoess (droping Ms vole), But one eed ta aout in MinAving One Sos nove cut tal ‘nay cre fn ai ta oe uns, atvino, No, ofcourse not. agree. DMaNouts, Remember your obligations to the oman: set aich you dre ott ime woot, ‘iad toward things ofthe mind an spn was 30 Ye different from now—at least a8 J see 7 eas, stvIno, Yes, shout the orphanage admit it, completely, But it was MaNoERS. It was about the orphanage we wanted to speak, yeu All the same—pruence, my dear Mrs. Alving! Bea dws tes tura to bouiness. (Opens a folder and takes Gut some papers) You see these? pans. vive, The deeds? duwsoens, The whole set—in perfect qrdet. You ca vgioe He hast beoa easy fo get tem In ime. 1 actualy ato apply some presure. The authorities are almost painfully Seopuous when i comes fo decisions. But ere {icy ae, in any care. (Leafing through the paper.) Soe, burg the duly recorded conveyance of title of the Solve farms Suid propeny belag part of the Roweavold state, {pehcr with all buldings newly erected thereon, includ {ob the echoothowe, the sail residence, and the chapel. ‘RSs here's the oficial charter forthe inition and dhe Syiuws governing ite operation. You sce— (Reads) “By- Pee "totcming the Captain Alving "Memorial Orphas's Home.” fxs, aLvoso (looking at the papers for @ long. mo tment). Somers 11 waxmens. 1 chose "Captain for the tile, rather than “Coan Chamberlain” "Capain” seems les otetaiou. ns, atvino, Yes, whatever you think eanoens. And bere you've got the bankook showing inteese on capital feserved to cover the Tuning expenses othe orphanage. ns, atv, Thank yoobut plese, wor’ you hold conte for convenience tke? ‘wawens. Yes gladly. 1 think we can leave the money in te bank for etme 1 trae, te interest rate 0" Very umeives four petcst, with 2 sbemonth withdrawal 1O~ BEEN ne coutd come across 2 good mortgige Laer oo— Saturaly, it would have to be fist mortgege, of under. Tondo ecurty-tbea we could reconsider the situation seas. sive. Yes, dear Mr. Manders, you know best shove ll that. ‘wsroens, Anyway, Fl Keep an eye out But now there's cone more thing Tvetesat several aes (0 ask YOU. ens, atv, And what's that? ‘wasters, Should the orphanage be insured or not?26 Guosts teas, auvina, Why, of course, it has to be isured, Danonns, Ab, 20 oo fast, Mes. Alving. Let's stady this question » bit as, atvavo. Everything 1 own i insured—bullogs, fornitre, crops, livestock. uxxoens, Obviously, when i's your own property. Ido the same, natraly. Bot here, you see fs avery diferent Imation. This orphanage is going 10 be, 0,10 ta, Coase rated to a higher calling as. ALG, Yes, bot if— axons, From my personal standpoint, 1 woulde't find the slightest objection to insuring tx aguas ll eveae uals dns, anvine, No, Twouldst eter >ManDEns, But how would that st with the pubic opinion ereabouts? You Know better than I. ns, aLviss. Public opinion, hm— anon. I ere, sy coeieale segment of oi fom“I'mean, really important opinion—tbat might take i: i might Duns, nivovo. Well, what do you mean, exxcly, by Important opinion? axoans. 1 was thinking mataly of people of uch independent and infueeial postion that one ould hardy ‘void giving ther opinions a certain welt. duns, suv1sa, There are a few lke that here who might possbly take offense ‘awoens, There, yoo see! In town we have any num ‘oer af them. The’ congregations of other churches, fo fexample, Tt would be the eases thiag in tbe world for {hem to conrtroe this a neither you nor T having ade- ‘ate faith in Dsioe Providence. bars. atvino. But, my dear Mr. Manders, along at ‘you Ksow to your otn satisfaction — anDens. Yes, Iknow, I kaow—1 have my own inner conviction, quite 80. But tbe fact remains that we wouldnt bevabie to counter & flv and damaging imprestion—and ‘that, i tro, could easly bumper the work of the orphatr oe aa, Lyme, Well tha’ the case, tho— ‘uns, sLvisa, No, you shoulda’ be exposed to tet eaxoens, Not to mentlon the charges that would onitiess be Toveled against me in certain papers and ‘magazines that— vs, atin, Enough, Me. Manders that sete it anouns, Then you won't want the lamurance? ners, aLvine. No, well lt tht be. waooens (leaning back in his char). But now, if there should be ao accidet—one never knows, after ai—would Sou beable to mae good the loses? ns. ALWING. T can tell you right now, 1 solutly woulda anvens. Ah, but you know, Mrs, Alving—then its & rave responsibly weve taking On. hans, aLvine, But what else do you see that we can do? awoens. No, thas jost the thing: we cant do say thing due, We thouldat expore ourselves to unfavorable ‘pinion: and we certainly have o right to wc disesion in ‘he community. ans, aLvino, Especially you, a8 « clergyman. eayonns, And abo I realy do believe tht we can pend on «projec like this carrying some lock along with {2standing, 90 ax, under a special protectin. ‘as, avine, Let's hope 9, Mr. Manders, seanouns, Then well ave things as they are?ers. ALvING. Yes, of coue, Manoens. Right. AS you wish, (Jorring @ now.) No ves Lv. Is ste you hapcad tes ot ‘this just today— * ; a ‘Maxonns. TVe often though o ask you abot i phan, Beau yeteray We newly Bad 8 See ‘MANDERS, What! ns, anvoso. Well, there wasn't anything 1 i really, ‘Some shavings caught ire inthe carpenter shop. Manonns. Where Engsvand works? as, ALVING, Yes, They say Be’ often so caress with smutches. an Duoess, He has so mush on his mind, that mas—s0 many tribulations, Praise be to Ood, he's ow makiog a teal ert to lead a blameless life, 1 hear MRS. ALVING. O? Who's been saying that? deawoens. He's assured me of it hlmaell, And he's a capable workin, 10. Ds. ave, Why, ys as long a8 he's sober — Manners. Ab, that distressing weskness! But he tll ie he tegen ha ort fot forthe sake of Bt Sling Teg. Lam tine he war in town, 1 really was gute moved by him He stopped in snd thanked me ro ncerely {or geting him this work out here, 20 he could be Together swith Regina, Das. aLviNe, But e hardly ever ses her. Maxens, No, Be speaks with ber every diy—be told ane that hinsel a Manpans. He fels so positively that there who can restsn hin when femptation looms: Thats ‘what so engaging abou! Jacob Enestrnd, the may he Comes to one so ulterly helpless and accures himself an fdiits ‘is Talla Just the lst time that he talked to sme—Mrs, Aiving, ft became a vital necessity for him 10 fave Repos home with hin again— es, sLVING (rising Impulsive). Regia Dawoers. Then you murs et yourself against. dans. nivino. Yes, Tm decidedly set against it, And tolides_‘Rogina wll have position at the orphans. ‘Masoens, But remember, he is her father— ans, aLvi9o. T now all {09 well what Kind of father t's been to het. Noy teil mover ave my blessings 10 80 to him ManDens (rising). Ut my dear Mrs, Alving, don't take fu to vbleally, Ita sich pity, the way you mishudee ‘Bngstraad. Rely, sas if You were somehow afaid— nuns. aLvino (more celmiy). Never mind about tht rye taken Regio Io bere, and sbe'l say here with me {Listens Shs now! Dear Mr. Manders let pot talk of ‘bis “aeymore, (Her foce radiating joy.) Hest that! (Gnvald comtag Sownsair Now wel thik only of his. (onvaty aLvino, wearing a light overcoat, hat in hand, nd smoking large meerachaum pipe, comes in trough the door tothe left) ‘osvain (pausing In the doormay). Oh, Ym sorry—t fought you were in the std. (Comer I.) Good moring, Pastor Manders anes (stares at him). Ab-—! That's amazing —! ans, auvivo, Yee, what do you think of him, Mr. Manders? Dasoens, Well I ust s2y—0o, but—is it relly? svat, Yes ealy—the prodigal 1, Pastor. anoens. But my dear boy fsvaun, Wel the homecoming son, anywiy. as, Lv. Osvaks thinking of the time when you ‘were ao agniat is becoming a punter ManoEns. From our human viewpoint, you know, ‘many s step Woks doubful that later turns out— (Shak Ine his hand.) Nb, welcame, welcome back! Imogie, ear Osvald~say Tail ell you by Jour frst ame?‘evan, What est could you think of caling me? aoans. Good. What I meaat to say, my deat Osvalé— ‘was that you musts suppow that I categorically condemn tbe artist's life. Tassume there ere quite a few’ who keep ‘heir inner seives uncormupted even in. those circum ianoet O8vALD, Lets hope so ns. auvino (beaming with plearre). 1 know one iybo's kept both his inner end outer selves incorroptble, ‘You only have to lock him, Mr. Manders, ‘svau (pacing about the room). Yes, al ight, Mother dearthat enovgh >anoans, Completely 2o—that's undeniable. And you've siready begun to make your name. You'e often” mew fiooed i the papers—and. most {wvorably, 100. Though, Iatly, I should Say, there seems to bees. OsvALD (near the geemhoure). I haven't been painting so much lately, Das, ALN, Even artista need a rest now and then Danouns. That T can understand. A time to prepare cocaelf and gather strength forthe great work to come. ‘vata. Yes. Mother are we eating sooa? ‘ens. aLvino, fo just half an bout. He certainly has an sppeti tank ‘anans. And likes bis tobacco, too, ‘svat. I found Father's pipe upstairs inthe bedroom— ANDERS. Ab, that explains it Dans, sve, What? buaxoens. When Orvald came through the door there ‘with that pipe ia hie mouth it waa av if saw hit father in the Mesh, comvatp, Really? ans. ALvIN0. Ob, how ean you say the? Orvld takes ster me, [ANDERS Yes, but there's look around the earners of the mouth, something about the lips, thats the very pice ture of Alving--espectally aow that b's smoking. ns, atvINo, No, ifs noting like him, aot at all. To re, Osvaid has more of a minste's look about the ‘mouth, sanouns. Yeu. You a number of my colleagues have a silar expression uns, aLvoxa, But put the pipe down, dar. I oa't want smoking in thia room. ‘osvaup (sets the pipe down), Allright {only thought ‘ty it because Ta once smoked it asa child, ans, avvosa, You? fosvauo. Yes. T was very small then. And T remember going up to Futhers room one evening ‘when he wat in foch a marvelous hemor. Dans. aLviNo. Ob, you don't remember anything from those year. ‘evALD. Oh yes, I distinctly remember him taking mg fon bis knee and leuag me smoke his pipe. "Smoke, bo." De sald, “smote itfor rel!” And I smoked for all T was worth, ‘iT felt myself go pale, and the great drops of Seat stood out on my fordbead, Thea be sbook all over with laughter axons, That's most peculie, es. ALVINO, Tim sure if just something that Osvald dreamed” fosvain, No, Mother, it was definitely no. dream, Be- cause—don't jou remember™then you came in and cat Fed me off to the aurery. I was ie then, and I could seo {you were crying. Did Futer often play such ticks? wavpens. When he was young be wat always full of svaLp. And sill he got so much accomplished —s0 much that Was good and‘useful, forall that be died 60 ay. earens. Yes, Orvald Alving—it' a stroog and worthy ‘same you've inberited, Well lets hope il inspire you (OsvALD, It certainly ought 10,MaxoeKs. And it was ood of you 10 come bome for te ceremooic a is boooe. ceva. I the et ou do for Father. dens, Avvo, And that bell ems with me bere 40 tongtat ett otis pods eawoans. Yes, hear you'esuyig al winter vnieial ote kone anit nn Paton Ob i sens aLvne (alan). es, bow watt auvoens (looks sympsiesicaly at Wm). You were cut ia the world qute ear, Osvala, werent You? ‘ceva. Yer. wonder seinen i wasn co ex. tality {ye speci when benny "chi He houldo' be kept home and coddled ‘by hs mother and taster, ANouns, Thats Bighty debatable propoion, Me “Aiving A chil righ pace sod alway wl be hs antl home ‘svak, hve to agree with Mr: Manders ther axons. Now take your own son, for fstanc. ¥ swevcan duran Us in font of bi What eft as tht Tos hin? les grown to age twenty oven wile fut sny chance to expercace sorta home Ie. ‘svALD. Excuse me, Mf, Manders—but youre quite wrong about that. vere uous. Realy? ought youd teen moving mot easiely in arse cic ‘svat, I ave, ‘Manvens. And mainly among the younger artists, cxvaun, Yeu MANDERS. But I thought most of those people hada't the means fo sar family and make a home. ‘Osva.o, It's true that & number of them haven't the means to get married Danonns, Wel, thats what Im saying. cava. But they eam il have a home life, And vevet- 1 of them do~eae thats quite normal and pleasant (ours, Avvo, following estetively, nods But says nothe ing) Yaseas, Bot its not a bachelor life Tm talking shoot py bome life Tmeaa a family bome, where » man lives ‘wih bis wife aad hs bdr. cova. Yes, of with his children and his children's smother ‘wanwens (jolted, clasping his hands together). Merciful Goat ‘vaua, What? Danoens. Lives together with—bis children's mother! ‘svaLo, Well, would you rither have im abandon her? Manoens, But you're talking. about ict relations! About psi, iresponible fre lovet Cavan, Tye never noticed anything particule ire- spomtble about the way these peopel. waxoens. But how is it possible that-—that even mod- crus decent young men of wemen could accept iviog i lat manger before the eyes of the world! Tosvauo. But what ele can they do? A poor young ani poor young pil—and Mariage 20. eTPESSNE. ‘What ean they €o? ‘mavens, What they can do? Well, Mr, Alving, 11 te you whut they cen Jo, They ough to Keep cach otber ata ance ight from the stact—tbats what they ought (0 ‘al ‘osvain, You won't get very far with tht advice among ‘warm blooded young people in ove. sans, atv, No, you certainly won't wanoens (persiting). And to think the authorities tolerate such things! That Its allowed to go on openly. (ena atvo.) You ae what good reason Tve Rad 10 ‘ecconceimed about your son. In cies where immorality aunted, aod even seems to be prized— ‘svat, Let me tell you vomebing, Pastor. I've been &frequent Sunday guest in a couple of these socalled ‘unconventional homes — seaxoans, Sunday, no ls cosvaun, Yes, the day of rest and relaation—and yet ye never once heard an offensive word not have T ever Wwhtesedabything that coud be called immoral. Bat do Jertino wen thd whe hve met nmorty ong ‘axens, No, thank God, I don't! ‘OsvaLD, Well, den etme tell you, Tve met ft when one ‘or abather of our exemplary husbands and fatbers—on a {tip evay from bome apd out fo see & Ue Weald the frist the Honor of dropping en them in their poor ‘afd, Then we had oor eirs opened wide. Those gene: fpen could tellus about things and places we never ‘reamed existed DMaweRs, What? Are you suggesting that respectable sen from here at home would? svat. Have you aever—hen thee same respectable ‘men carne home from ther tipe—have you oever beard {hem carrying on about the monstrous ioral atoad? oars, Why, of couse ns. Lina, Tae, 10, cavstD. Well, you ca trast theit word for it—theyre exper, many of them. (Clasps his head) Oh, dat the ‘elu feedom of tu econ be made ofall tena. save. Yoo. musts't provoke yourself, Osa et ot good for You a OsvALp. No, you'e righ, Mother, I's bad for my health Its ti damnable fatigue you know. We Tg fora ite walk pow before dinner. sory, Pastor. You ant share my felings about this—but Ws the way Tice It fe goes out trough the farther dor tothe ight) evs. ALO. My POOF Hoyt ayers. Yes, you can well say that. How far he's stoayed? (ans. atving looks afi, saylng nothing Manoa pacer up and down.) He called bsself the prod al soo, Yeu, ite sad—sad! (0s auviva, continues 12 Tokar hin.) And what do you sy (0 all ths? ‘ns, xvina. 1 soy Onvald Was Fight In every word shat he Manns (stops short). Ri ple eas, aLvmo. Here in my solitude Tve come to, the same conclusions, MF. Manders--thouh Ive never dazed Situise a word of i All well and good—my boy si speak for me 80m. Taxpans. You're a woman much to be pitied, Mt “avsing, Now [most tak seriously with yo. 1's no longer ‘your bosiness adviser, nor as your and your husband's ‘hultnood fiend, that Im standing before you now-—but cevewe plese cxarly ax Lace did at the most bewil ered hour of your life ‘ms, LvING. And what does my priest have to tell me? waxes, Fitt, lt me cll yp some memories 1's 8 sult moment. Tomorrow i the tenth snniveriary of Sent husband's death, tomorrow the memorial wil be ye sin bis honor; tomorrow TTI be spenkig tall {gee amcmbled-but today T want to speak fo you alone ‘ens avin, Allright, Me, Manders—speakt wasmoers. Do you recall how, after barely a year of rmartiage, ou sed on the Yery edge of the abyss? That Jour iett Bouse and bome-—deserted your fusband—yes Be Misi, deserted, deserted, and refused (0 go back 1 Bn forall hat he begged and implore you 1 ‘ns, auyins. Have you forgot how wnutersly mite erable woe that fst yea?! eaxtns. But this i the very exsence of the rebellious spit ta erave happiness here fa. this hfe. What ht ave Fe Namen beings to happiness? No, we must do our duty Mie Aivings And your euty was to stand by that men You we Nad chawen, and to whan you were joined by 8 ‘cred bod fens. a.vina, You know well enough what kind of Tie “Atving Id in those daye-and the appetis he indueed eanouns. know quite well the rumor that circulated 1 Rightt With such princiAbout him; and tothe exent that those rumors were ta, Falbe the lat to condone such conduct shit then. BUt ¢ wile isn't required tobe ber bosband's judge 1 was your proper role to bear with « bumble heart that cross tha a Eigher will saw cto Izy upoo you. But instead, you rebellously cart away the Erom, left the groping sul You thould have aided, went of and Hsked Your good cure tnd ‘epotation and-nesrly ruined other repuiauoas In the baresin Dans, ALVING, Other reptatons? Just one, J think you DMaNDens. Tt was exceedingly thoughtless of you to eck refuge with me ens, aivive, With our pastor? With an old, ‘ieod? Mawoans. Yes for that very reason. You should thane ‘Almighty God that I bad the secesary inner stengts— {hat T got you to drop your hysterical plans, and that it ‘was given to w lead you buck to the path of Guy, and Tome to your lawful husband ess, auvna, Yes, Pastor Manders, that certainly was your doing Manoens. I was only e humble instrument directed by ‘higher power And that T beat your will to duty and Sbedienoehasnt that grown at & great blowing, tom {at time on all the days of your Ife? Dida it go the way I foretai? Did Alving tura away from bis deprav- es, as aman mos, and tke up a loving and blameless life with you right to the end? Didat be become a bene factor of the community, and uplift you as wel into his ‘own sphere of tivities t0 share. them ll? And bow fecuvely you shared them, too—that Thoow, Mis. Aiv~ {ngs 1 gie You that ered. But aow I come to the ext ‘eat mistake in your if, ‘ns. ALviNa, What do you mesn? Mangas, Just as you once evaded the duis of « wie, you've sace evaded those of « motbes. as, ALVING. A=! |, MaNoERS. All your life you've been governed by an incorigible spirit of wilfuless. Iasnctively you've been va lw cone an mien rhe SA east Mapa a a i ea fiat erm moe es Bret randerstnia al eed amen: car ne me apn Sms nl es eh a he caer teaa i tke ‘eee ry nf to your sband—you admit 8 much Seo naa aioe Vader wr PEIMe ead ee She ie cee et mom maaan oer Scesaecd apc guy 8 oer! Te Shy wil wae bs . herself). You've ans amo (deliberately, controling Reve). ou said your ‘ese, Paster, ‘and tomorrow ‘you'll al ‘eaking oe eset tenors. Tomerw FH 22 puny er antsy eomeaing © YOU eA hoe pat aplca me wom Netra, yoo want to sake excise fr sour ond sexs avo, No Only 0a few a, ase, Well? was, Al tat youve ten saying bere about a Sr tot ead oor he topeinrate,o7OU oY Mstethac w ie par of jah Eien. you dont ever st fot nour bows aga MADER. Bat you and your husband moved out of tow ight after aens, avin, Yes, and you never eame out here 10 set vo lie my osoand was Wing. Ie was busines that tpl you t0 vist me, sce you were involved with the fomphanage, to. anvens (In low, hesitant voce), Helene—it thats sean ana teproachy then [sk you o consider MRS. aLvING, The respect you owed to your cling, yer nd'f after al, wat a runaway wile. Obe etn Dover ‘ie caeful eoough with such feckless women. anpens. Dear—Mes, Alving, that is « flagrant erag- ns. abvina. Yes, yet, all right, then forget that, 1 sinply sated io se} that when you sake jodgments 0a ‘ay cared Ife, youre Basing hem on 00 more than fommon posi. Danoans, Granted, Well, what oft? tans, ALvING. But n0¥, Mr. Manders, ow TH tll you the rit T swore to mpelt that ope day you were going te hear it—sou alone. aoroens. And whit, then ie the truth? uns, atvino, The truth is—that my husband died just as sslute ase’ ved every day of i ie. anoens (groping Jor @ chair). What did you say? ss, aLvine. After nineteen years of marsags, jst as dsnaute-io his desires, in any ease—as be was before ‘you marred us ‘MANDERS, But these mistakes of his youth, these conf sions-disipations f you want--you call them a disolte iter DMRS, ALVING, Is he phrase our doctor ued DMaNDERE, I dont understand you. tans, aLviNo, You don't have t, anpens, It makes my head spin. You mean the whole of your marrage all those many years together with Jou hurband-—were nothing mare thao & hollow mock ext Dans, auvina. Exactly. Now you know. axons, Thie—I find this so hard to belive. I can't wudertaad Kl Te doesnt make” vense! But bow was it posible to? How could it be kept a secre? ‘ens, LINO, That was the constant battle Tad, day ater day. When Onvald war bor, I thought tings right f0 better with Alving bot it ida’ ast Jong. So thea T fia to redouble my efor, fight with vengeance $0 n0 ‘pe would know what Kind of a'man my chile father twee, And you know, of oune, How charming. Alving Could bes No ooe thought anything but good of him. He rat one of those people whose lives never deract from ir reputations, But then, Me. Mandere—and this you siko have lo hear—thea came the most sickening past of the whole bosnes, ‘MANDIR, More sickening than what you've fld met ars, ALviNG, 1 borne with him, even though T knew very well what wae going on io secret avay from this Tow, But when the infection came right within ovr own four walle ‘Mangas. You mean—bere! ns, aLvina, Yes, herein our own house, To there— (Pointing tothe neater door on the right)—in the dining fom that as where 1 Bist discovered it T had some. {Bing to get lide andthe door was ajr. heard the maid ‘come up from the arden with water forthe pants— Manoa. And—? ds, sLvina. A moment later T heard Alving come in ater ber I could hear him saying something to her. And then T heard (With an abrupt lough) ob. 1 can beat Itt, as something both 80 shatering and 30 ludicrous — ty om maid whispering: "Let go of me, Captain Alvin! Leave me bet ‘MANDens. How terribly grost and thoughtes of him! fn, but rx, Alving, it was 90. more than @ moment's oughilessses, believe me. ‘rns. aLvING, T soon leaned what to believe The cap- Jn hod bis way with the gitand that affair had sceeffects, Pastor Manders, anoens (af started into sone). And all Uat in his bousel In thi house,ons. stvana. ve endured & ot in this Howse to Keep nin totem te creningr and nights, Thad 10, Become pa errot companion se got sodden over his otis Bi Srikios Spo, There Thad to sit alone with bic, aor angst though his jokes aad toasts and all it forcing oe usive tak, and then ght him bare-handed {o drag bin into bed— anoas (shaken), That you were able to bear all tht! as, atvino. I bad my litle boy, and T bore it for im ar east uot that nal humiliation, when my own maid! Then T swore 10 myself: dat was the end! So T eat charge ofthe house-—complet charge—over bm and Srerjthing ese. Beenie cow, you see, I had weapon Seater nin: he coulda let out a word of protest. It wat TELE Owald away. He was going oo seven and then ty over thinge aod ask questions, the way chil Wee Ait that was too much for me, Manders, 1 See Ae ne shld would be polsooed jast breathing this Polite sir, Thats why T-sent bim away. And 90m yoo ree estand, to, why he never set fot inthis howe a aes aes father Uved, No ope Wl know what chat cost ‘Manoeas, What trial your ife has bees! sexs, aLwmo, I could never have gotlen through it It nada been for ay work. And 1 have worked, 1 can tell Jou alt the addin to the property, all the improve, Wes tnd techaieal innovations that Alving got fame and Meat forgo. you. thiok those were hi doing? He, ‘Sfrawicd tt day onthe sofa reading old goverament jour SE No.'T can tll you ax well twat ? who got im roving whenever be Bad ils Iuid moments; and it was T Tho fd to pull the whole Toad when he fel bck in his hd wild way or collapse in groveling misery. ‘MANDERE. And for this man, you're raising a mon seat! ‘ans, ALvov0, Ther’ the power of a bad conscience. ‘anoens, A bad—? What do you mean? fins, svvine. Wt alwaye seemed inevitable to me that the truth would have to come out someday and be ber Tred. So the orghanage was meant 10 spK0 all the rumors and del the doubt, u've certainly accomplished) that, scouts. Waly. we ain . Oe. And had il noon sen. gs ‘ inherit the least lite thing want Oavald, my own 900, £9 i Yom Bis father. Roured it out exacly— it Beured aiving sucha good cate atthe Sime vanes, Then, iT uadersand YOu weave, It was my sling pic: 1 dott want Oot a ee inte Ona bands. Byertbing mY $22 ‘Benes, Ga come from me, and n0 one ee, oman ers hy the farther door 10 the right He Ror [GRA end overcoat outside.) re aun (moving foward hi). You back nine ae? sao, Yea. What can anyone do outside in tis ier att AF but Ther dinners ready. Thats good SW! ners from the dining room with @ package) (asa en ma'am. (Handing neat, A parcel just exme fOr YO wioher) sans, ave (with « quick. Took at Ma mate for tomorrow, most Wiksy. sspens). The cboit essen. oowa. And dinner is served vena, acvmso, Good, Welt be along io x moment Task wanton (rats opening the package.) vrroma (ro ofvaLD), Wil Me, Alvingbave ro wine, oF wale ‘svat, Both, Miss Eangstrand rash, Bien. Very good, Mr. Alving (She goes into the dining room.) vomuzo, X beter Kelp her uneork the bots — He{follows her into the dining room, the door swinging half ‘hut behind him) ens. aLvina (who hat unwrapped the package). Yes, ‘quite tots the choir musi, Mr. Mader. eaxens (with folded hands). How TM ever be able 19 sive my speech tomorrow with ay coovitioa—! as aLvvo- Ob youll mange all ght. wiswERs (wy, 20 a8 not 10 be Beard inthe dining room): Wen a sit op any san eas, aun (na ult, frm voce). No. And then this toog,hosbe face wil be oret Ais vomorrow, wil tealyaeem as ifthe dead bad never lived tis Bowe. ‘There'l be no oe ele hoe bt my son And me. (From the dining room comet the sound of chit secede aa wth ns ee ati ‘noma. Onl Ae you crazy? Let ego! as ALvIN (sarin terror). Ab! (She stares dstrctedly at the hal-open door, osvs tt Seo cook win and ar arin A hate anos (shaken). But what happened, Mes. Alving? What was that? " ars, aLwvo (hoary). Ghost, Thowe two fom the sreeanouso—bave come tack: Duasonns, You meat! Regina Ie he? uaa, atv, Yeu, Come, Nota word (ste gigs razon men am ad moves Sane toward the dining room.) wa Act TWO R— ‘The same room, A thick mist sil veils the landscape, Meswouns and has, ALWING enter from the dining room. sexs, sive, Why, you're very welcome, Mr. Man- den {Speating int the dining room) Arex You iing ‘ Onvalat ‘osvaLo (from within). No, thanks; I think Y1 go out for 0 while. fnns, auvino, Yes, d0 that, If clearing a litle now. (she shut the dining room door, goes over the hall door (nd cals) Regisal ‘muons (from without). Yes, maar, duns, p.vi%0. Go down 10 the laundry room and belp ‘out with the decorations, seams. Very good, mam. (ens, aLiana maker certain REGINA has gone, then shu the door.) ‘aanons, You're sure be ca't ear us in. there? suns, a.vovo. Not withthe door closed. Anyway, he's ing out soon Manoa, Tm sill in a daze, Teas" understand how 1 ver managed 10 devour ope sronel of that heavenly meal. Dans, auvino (pacing up and down, suppresing er nates). NotI eter. But what's to be done?‘Manoens. Yes, whats to be done? Believe me, I jst don't know; Tm so utely inexperienced ia such haters as. azo, Y' convieed nothing serious bas ha pened 30 fae s Manoons. God forbid! But is stil an wasavory basi as, ALVING Is jst a foolish fancy of Osvalds, you can be sre of that — = Dasoens, Well 8 1 said, Ym oot realy up on these things; but ie deatly some tome Mas, atyivo, hel ave 1 ge out ofthis howe Imme- sitely. Tats clear a5 day Maxoens. Ye that's obvious as, atvine, But where? We can't simply — ‘mavoens. Where? Home tober father, of course. es, aLviNe, To whom, di you say? axoexs. To her—ah, but of coure, Engtand ist! Good Lord, Mrs Alvsg, bow is this fosable? You most be mistakes, reall. es. ano. Unfortunately, 1m not the least it mis taten Jonana had 10 confess Cveryting to me—and Alte tng couldn't deay it There was nothing ese To do, then, but have the whole thing hushed vp. ‘anoans, Yes, that was eset anata Te ttre ot onc gen 4 fey szable amount to keep gut. She roneaged the Tat for ber when she got back i owe, Soe revel ld friendship with Engstrand—probany dropped «few bins, Twoutd gues, sbowt alle monty the bed-aed sun him some fle of a foreigner on's yacht ered bere for the" eimmer So she snd Engr. were. marred [Sight owe yoo marred them youre asoens. But I do't se how? T distinctly remember when Engsrand came lo arrange the wedding, He wat 50 ‘ouflly peitest,scowsing himsl 2 bitery ofthe casa ‘ways he abd his fiancée Ba allowed theme, un, s.vm0. Wel, rly be hat take he Bane himself. Ye had to ake te pone, But the hypocrisy of the man! And with me! 1 absolutely ever would. bave bebeved that of Jacob Engstrand. Well, TU have to be very severe with im; be beter be ready for that. And the immorality of such & ‘arrlage al for mooey! How much did the gil get? ns. vaso, Three hundred dolla seanonns, Yes, can you imagioe—to go and get mat ried to fallen woaa for pally three hundred dolast ‘Mas, azvie, Then what's your opinion of me, who let benef be matied te fallen man? ‘uasonns, God of merey, what are you saying? A fallen smal ‘uns, ALVING, Do you think my husband was any beter woea i weet wity him to the altar than Joanpa when Engstrand marci ber? masons, But—tbere you 400 ber— ens, aLvna, Much Jet than a world, I think. There wats considerable. diference in. price--apaliry three Tandved dollars as ngsiast © whole fortune, ‘MANDIRS, But there's jst no comparison here. After suyou'd listened tothe counsels of your own heart, and those of your family tans, auvise (not looking at hi). 1 thought you uae eretood where Te lost what you call my Beart at the Manvens (withdrawn). If Td understood. any such thing: T would never have become « TegularWstor In your bosbands Rowse. ns, ALVINO, Anyway, one thing i clear: T never really tsened to. myeelt stanoens, Well, {0 your nearest of Kin then, it ordained you sbouid your mother and your two aunts. vans, suvivo. Yes, how true. The three of them wrote up ay bil of sole, Ob, ies amazing how sealy they Agured ‘out tht i would be stark madness to um down 8D ffer like that, If Mother could come back and 02 me ‘ow, where all hose spenders got me. a world of difereace between‘waoens. No one's responsible for the outcome, AL least there’ thy to be said your marge’ was carried Suhr et 5. ALviNa. (at the window). Yes, always law aod order often think they'e the Toot ofall our miseries oo ear anoins, Mr, Alvin, that's a sinful thought. sens, avs, Yor, perhaps it, Bot I can't stand it any longer wih al these webe of obligation. Team stand i ‘Pee got to work my way out to freedom. Manoins. What do you mean by that? ans, a.vine (drumming on the windowpane). 1 neeer should tave covered up Alvings life Tewes all | dared do fheo--aot nly for Owvelg, bat to spare myselt. What & coward Twas ‘Manone, Cowart? as. aLvING, If people had known anythiog of what wont oa, they would have sid: “Poor man, i's n0 wonder bestrays at ney is wife ran away, you know." Mis, ALWNO (looking staighr at him), 1 1 were aT should have Been, 1 would bave taken Osvald aside and Sauk; "basen, my boy, your father was 2 depenerate Toman being ‘waNeRs, Good Lord—t ans. sLviNo. Then I ought to have tol him everything — sword or word a Te tld i t0 you Maxoens, [find you almost tightening, Mes ving ns, auvine Yim aware of that, Yes, Po quite aware! 1 frighten myself by the thoueht. (Coming oway from the ‘window ) Thats the coward Tr. sexsorns, And you eal it cowardice to do your bounden duty? Have ou forpoten that a child should love and honor his father and ther? ns, atv. Oh, dont et’ talk abstractions! Why doo’ we ak, should Owald love abd honor Captain AWing? anoens, Isn't thee something that tells you, a8 a other, 900 destoy Your son's ieals? as. ALVING. Yes, but what of the tuth—? ANDERS, Ye, but what of hit idels—? Dans, aLvina, Oh—idols, ideas! IFT only weren't the coward 1 ant Manors. Doa't demolish ideals, Mrs. Alving—that can have emul repercunsons. And expecially now, wih Osald He hasnt too many ideals, sad t0 say—but as far as 1 ean ‘make out, is father is some sot of ical to hi. Dns ALVING. Yes, you're right about that Masowns. And the impressions he has you've instilled sand nourished yourself, trough your lees ‘ans, abun, Yes [fle twas my duty and obligation so year after year, Ive go0e oo Tying to my ow. child Op, wat a coward what a coward Ive Decal DMaNDEss, You've bull up & besutifel image ia your jo thar something you must take ns, ALvino, Hm—who knows how good that's been, ‘afterall But ia any case, 'm not going to have any teifing frit Regina, He’ ot” going 0 get that poor gir ia trouble ‘ManDees, Good God, that would be dreatul! dans, atin. IFT keew he as serious about it, and that it would make him Bappy—~ Manowns, Yes? Then what? ans, iyo. But it woulda work out Regina jst faat the pe axoans, How 10? What do you mean? ss, avvine, ICT weren't such a wretched cowaed, ten Ta say to him: “Marry her, of live any way you Tike-but jst be honest together.” seanonns, Heavens above—! A legal marrige, 20 lest! “That would be barbarous Ie unheard of ans, aLvine. Unbeatd of, you say? Word of hoor Pastor Mandere—bavent you Beard tat, out here in thecounty, there are numbers of married couples who are just S cowiy reat? Doeas. 1 relly don't understand you, ns. ALWING. Ob yes you do, very well, Maxoens. Well, you mean cases where posiblythey—? ‘Yes, unfortvoately Tamly life se alwaye as pure te 8 ‘ought to be, thats tue. But what youre refering 10 ie hardly ever Known—at lest, not conclusively. But hee, instead—yoo, the mother, ae willing 10 lt our own-—t Mas. ALvinc. But Tim not wiling. 1 don't wast to ‘eocourage it for anything in the world thay just what war syn, >Mavouns. No, because youre a coward, you put i But if you werent © coward—l Almighty” God-wbat ens, avo. Well, as far at that goes, itt been rumored ‘hat we're all descended from # similar won. ‘And who was it who thought up hat arrangement, Pastor? Manoens, I will not discuss such questions with yoo, Mrs, Alving because you're notin the proper sate of mind. But that you can dare cll It cowardice on yout put rs. atvive, You have to understand what T mean by that Tim ansious and fearfal Because of the ghons tt ‘neue me, at T ean get id of. DMANDERS. Because of what did you sty? Duns, ALvING. Ghosts, When I heatd Regina and Osvald jn there, it was as I i Was teeing, goons. But I slmest believe we are ghosts, all of us, Pastor. ICs ot only what wwe inherit fom our fathers and mothers that kexps on ‘eurning in ‘us Ie all kinds of old ead doctrioes and ‘pinion and belief, that sort of thing. They scent alive 1 1 but they hang oa all the same, and we ean" get rid of them. T just have to pick up a newspaper, aad ite as iL ould see the ghosts dipping between the lies. They must ‘be haunting Our whole” country, ghosts everywhere—so ‘any ead tick, they're like grate Of sand. And there we are, the TOC of ws, so miserably aiaid of the ht MaNDENS, Ab! So this is the outgrowth of all your reading. Fine frit, T must say! Ob, these disgusting, insi- ‘ou (retaking books! ens, aLvina, My dear Mr. Manders, you're wrong. Tt was you youreef who set me to thiakiog—and for that 11 [ivays be gratefl Manouns. I? ons, aLvine. Yes, when you made me give i to what yon sie dyad gation; when You reds Faht Abd proper mhot T rebelled agenst heart and. soul ‘Sreting entation 1 ded eg ne your teaching, seam by seam T just wanted to pull out a Tingle thread; bat after Td worked 1 lose, the whole dng fell apart, And thea T realized it was ony basted. aanrens (guiely, with feeling). 1s tha all that was won bythe hardest batde of my life? as, aLviNo. You mean your most shameful defeat. Daxens. It was the greatest victory Hve known, Hl cap vctry over anysell Ds, aLVING, It was a crimp agus us both [MANOERE, Tht I entreated you by saying, “Womao, £9 home to your lawful husband,” when you came to me Strate) crying, "Here Tam, Yake mel” Was that 2 crime? Dens ALVIN, Yes, I think x0 -aasonns, We tv don't understand eachother. sans, atvine. Not anymore, at east seawoens, Never—never, in even my most seret thoughts, bave Tseen you a6 anything but another man's wit vans, atv, You believe that? Manoens. Helene—| auas. ALvING, One forgets so easly. Daanonns, Tout. Pm the same as T always was, ens, aLvmso. (shifting her tone. abruptly). Yes, yes, wel let's op talking about the old days. Now you're UB {o your ears in boards and committees and { go around bce struggling with phos, lide me and outside oth.MANDIR, At least can belp you manage the outer cones, Afterall the disturbing things 've heard {tom you today, my conscience won't sulle defensless young git te remain in his house ins, aLvino. It would be best, don't you think, could se er evtablished? I mean, decently marie. anonas. Undoubtedly, 1d say it desirable for her in every respect, Regina's aleady st an age Whea—of ‘hurt, Ta really no judge of thee things, but ans, axvino, Regina matured quite ealy. avons. Yee, didnt so, though? Ite my impression she was unusually well developed physically when T Was preparing her for confirmation. But temporarily, in all ren, abe ought 1 go home, under ber fathers supervi= Sioo~ab, but of oure, Eagstrand iso't-—to think tht hehehe could conceal the th fom me ike watt (There tra knock othe hall door) ans. aLvanc. Who can tat be? Come ial (wnostaann, in his Sunday clothes, eppears tn the door vor) ‘excsraas, I beg your pardon most humbly, but— ‘ANDERE, Abs! Hm: as, abv. Ob fs you, Engstrand. exostaanp. There were none of the maids about, 40 1 made myself wo bold aso give = knock. ‘ens. avi, Well allright, come in. You want to talk to me about something? Exosmann (coming in). No, thanks ll the same. Tt say he pastor, acy, T waned o ave a lie word asoens (walking up and down). Ob, yes? You want to talk to m0? Ts that it? -Esoernann, Yes, Pd be gratefal no end— ronwoens (topping in front of him). Wel way Task ‘what this is about? ” mwcsraan, Se, Is lUke this, Pastor; we've gotten paid off down there noW-—with all thanks to you, maam—and ‘now we've Snished everthing up, And so T wat thinking ow nice aud fing ied be if all us honest craftsmen ‘who've been working togetber all hs time—t was thick- Ing we ought to round things off with Ute prayer meeting this evening ‘ManDens. A prayer meeting? Down atthe orphanage? rnosrrayo, Yes, But of course if the pastor's not agreeable theo— MaxoEns. Oh isa splendid thought, but—hm— rmwosrmann, Tve been holding few evening prayers dom tere mpaelf now and theo Das, aLvina, You have? exosraanp, Yes, now sad then. Justa ithe media so to.spenk, But then Pry a common, ordinary maa, with So spesel gift, God help tevand so Twas thisking, noe the pastor was out hete— waspens. Now look, Engsrand, fst {have t ask 700 ‘4 question Are Jo io a proper frame of mind for this into meeting? Do you fect your conscience is free and lest? ‘eworreaNn, Ob, Lord belp us, Pastor, there's no point going on taking about ay conscience. axens. Ab, bot its exactly what we are going 19 ‘atk about Well, what's your answer? ‘evosrmno, My coniclonce? Yes, that can be pretty aay at tes, it ean uasoens, Well at Jatt you're owning up to it, Now ‘wil you tll me, witout any subterfuge —jost what is Your Teladonsip to Regina? dans, stvine (qulekly)- Mr. Manders aseas (calming her). If youll eave itt me— nosreax To Regina! Jeez, you gave me a turn theret (cooking or sna. szvivo.) There's nothing wrong With Regina, i here? seanvens, We hope not, What 1 mean is just exactly bon are you related to her? You pass for her father, dot yoo? Wallxosrunp (vaguely). Why—hm—you know, Pastor, ‘his baniess with me aod poor Joanna. Maxoens. Stop bending the truth. Your ate wife told Mrs. Alviog everything before abe lft her sevice ENGSTRAND. But Is supposed to—! She dd that, really? MANDERS. So your secre’ out, Engstrand, ENGSTHAND, And after she sore on sack of Bibles—t ManDans. She swore—I svorrmnn Imo, she gtve me Ber word, But wih ANDERS. And ll these yeary you've Medea the truth ‘rom me, From me, who pot my absolute tart in you xoernann, Ye, Fim afraid that's just what Fve done, MANDERS. Have I deserved this from you, Eagsrand? Huyea't I always been reay to belp You out ia Evry ¥a¥, soar a I poubly could? Answer! Havent 17, yasriano, There plenty of times thing would've looked pretty bad for me, if t wasn for Pastor Mander ManDens. And this isthe way you pay me back, Get me to mua fate entries in the paruh register, apd for Years after witold information you owed asa matter of Fespect both to me andthe plain truth. Your conduct has ‘been unpardonable, Eagsrand: and ffom now on Were ‘through with each ober NOSTRAND (with a sigh). Well, that's it T guts awonns, Yes. Because how cas you eve jsity your- ait » NosT#AND, But bow could she go around shaming her- self the ‘more by talking about it? Tf you could jot Imagen, Pason, youl he sine Soule poe seasoens, It NcSTAND. Jeet now, I don't mean the very tame. But 1 mean, supposing you Rad something to be sthamed of i the eyes of the world, as they say. We meafolk oughta to jdge «poor wom foo hard, Pato. anvens, But that's not what I'm doing. I's you that I ame. ‘eosTIaNo, If I might ask your Reverence ove tiny tine queton—? asoans, Yor, go abead osrnan, Isn't it right and proper of « man that be rakes up the fallea? sanoens, Why, of course, rnostaano, And ist «man obliged to keep his word cof onor? asoens, Certainly he is, but— wosraanp, At the time Joanna had ber downfall at the hands ofthat Engishmao—or maybe it was an Amer Kean or a Russian, or whatever—vel, it was then sbe fame back to town. Poor thing, she turned me dows ‘Soee or twice sready she only had ees fo the handsome foes, see and I bad this crook in my Teg, Yes, you femmember, Pastor, ow Lonce tok it on mye © 69 into ‘ance tall where common seamen were tng in drink ‘lod dinipedon, le they say. And whea T ted to arouse ‘hem to seck outa beter ile vans, anv (over by the window). Him— anoens, Yes I know, Engsirand: thse rans thew you dower, You've told me that before. Your dsb 19 doce you pest cred axcsaas. Fin not priding myself on it, Pastor. But what T wanted to say wan thet then she came and con- Tesed the whole thing to me, sucaming down tear and fnnshing bet teth, And I Bave (0 ta, Pastor it Just about ‘pped the heat out of me to listen. ‘axpens. All of that, Eogurand. Well! Then what? ‘nvosrmano, Yer 0 Tasid 1 ber: that American, he's beating ever the ear of the world, be ln And. yOu, Tomaan, Tsaid~ you've hed your downfall, and you're & Sinful alga sretutes But Jacob Engsrand, T Sa, be ‘Stands on two stout lege—yea, T meant ht like a manoer of peaking, Pastor. axons, Yor, I quit understand. Goon.ewosmiasp. Well, 90 thats how T raised her up and sve her an honorable marriage, so po one'd ever find out Shout ber wld carrying with foreigners. sanoens. That was all quite commendable of you. ‘What I cannot approve is that you could bring Yourself 10 seeept money Nosrnasp, Money? I? Nota pey, Danouns (with an Inguring glance at MRS, ALVEO). put? exosrnan. Oh, yer—jast a minute; now 1 remember. Joana did have a ide od change, all right—but 1 ‘wanted noting of shat Paugh! I said: Mammon, thats the ‘Tapes of sin. Well take that gressy gld-—or bank Tots, whatever it war--and heave i back ito the. Ameri fan's faces aid But he wa of ad gone over the rolling ‘ea, Pastor. Danmens, Was that it, my dear Engstrand? ‘EvosrtNo, That’ right. So 1 and Joanna agreed that the money ought to be put toward the child’ Bringing UP, find tare where ft wen, and Team lve e tue reckoning ‘of every penny. eanoens, But that changes things substantially. msosrasse, That the way it worked out, Pastor, And Yu'be bold. enough to. say Te been a real father 10 ‘Regina, as far av it layin may pomer—for I have to admit Pa oly «poor, fall mortal. Manpuns, There, there, Eagtrand— wosraas, Bat Iwill say that I brought up the child ‘and Tooked aftr my poor, dear Joanna and made them a ‘Home, like the goopel says. BUt it vever would have ‘occured 10 me to go. up io Pastor Manders, pring ‘yvel and making mich ou of good deed done inthis tworid. No, when that sort of thing happens. 10 Jacob Enpstand’ be keeps itt binwelf, he does. Though it Ihappeas none too often, sorry to say. No, when T come t0 sce Pastor Manders, tea ifs all can 8 jst otal out my Sins und errors, Becawe fo ray what T aid before ay ‘onclene dost tir prety nasty at nes. ‘uaxoans, Give me your band, Jacob Eagsrand. nasrnano. Oh, Jeez, Pastor— eanoans. No fuss now, (Grarping his hand.) Therel nosrsano, And if T can dare to beg your pardon, Pastor, most bunly— Tawoens, You? Quite the contrary, Tm the ont who should beg your pardon— ‘evosrnano, Ob, 20, 50! asses, Yer, deftly, And I do, with ll my hen Forgive me that T could 30 misjodge you. If only 1 co ip you some sign of my slcete reget, and the goodwill Pave toward you~ ‘Enceraano, You'd Uke that, Pastor? ‘waxens. It would please me n0 end. exosraanp. Because there's a real good opportunity for that rh now. With the bit of bonest coin Te Put {Sige from my work oat Bere, I was thinking of fousdiog ‘Vind of seaman's home back in own. vn, atvino, You? xcareano. Yes. id be sort of a refuge for the or: pang ofthe ea, 4 10 peak, Templation ar so manifold Fora salor whee be comes wandering ashore. But ia thi ote‘of mine he could lve ike under a father's protee- tions that war my House ‘oens, What do yu say to chat, Mir. Alving? Ewosnuno. Its not much T have to begin with, Lord knows; but if could jst ake bold ofa helping band— aeanvens. Yes, yes, we have 40 consider this frtber. ‘Your project interests me enormously. But now, £9 on own ad get things veady—and light some candies, 10 Gee’ it's Eremonial touch, And thea well have uF Sevodonal our together, my deur Engsrand, for aow F'n. fre youre inthe right frame of mid. nvosrnanp. I really do think so, yes, So good-bye, Mis Alving and thasks for everthing. And take good Mae ot'Retion for me. (Brusher a ter from his eve.) Poor Joana's child—-um, is't it amazing-—Dot its just as that gil had grown a part of my very Beart, Yes, sty Ad thas a foot. (He Bows and goes out.)sexwonns. Well, what 40 you think of the man now, Mea, Alving? Thats guite« dierent picture of things we tot rom him. bans, avvina. Yes, quite s, indeed. ‘masonas. Tere you tee how scrupulously careful one hat to be about judging one's felowman, But its also a ‘wondertl joy to discover one's made a mistake, Wel, what bo you 889? ns, ano. Tsay you are and you alway will be a tig baby, Mander = anonas. 1? ‘us. s1vino (placing both hands on His shoulders). ‘And say 1 coud Gan rap You up i reat big hug ‘asoess (puling back quick). Ob, Wess you, not ‘What so imp! ‘ans, aLvine (wlth a amie), Ob, don't be ara of ms. ‘soonas (bythe table). You sometines have the most outrageous way of expreaing Youre, Now 1 Ht want t9 Sted tha document togetcr snd put thea in my bag {Being 50) Tre now. And 1 goodbye for be moment cep hour eye on Oxvald when be comes beck. Til be ooking in on you later (Ute taker his hat and goes out by the hall door. en. ‘vo sip paces moment out ofthe window, sight ons the root up. bit and starts into. the dining room, ‘hen stops wih @ sited cry inthe doorway.) ‘xa. aLving. Osva Ae you silat the tablet ‘OsvALD (fom the dining room). Pes jot Gsithing my ie. ns sum, thought you'd soe fora wale svA4o, In sich wouter? (The chink of glass and decanter, ss. Na Teeves {he door open end sets down with her kiting on the sofa by the window.) ‘onvato, Wasnt that Pastor Manders who left ust now? uns. aLviNo, Yes, be wea dowa tothe orphanage. svat, He cuosts a0 (Assn, th chink of sass and decanter.) ‘ns, atvino (vith an ansious glance). Orvald dear, ‘you ought to go esuy with the Lquear Is rong. ‘svat, It keeps the dampoes ut. uns, acvino. Woulda® you rather come in here with met ‘van, But I eat smoke in there, 1s, azine, Now you know a cigar i ll right. fosvaze. Oh, well, then TU come in, Jus a tiny drop moreah, tte, (lie enters, among his egar, and shuts ‘Redo ster him. Shor silence.) Where's the pastor gO? Duns. sLvINO. T tok! you, he went down to the orphane age ‘ovate, Ob yes, that's ight uns, tyne, You shoulda' go on siting atthe table 80 Jong. Orval ‘OsvaLo (holding his clpor behind ir Bock). But T think its so cozy, Mother. (Parting and fondling er) imagine what ii for me, coming home, 10 sit at my oder owe table, a my mothers room, and enjoy her ‘Selectable mess ans, ALviN0. My dear, dear boy! ‘svat (somewhat impatiently, walking about and sok. ng) And what ee aan 1 going 10 do bere? T cant ac- complsh anyting— sans, ave, Can't you? sya, In allthis murk? Not a glimmer of sunight the tole dey long? (Pacing about) Oh, this This not being able to work—! ns, aLvino, Perhaps it wam' such a good idea for you te come home. ‘osvaLp, No, Mother, that was ental seas, aLvino, Recause Td ten cines rather give up the joy of having you home with me, ft meant tal you cosvacp (stops by the table). Now tell me, Motbor—is it eally sucha reat oy for you to have me home?ans. ALMING, What 2 question to ask! ‘svat (crumbling @ newspaper) sould have thought inher rttered to ou whether I was hee oF Bo Das, avvine, You have the heart to say that t0 your smother, Osva? ‘OsvALD, But you lived without me very well before. sans, atvine. Yes, ve lived without you—tha (Silence. The twilight gradually deepens. osvALD paces the Joon beck and forth He has se his igar down) CosvaLo (stops by Mas, avvixe). Do you mind if Tat beside you oa the sofa? ans, anvine (making room for him). Please sit down, deat ‘svat (siting). There's something I have 10 tll you, Mother. ans, atvina (nervously). What? Cover (staring ahead into space). Because I can't B00 Dearing any Longe. ens, avn. Bear what? What it? ‘svat (as before). 1 coulda tring myself to write you about and ever since Tcame bome— _bns sa atin his wm) Bt, Oval, wa ‘osvauo, All yesterday and day Te been tying to dive tse thoughts away —and fre mysell. But Ht doesn't Work. ‘ans aLyine (rising). Youve got wo speak out, Osva fosvatn (drawing her down on the sofa again). Sit sil ‘and Tl ty to tell you~ Ive been complaining #0 about iy tienen ater the tip here— ‘ns, atvina, Yes? Well? osvaLo, But that fant what's wrong with me, not aay ordinary redness es. ALvING (start tore), Osval, you're ot il! cova (draws her down again). Sit stil, Mother. Just be cal aboot fim not exactly lat east not il in the ovdinay sense. (Puts his hand 10 his Head.) Mother, is ‘iy mind tat broken down-—out of control—TTl never be ‘Beto work apaie! (Hand over his face, he throws im Jel down in ber lap and bursts into deep sobs) ‘uns. aLvine (pale dnd trembling). Osvald! Look at me! Noy, ist te Tosvato (looks up despairingy). Never able wo work again! Never-aeve! te lke a ving death! Mother, can you imagine anything as horrible? Tans, auvine. My poor boy! How did this awful thing ‘happen 10 you? ‘OsvALD (siting up again), Thats ust what I dont under- stand, eont figure tout. ve never lived a wild ife—pot Invany respects You have to believe me, Mother—ihats meting ve never done! Drs, stvINo I believe you, Osvald. ‘O5vaLD. And yet its come on me—his horrible thine! ns. avvino. Oh, but dearest, ifs going to be allright. ‘ino more than nervous exhausiton, believe me svat (heel), That's what I thought at first—~bat i ses, Lvs, Tel me everyting right from the star. cova Yes I Want ans, aLvine. When di you fist notice anything? fosvaun, Ie was just after my last visit home, and Td retuned to Pars T'began having such tremendous pels {0 ny bend-~mosty toward the bac, it seemed, It fl Hike & Tigh iron band aquecing me from my neck UP— ‘Mas, aLVING. Goon. dosvacn, At fist I thought they were nothing more than he old, famar headaches I've Been Bothered by ever ne Twas te Mas, atvina, Yes, yes fosvato. But T soon found out: that wasnt i T couldn't work eny longet I wanted 10 start a new large painting, Bur itwes a if all’ my talents had flown, and all my Strength war paralyzed; T couldnt focus’ any of my‘Moughts: everything swam—around and around. Ob, it ‘vasa terrifying state tobe in! Finally I set for a doctor— fad tough him I discovered the uth as, aLviso. What do you meas? ‘wnt, He was one ofthe foremost doctors down there. Me had me describe exactly what Twas fecing, ad then be began asking me a whole Lot of questions that didn't sem tocar at all coulda’ grasp what he was after— sas. AL0080, So—? fosvaun. At last he sad: Right from your bith, your whole system has been more of less Wormeaten. The n> {ual expression he wed was vermowiu uns. aLviNe (anziously). What did he mean by that? cosvntn, I did't understand either, s0T asked im to be more specific. And then that old cynic sald (Clenching Is fst). Ob sans, aLvING, What—? ceva, He sh: Te eof he aes ae vied pon ‘the children. gait nme (lowly stand up). The sas of the fae ‘OsvALB snot hit him in the face. ns, ALVING (moving across the room). The sins of the fates ‘svat (amies sadly. Ye, can you igine? OF course 1 sured hi that war sbhtely oot of the gueston. But 42 you think be gave way? Noy he had is mind made op: fit as only when T brought ot your lees and tans intel the parts to im that Sat with Father ‘ars ALN, What then? ‘svat, Wel then naturally he had to admit he'd been ‘on the wrong task; and thats when I ened the tth—= the increible truth: that hi beau, souatiring le sit ny yong ar ints wos sorting al er ave ented twat too much or my stength Soe ‘hig my ow fal ad uns, avviso, Osvald, no! You must’ believe that! svat, There was no other way to explain it he sid Thats the worst off, The whole of my ile ruined beyond Fepair_—all because of my own earlessnet. So much that I fronted to doin thir worlg—T dont dare think of it Gnymorect'im aot able to think off, Oh, if T only could {iveimy Lie over-and wipe out what Pve done! (He throws himself face down on the sofa, Ms. avine igs hr hands end walks sent back and forth locked Inner struggle, After a momen, ALD looks 4p, ProP- bing himaeif on hi elbows.) ‘van. If it had only been someting inherited—ome- hing that wasn't my faut, But tas! Ina shameful, mind {esr aval way, to have throwa away bealh, happiness & ‘world of pouty —mny future, ny life—! hun, anvine. No, no, my owe deurest—it can't be! (Bending over hm.) "Thiogs arent as desperate as you think ‘OsvALD. Ob, you don't know— (Leaps to is feet) And then al the pain that Tm easing you, Mother! How often {sould almont hope and wish You woulda" care for me 10 much ‘vn, ALYING. Ob, Onval, my only boy! You're all Xhave sn this world, and all Lear to have, ‘val (erasps oth her hands and kises them). Yes, yen now Isce, When Fan home Fsoe it 0 wel, And ifs ert of what weighs on me-— Anyway, now you know the Athole story, Aad let's pot tak about it anymore today. T ant bear thinking about @ very loag. (Walking about the ‘oom, Give me something to disk, Mothe ans, atvva, To disk? What do you want 10 drink now? ‘OsvALD. Oh, anything. You must have some cold punch inthe hows, sans. aLvino. Oh, but Oval dear—! ‘svat, Don't refs me that, Mother. Be good now! I've sotto have something to drown all hese gnawing though(oes into the greenhouse) nd Row-—ow dark it (ns. atveva goer over tthe blip ight and rings.) csvato. And this interminable rain, Week after week it ‘can go on; whole months a time. To all my Wns bore, Tpever ence remember seeing the sun shine ses, ALvino, Onvald— you'r thinking of ing et svat, Hm (Sighs deeply) Von not thinking of any- thing, I can't think of anything! (In a low tone. vive given athe ‘as Centering trom the ding room). You rng ‘as, ALvING, Yes, bring the lamp i, anecs. Right away, mitam. Hs alteady tit, (Goes out) ters. ano (ging overt vs). Oval, don ee ‘anything from me. ° ‘OsvALD. I wont, Mother. (Mover tothe table) Te tol yout lo, Think (exaiva comes in with the lamp and sets I on the table.) sins. avo, Yes, sn Regn, you might bing a ‘bottle of champagne. ou might bring " eaux. Yes, ma'am. (Goes out apa.) ‘svat (claping Ma. ALvING about the neck). Thats thea could. you wok ot our oy Dns. viva. Ab, my poor dear Osvald—how could 1 sefuse you anything now? ovo (buoyant. Ws tat ue, Mother? You mean wns, aLvano, Mean what ‘OsvaLD. That you Won't refuse me anything? ns, abviNe, But Osvald deat — ‘svat, Sth! (zane returns with @ half bottle of champagne and two lazer ona ay, which she set down on the table) sora. Should 1 open it ‘svat, No thanks, doi (wn goes out again.) ans, atvino (eating hezelf atthe table). What di you reanetha | should ese YOu? ‘oovand (busy opening the Bote). First a glass—maybe (ihe cork pops: he ils one glass and is about 10 pour the second) ins, axvine (holds her hand over it). Thanks-—not for ‘Sevan, Wel for me then. (He drains the glass, rfl drainer again then a8 down at the table) TMs, aLvino (expectantly). Well? ‘oevaun (not ooking at her) Say tell met thought YOM and'Me Manders looked so rrange—hm, 10 quiet doting Inch ‘ns, auviso, You noticed that? ovata, Yes. Hn (A short silence.) Tell me, what do you think of Regina? ans, seven. What 01 think? ‘svat, Yes, isnt she splendi? ins, aLviNe. Osvald dear, you don't know her as well 38 140 ‘vat. So—? hans, avn, I's foo bad Regiaa Tved at home for 50 Jong should have ten her in eae. NosvatD. Yes, but she's magnificent to Took at iit she Mother? rs, atvino. Regina has a good many serious aws— ‘svat. Oh, but what does that matte? (He drinks asain) ans, aLvine, Even 30, Pm fond of her and I'm respons- ble for ber f wouldn't forthe world want anything to burt herTP ‘osvaLo (springing to his fee). Mother, Regina's my only pope! Mis, ALVING (ring), What do you mean by that? ‘svat cast bear this anguish al by ysl ‘uns. auvino. But you have your mother to help you bear 1nd you? ade ‘sain Yer, thought 20—and that’s why T came home to\you. But i won't work that way. H ean see; it won't work cant aake sie out here uns, anc, Osvald! fosva. Ihave to lve diferenly, Mother. So Iwill have to Teave you. dont want you tose all thi. ‘ns. sk vIn. Oh, my miserable cil! But, Osvald, when youre sek as you are— ‘svat. If it were only the ines, Ta stay with you, ‘Mother would. Fer you're my best fiend In this Worl, Das. ALvING. Yes, i's tue; Tam, aren't 1? ‘osvatp (ariing reste about). But is all the tor. ment, agony, remorse-and the reat deathly feat. Ob ‘thes hideous fear? vers. avine (ollowing hi). Feat? What far? What do ‘svat. Oh, don't ask me anymore about it. dont know Teu't deserbe ito You (ons, ava erases 1 the belkpul right and rings.) ‘svat, What do you want? Ds. aLviNe. I want my boy tobe hapey, that's what. He mustn't go around brooding. (To ABI, who has op- peared atthe door) More champagne. A whole bot (axon goes.) ‘osvALD, Mothec! ‘xs, aLviNe. Don't you think, in the country too, we know how tolive? ‘svil0, ts she magnifientlooking? The figure she hast And ine pow of ber eas ne Tm See ouosts as ns, ALVING, Sit down, Osvald, and Jes have a quiet ‘alk, COsvALD (sis). You woulda’ keow this, Mother, bot U havea wrong to make right with Regina. wns, ave, You! ‘svALo. Or a litle indteretion-—you might eal it, Quite innocent, setialy. When Twas home ast— nana, avn. Yes? ‘osvaun, She asked me so many times about Pari, and 1 told her bits and pieces about te hfe down there. And 1 emember that one day { chanced 10 say, "Wouldn't you Tike ogo tere yoursell” sens. atv. Well? ‘osvnin. I eould see her blosbing all shades of rod, and then she tid, Yeo, PM very much lke 0." "A ight” T med capac that can be srranged”—-or something ike as, aLvina. OW? ‘svat, Of course I forgot the whole thing completely: tot then the day bore yesterday I happened to ask her if She wan gid Pl be xaying so long at hore this time — vans, ALVIN, Yes? ‘vata, And she gave me such peculiar Took and si “put what about my trp to Paris uns, aLvING. Het trp! ‘osvano, And then I got it out of her that she'd taken the whole thing seriously, that shed been thinking of me all Whe stu and that ahe'd even started 10 learn some French— sans. aLvin So that’s why— cavat. Mother—when Fsaw her there in front of me, nar plead git so live with ealth apd Beauty Was Sr Tel never nolieed hor before—but now sbe was stan Jha ther av Hf her arms were simply waiting to take me as, Lv, Osval!‘svat, Then it rusk me that in her was my salvation, because Faw how the jy of ile was in her. Mas, ALVING (with a start). Te joy offfe—? Is there salvation fa that? ‘nnonsa (entering from the dining room with bot of champagne). Tw sory for taking 20 tong, but Tad 10 89 lownlin the cellar (Sets te bottle down onthe tale) ‘ovate, And get one more gas. trois (looks at him in surprise). But Mes. AWing bas her glass. ‘svat. Yes, but brig one for yoursel, Regina (nseawa looks started and flashes @ quick, shy alance at as. abv.) cosvato, Well? ncaa (her voice low and hesitant) 1s that your wih, Mew Aiving—? sas. aLvin, Get the glass, Regina (wvctsa goes out nt the dining room.) ‘osvaun (his eyes following her). Can you see the way she walk? So tm and fees. uns. avin, Osvald, this can't happen ‘osvauo, The thing i setled. You must se that. There's no ute denying it (aucun rewns with am empty glaze i her hands.) svat, Sit down, Regina (neaine lots uncertainty at 4S, ALVING.) sans, aLVING. Sit down, (azar sits on char by the dining-room door, tit hold- Ing the empty glass im her hand.) uns, via. What were you saying, Osvald, about the joy ot le? ‘OSA. Yes, the Joy of life, Mother—you don't keow much aboot that here at home, Taever fee it her, sans, avo, Not even with me? ‘osvaLo, Not when I'm home. But how could you wnder- stand that? TMxs, ALWING. Oh, yes, yer I hiak Tim beginning #9 vunderstnd—now. ‘OsvALD, That—and the joy of wrk. Yes they're really tne some thing, baially. But noone understands that hee, ete ‘ns. aviv, Maybe youre right Go on, I want to hear sore of thi ‘OSVALD. | mean, here everyone's brought up to belive that work i 2 curse anda punishment, and that life is miserable thing that were ext af to be Out of a #000 possible ns, visa, A vale of tears yes. And we ingeniously manage to make it that ‘svat. But they won't hear of such things down there [Nobody abroad believes in that sort of outlook anymore. Down there, simply to be alive in the world is beld for ind of miracilow bse, Mother, have you noticed how fverything Ive painted is involved with tis Joy of fe? ‘Atways abd invariably, the Joy of lie, With ight and sun od boidey seones~and faces radaat with human com tent Thats why Fa afraid fo sta on at Rome with YOU. ns, atviNe, Afraid? What are you afraid of ere with ‘svat, Tm afraid that everything th will degenerate ino ugliness hee. as, avvno (looking fixedly at hin). Would that hap- pen, do you tink? ‘OsvALD, I'm sure it would, Live here the same as down, thereand it stil woulda be the same ie. Mas, atin (who has been Hstening intent, res, her jen large and houphiul). Now 1 see how it all Bi to baer ‘osvaL, What do you see?‘M&S, ALVING, [se if now, forthe fist time. And now I can speak vA (geting up). 1 don't understand you, Mother ana (who hat aso gotten up). Shoulda’ go? MAS. ALVING. No, stay here. Now I can speak, Now, my son, "you have to know everything--and then you can ‘howe, Osvald! Regina! ‘svat. Quiet! The pastor— axpens (entering by the hall door). Well, weve relly ‘nada heare-arming sertion together. OVAL, We alo, anoans, Engetrand needs help with his seaman’ home, Regina will have to move back an accommodate him— rau. No, thank you, Pastor MaNDEns (just noticing her). What—? Here—with a sass in our hand! ‘cana Churiedly puting the gles down). Pardon —! ‘aL, Regina's leaving with me, Pastor. Mannens, Leaving-—ith you! ‘onvaLo, Yes, as my wife—if she want tha. [MANOERS, Mereifl heavens REGINA. Ie wasnt my doing, Mr. Manders ‘OsvALD. Or shel tay here if Tsay ecina (involuntary). Mere! anowns. You petrfy me, Mrs. Alvin. Mas. ALvINO. Neither one nor the otber will happeo— ‘because now I can speak out ely. [MaNDERS. But you can't do that! No, no, nol as, ALVING, Fboth can and will And without demolsh- ing any ideals ‘OSvALD, Mother, whats it you're hiding from met eeixa (listening). Mrs. Alingt Listen! People are shouting’ out there. (She goes into the preenbouse and lhoks out) ‘osvaum (moving toward the window, lft). What's going ‘on? What's that ght in the sky? ‘nein (cries out), The orphanage—its burning! as. aLviNG (hurrying tothe window). Burning! ‘uasoens. Burning? Imposible, I was just down there svat. Where's my hat? Ob, never mind—! Fathers cxphanage—! (ie uns out through the garden door.) ans. aLvino, My shal, Regina I'll ablaze! anoens, How awful! Mrs. Alving, this is God's flery judgment on a wayward house! Dans, auviNe, Yes, no doubt. Come along, Regia (She and neous hurry out he hall door.) avons (clayping ht hands together). And theo—D0 insuranes! Ue follows them cut.)~ ACT THREE }_ The woom as before. All he doors stand open. The lamp it al burning onthe tables Ite dark outlde, with only @ int red low in the background (othe left. MRS, ALVIN, ih aarge shal over her head 9 standing inthe green Rouse, gating out noosa, also with a shawl about her, ‘ands sigh Behind her. nuns, s.vva. Completely bummed outright 10 the pond, ‘ana, 1's burning sil inthe basement. ans. aLvine, Why Orvald doesn't come up—? There's nothing 10 se ‘mzones, Saould Igo down to hrm with his hat Dns, aLvIN0, He basa even got his bat? earn (pointing jo the hall). No, its hanging in taere. as. ano, Ob leave it be. He hat to come up 3008 look for him myself (She goes ino the garden.) seanouss (entering from the hall) Is't Mrs. Alving here? uo. She just went ato the garde, asoens, This i the most frightful aight Tve ever experienced. naoina. Yer it's ternbe extastrophe, init Pastor? wasn, Ob, don't speak of it 1 can bardy think of i ‘neoots, But how could it have happened? easoens, Don't ask me, Miss Engsrand. How should 1 sesow? You're, not also going tom? Isat enough that your fatber—? naaina. What sbout him? DManvens, He's got me completely confused NOSTRAND (entering from the hall). Pastor—t awoens (Vurning away, appalled). Are you after me even bere! ‘mwosrnanp, Yes, God strike me dead, but Ihave tot Good gre what « mess thi Pastor! ManoEns (pacing back and forth). Drendfal, dresdful azama, What going oa? NosTmaN. Ob, it wat on account of this here mest ing, see? (Um an undertone) Now we've got the old bird ested my pif Aloud.) And to Whine fall my fault ‘hat its Pastor Manders faut for something like this! anonns, But F assure you, Engtrand— eNestatD. But there was nobody besdes the pastor ‘who memed around wih the candles down there deanvens (stopping). Yes, that what you say, But 1 broly canoot remember ever having a candle in my hand. NOSTRAND, And I saw 40 pally how the pastor took ‘that candle sod pinched it out with bis fingers and fcked the Up ofthe wick down into those shavings ‘anvens. You saw me do that? evasrnano, Plain as day, Lsaw it anoeas. I just don't understand it Its never been & abit of mine sulla candle ia my Singer Nosrasn, Yes, it did look prety sloppy to me, all right But could i really 40 thet much damage, Pastor? anoens (walking relessty back and forth). Ob, don't st mexesraano (walking alongwith him). And then your Reverence bade insured i either, had you? anne (Leepe walking). No, 20, 20900 beard me. sNostRAno (keeps folowing Hm). Not iasuted. And then to go stu over and tet tbe whole works adre Tova love uewhat awl Ick! ManDEns (ping the sweat from his brow). Yes, you an ay that aga, Engsrand. Nasrmno, Aad to thiak it would happen to 9 chr table instition that was meat fo serve the whole cm ‘unity, so 10 speak. The popen'l handle you nose too ‘aly, Pastor, Nean bet ‘anoans. No, that's just what Ive. been thinking shout, That almost the worst part ofthe whole business {AD theae viious stacks nad innvendoes 1 Ohi too “Upesting to think about! ns. ALviNo (coming from the garden). 1 exo" pull him avay from the embers Manpans. Ab, you‘e back, Mr. Aling, rs. auvva, So you got out of making your speech, Me Mander. ‘waxess. Ob, T would have beea only 100 glad— ans, ALVING (her volce subdued). Ie best that it went, ee it This orphanage war never made fOr anyoors Maxbans. You think it waso'? Dans, aLviNe, You think twas? Dsomnens. It was a fighfol misfortune, ia aay owe, Ds. aLviNo. Le’ discuss it purely at a busines at- ‘angement—Are you waiting forthe pastor, Enpsrand? NCSTRAND (By the all door). Well, sctally I was, Das, aLvano, Then st down and rest a moment, NcsT¥AND, Thanks can stand all ght. Das. aLvone (to MANDERS.) T suppose youll be faye ing by the seamen? seems 2 ‘sanans. Yes, It goes an bour from n0M, Dans, 41¥1N6. Would you be 10 good a8 to take al the cnosts 28 papers back with you. I dont want fo bear another word bout this thing ve got otber matters to think about — ‘masons. Mrs, Aling: uns. atvino, I shortly be sending you power of ator ey to stile everything however you choose. awogas, Tl be only 100 glad to take care of it Of ‘coum he original erm of the bequest will have to be ‘hanged completely sow, 'm afraid, as, ALvine, That's understood ‘mavens. Just offhand, it strikes me that 1 might a ange its the Solvik property is made over to the path ‘The land act can hardly be writen off as worbless cam always be put to some use or other. And the interest ‘onthe balance of capital in the bank-—1 could probably opty that best to support some project or olher that Imig be consiered of Benet othe town ders. aLvino, Whatever you wish. The whole thing's savelyiniferent to me now. ‘EnceTRaNo, ‘Think of my seaman's home, Pastor! eanoens, Yes, definitely, that's a possibility. Wel, it wil ear some investigtion svesraao, The bell with investigating —ob, Jeez! Danoans (with a sigh). And thea 00, unfortunately 1 ‘nave no tea how long Fil beable to handle these fats ‘rif public opinion won't force me to drop them, That ‘Sepends entirely on the results ofthe quest ito there, ans. ALvINO, What are you saying? deswoens. And those results erent predictable ia ad xcermsso (approaching him). Oh yes, they are! Be- cate here's old Jacob Engstrand, sight bead you. 5. but? vcsraano (lowering hit voice). And Jacob Engstrand's rot the man to go back on a worth) bene(ector Ia his hour ‘of ned, 8 the expression goes. >ManDuns. Yes, but my dear fellow—how can you? anne. ¥me Guosts xcarnane, Jacob Engstrad't sort of lke your guaie an angel, Pastor, 2? ‘Manes, No, no, that Tabsoatly cannot acept. ENGSTRAND, Ohy is how ifs going to be anyway. 18 ‘ot like somebody here hast taken the blame for some- ‘ody ete betore, ou Know. maxoens, Jacobl (Grasps his end.) You'e a rave Individual Well you'e golg to have every bit of belp You peed for your seaman’ homie, You can count on that. (excstaano tries to thank him, but is overcome by emo- ton) MANOENS (slipping the strap of his traveling bag over Is shoulder). Welly time to be ofl. We can travel 1- LENostRAND (by the dining-room door). Come along ‘with me wonch! Youle soft as a Yoke in 80 nnowwa (Joasing her head). Merci (She goes out tn the hall and fetches MANDERS! overcoat and umbrel.) anoens, Good-bye, Mes. Alving, And may the spice ‘of law and order soon dell gaia inthis house. us, aLvina, Good-bye, Manders. (She gous Into the reenhouye as she notices OWVALD coming bn through the ferden door) "RNOSTRAND (ar he and nronva help wanDExS on with is cout). Good bye, my gil, And Hf youre ever i aay {routie, well, you Know where 10 find Tucob Engiand. (Quiet) Litde Harbor Street, haw! (To 6x8. AvIN0 nd ovata.) And my house for wayfaring seamen that’s foing to be known a “Captain Alvag’s Home" yeu, And {PT get to run that house afer my own devies, 1 ink T ‘an promise you it be tly worthy of that great man's ‘memory, bles him. anoens (in the doorway). Hm—tm! Come slong, amy dear Engsrand. Good bye, good-bye! (He and ewceraas go out the hall door.) ‘evan (going toward the table). What i this house be war speaking ol? cuosts 2 seas, ALvina, Its some sort of home that he and the pestor want to caablah. ‘svat, Ie! burn up ike all his bere, vans, stv, Whi do you say that? ‘oovate. Everything will burn. Therel be nothing left in memory of Father. And here Tim buraing Up, 100. (nuova stares perplexed at him.) ‘wa, aLvivo, Orval! Poor boy, you shoulda have stayed down there a0 long. (SvALD (siting at the table) T guess you're right vas, snvinc. Let me dry your fe, dear; you're érip- ping wet, COvALD (gocing tndiferenty into space). Thank you, Mote. es, ALvING, Aren't you tired, Onvald? Perbapt you could sleep? ‘van (anxiously). No, 9o—00t sleep! I never sleeps coaly pretend to. (Dull) That comes 4900 ea0vgh. 1s, vine (ooking worvedly at him). You koow, ears, you really are i, sana (tensely). Ie Me. Alving ill? OsvALD (impulsively). And shut all the doors! Thi scing fear—t a, Lina, Shut them, Regina. (2xaina shuts the doors and remains sanding by the hall Mon nets ALvine remover her shewl; RAGWA does the seme) uns, anya (draws a chair over Beside oavauD and sits by him) There, now Ti i with You fosvarb, Yes, do that And Regina must stay here too; 1 livays want her clowe to me. Youll give me your belp, Reyima—woa't you? smears. 1 don't understand — vars, s.viv0, Het oval, Yer—uhen ite needed.as, atv, Osval, dou't you have your mother to tive you bey osvatp. You? (Smiles) No, Mother, that kind of help you'd never give me" (ive a mournful laugh )"You! Ha, hat (Looks soberly at her.) ‘Athough you'te the sbvious choice, (Vehement.) Regina, why are you so reserved toward me? Why cas’ you ell me Orval ‘AEGINA (soft). T dont think Mex. Alving woul like dans, aLwne, You ave every Het to s000—s0 wont you st dowa with ow bere? (Altera moment, REG ste down with shy dignity at Ihe other de of he ae) ‘And now, my poor, trovbled boy, Tim ging t take all itis weigh off your ing” RE ‘osvatn. Yoo, Mother? uns, ALVIN. Everything you cll the agony of remorse nd eireproach. ” ‘svat, Do you think you cant ns. ALVIN. Yer, Oxvld, now I ean. You were seak~ ing eater shout the jy of hfe, and as you sad hans ‘Words twas at W's now ight had been shed over tbe le of sy ie. eva. (shaking hi Read) dont wera hi Mrs. suena. You should have known your father whem he was unt + Young hestennt. Me had the oy of tebe oh svat, Yes, ow. 2s, suvive 1 wa ike 8 oda jut to 1k a him, And al he energy, the unquenchable power that was Ib ii us ‘owvatn, Well? Mens, atvinc. And the, 30 fll of hat very oy tis ctilé~treauo be war te 8 Ghd then eho fo Take a Iie here n'a madioe town thal Rad no fs to tiferonly diactins: He’had fo et long here wits Teil gat in ile--oniy routine ob 40 had down. He ever found any astiy be coud throw himself best ‘and soul—ony borines alain. He never had one single friend withthe slightest sease of what the joy of life can feun-—no ope But drifters and drunkards— ‘ovat. Motber—I ‘xs, ALVING, And finally the inevitable happened. ‘ovat. The inevitable? ens, ALvive, You sald yourself, earlier this evesing, ‘whet would happen to yout You sajed at home. ns atvana, Your poor faergever found any out forth ‘verpoweing Jy of he tat be bad And P= raid coulda make bs home very fete bet ‘ort, You, 10? dens. Lyne, They dled me 99 much in duty and aso ta ind tn tnet one 0 og ptng fey faih fa dem. Bveryhing resid i Guten ‘Blo tod his ten sode-iim sirld X made ti bore Atbearable for your poor father. ‘vaso. Why dds you ever write me any of hs? fins, uv, Tve never een i before at antag Y ceo enon fo 300s 908 ‘cmvAL0, And how, thes, did you se i? vans, atv (lowly), Tony saw the oe ting thet your father wat ravaged an before you were tom svat (wih a sanled 19). Abt (He stands np nd goer the window} duns. atviwe. And then dy after doy 1 ad only one ough ou my rtd: that Reps in reat belonged Bere inthis tue jon much ne my ova 00, nvaLD (whecting about. Reina ware (broupht shaken 10 her fet, in a choked vole). Ft seas aLvno, Yer now you bth know. cosvaio, Regina! aroma (10 herself). $o that's what sbe was,‘Mas, suvinc, Your mother was decent in many ways Regina ecina. Yes, but she was that ind all the sae. Well sometimes thought so, butte, Mr Alving f you don't Inind. may LTeave eight amay a once? ins, aLvave, Bo you realy want to, Regina? ean, Wes, ofcourse I want. sins, aLvise, Naturally you can do a you wish but— fosvauo (going over to meciNe). Leave now’? But You belong here vein. Merci Mr, Alving-—yes, 1 guess 1 can call You ‘Osvald now Butts certainly not the way I waned to ns, aLviNe. Regina, F havent been straightforward with yoo tazouss. Thats puting it mil 1 T4 Known that Osvald wat teks why And ow that there int 2 chance of TESAIISEbotou between ss—-No, Telly eat tay out it {he country and run myseil ragged for inva ‘osvauo. Not even for someone this close 10 you? vow. Noton your Mf, I ean! A poor gies only ot het youth: shed beter se lever else shel find hese Barefoot at Chrismas before she knows it, And {ve got this joy of life too, Ms, Aving-—in me! ‘ns, ano, Yes th afraid so. Only don't throw your. sett away, Regina, ‘necivs. Oh, things go a they go. If Oseald takes ater hitfather then hake ater my mother, guess, May Task, is Alvingf Pasir Manders Knows allthis about me? hans. ALviNG. Pastor Manders knows everthing cin (busy puting on her sha), Then realy beter sce ir Teun catch the Boat Out of hee a3 quick a Lean. ‘Fhe pastor's so nce to deal with, and defintely think I've [Bo jon a much Fgh to some of that money a Be does— that roten carpenter. ‘es. aLvine, You're quite weleome to it Regina cata (looking sherply at her). You koow. Mrs. A ng yo cou have raised nea 2 petlema’s daughter and { wouldve been a lot better of, (Tosing her ead.) BRE Liars the aierence! (Wh a biter glance at sat eercred bowie) Tih get ray champagne i society yes jst oe HF doo, fans, aLvimo, If you ever need a home, Reviot, 78 ‘ean come 10 me ean, No, tha you, ma'am. Pastor Mander? Took cout for te alight And it things really go wrong, T stil now a bouse where 1 do just fe. ns, nvvesa, Where? suai. In "Captain AWing' Home* ins, atvene, Region I can soe now-—youll #0 10 your ruin nzansa. Ahh, fet Adie. (She curtsies and goes out the hall door) sya (standing ove? ans, sxvano, Yeu. COsvaLn (murmuring 49 Rself) tink i insane, ath thie hans, auvino (goes over Behind him, placing her hands on i shoulders}, Owvaldy deat—bas this disturbed You teeritiyt Toovato (turning his Jace toward her). All that bout tbe, you mean? uns, sev. Yes, about your poor father, Tim ssid ‘gs been 100 auch ofa sboek for You. ‘osvato. Why do_you think so? It came os quite & soe ovis but basically W can bardly make any ‘ference to me. ns, AxviNe (withdrawing her hands). No dierence! “That your father was 20 eoormously ushappy! the window, looking ou). Has she osvaip, Natur any human being, iy 1 can fel sympathy for him as for ens, auvino, Nothing more—for your own father—t ‘oavain (impatiently). Yes, Father—Father! 1 neverrenee: | | | | | new a father, My only memory of him is that he once pot te 10 vomit as, avvaso, Thatta dreadful thought! Surely child ‘uth io feel some love for his father, no mater what. ‘OsvaLo, Whea that eld har nothing to tank lm for? Hasn't even Koow him? Do you really bing on that ‘d supession you, So enlightened in everything else? ‘ans avin. And that jst a sopertition—! svar. Yes, you must reahze that, Motber. Its one of ‘theo Se that materialize in the workd for © while, and theo ‘an, aan (wih a shudder). Ghosts fosvaun (pacing the floor). Yes, you could very well cal then posts Mas, aLvma (In a outery), Osald—you dost love sme either! ‘osvato, T know you, atleast ns, sina, Yes, Low stata? fsvatn, And I know bow much you care for me, and T nave to be grateful 10 900 for that, And yoo can DE ‘pecially vat to me, now tat YU, ‘was, aLvino, Yer Teta, Osvalé, can't 17 Ob, I could ‘most bless this ines that forced you home to me, iecase ite made soe see you're really Bot mine; you sill Ihave t9 be won. cosvato Cimptieny). Yer, yes, yes, that’ all Jost 8 manner of speaking, You heve to Temenber Tim sick ‘Ban, Mother I cant be eonceraed very much with oth ‘si dave enough us thinking about myzelE ns, atv (softy), Vl be patent and forebears cosvatn, And cheerl, Mother! ena, aLvivo. Yes, dearest, you're right. (Going over fo him) Now have T taken awa all Your remone and self reproach” ‘osvatn, Yes, you have, But who'l ake away the fear? ‘ns, auviso, The feat? ‘osvatn (pacing about the room). Regina would Dave done it for the asking ‘as. auvtso, dont understand. What is all his about fearand Regia? ‘OnvALD, Heit very at, Mother? wns, azn, Its nearly morniog. (Looking out through the greenhouse.) There's the fst ight of dawn sready on the mounteins, fs going to be cleat, Onval! In s tte ‘while you'll see the sun. fosvano, I look forward 10 that, Ob, there can be 90 mich sll to Took forward to, ad ive for! ans, au, Pm sure tere will bel ‘osvsto. And even though I can't work, Y— dns, ALvinG. Ob, my dearest, you'll find yourself work: fing egain so soon, Because now you won't have these ‘worivome, depressing bought to brood on say longer ‘svano, Yes, it was good that you could rid me of all those fantasie of mine. And. now if can only face this ‘ue hing: more {Sis down om the sofa.) Mother, We have to tik togeter ns anvina. Yes, lt, (She pushes an armchair over by the sofaand ss beside him.) ‘osvato. And meanwhile the sun will rise. And by then, youll know-~and I woot have this fear any Tooge. ans, atin, Tell, what wil 1 know? fOsvaLD (wor listening). Mother, dida't you say eatie this eveeig that thee wasnt anytng Inthe world you ‘Nouldnt do for mei asked yout? ‘as, ALvINe, Why, yes, ofcourse! ‘osvato, And you meas it, Mother? suns, aLviio, That you can depend on. You're my one nd only boy, Thave nothing else to live for bul you. ‘svat, Al sight, then liten. You have a strong, resent wind, Tknow tate wast you to sit very quit as et his ‘ns, AbviNG, But what i tha’ 40 terrible? fosvaip. You musta’ eream. Do you hes? Promiseime that? Were going 10 sit and speak of it quiet. ‘Mother, promise me? Dans, abn. Yee eX promise—jost tll mel fosvacp. Well then youve got 1 realize that all his about tiredness -and my incapacity for thinking i terms fot my works the rea ness es, atv, What the ea ines? osvato, The one that I inherited, the illne—(Points so Fra od teks ery sth) Sa eed ans, Acwina (nearly speechless), Osvali! No—aot fsvaun. Don't seram; I can't bear it. Yes tits thee and walls: And any day, at ay time, it can se, ns ALWING. Ob, how horsble—t ‘evan, Jost say calm. Soy thats how things are with nuns, suv (springing 10 her feet). 1S not tive, ‘onal it imposible It ean bel fosvaun. I had one attack down there Tt soon passed oft but when I found out how things stood with me, chen {hs enaisty took hold, racking me tke «cold fever, and ‘with that 1 started home hereto You a fasta could dans, suv, So tha the fart ‘osvatn. Yes, I cant tll you how excruciating iti Ob; it only hal been some ofdiaary disease that would ll sme Tm not #0 afraid of dying, ough 1 want to Hive 38 Tong a8 Tan ns, stvino, Yes, ys, Osvald, you must! ‘svatD, But the thought of itl excruciating. To revert back toa helpless child again, To ave fo be fed, to ave to be—oh, its unspeakable ans, stvaN0. My child has his mother to muse him, ‘osvaun (leaps up). No, never! That's just what won't have! I cant aie the thought of tying hee ike that for Jeareturning old and ray. Aad in the menntime yOu right die before me, (Sie im vans. ALIN’ chal.) Bes {Entse the doctor sald need be fail at once. He called Sr kind of "softening of the brala™—some_ phase Uke that {mies sadly.) f think that expression sounds 50 OE. clways makes me think of eherryed velvet drap- res—someting sof to se, Dans, ALvING (sereamt). Osva! Csvaun (leaps up again and paces the floor). And 20m you've taken Regine away from mel 1rd only Rad Bet. ‘Ske would have Bele me out, Tm sue. as, aLviNo (going over to him). My dear box, what doy mesa? te tnee any help inthis workd that T ‘woulda’ willingly give you? ‘OavaLb. After T'd recovered from the attack down ‘theres the doctor (ld me that, when it struck agsin—and Itwould sike=there' be no more hore. as, atv, Tha he could be so eartess— fsvaLo, T demanded it of him. I told hin Thad certain avrangements to make, (With shy smile) Aod 20 1 bad {Brings ou o tmall box from his Inner Brea! pocket) ‘Mother, you te this? eas, ave. What's that? ‘svat, Morphine pil ns, ALvINo (looks at him in horror). Osvalé—my ala ‘van, Ive saved up twelve of them— Dans, aLvisa (onatching et I). Give me the box, ovata svat, Not yet, Mother, (He retums the Box 10 his pocket) dens, azine, Tan ve throug thst ‘osvato, You'l have fo, ICT had Regina here now, Pd have told het what sate 1 as iomand asked for hes help wih this one lst thing. Sbo'd have helped me, Fm pose or that. sans. aLvivo, Never‘OSVALD, If this horrible thing struck me down, and she suv te iying there like ap tant child, bepiesn and beyond help fos, hopeless —Incurable— ens, ALvING, Regina never would have dove that! ‘vain, Yes, she would bave, Regina was s0 wondes fully lighthearted. She soon would Bave poten ted of fending an inva ike me. ‘ens, anvixe, Then thank God Regin's not herel ava, So om, Moder, youve Bott eve me that help. ” sans, atin (in a oud outer). ‘svaLp, What more obvious choice than you? ans, atvix, I! Your mother! cosvann, Bxaclly the 123800, ens Atv. T, who gave Yoo life! CosvaLn. I never asked you for life. And what is this ie you gave me? I on want! You cam iake i back! sens asin, Help! Help! (She run out into she hall.) osvaLn (rit Behind her), Doa't leave me! Where are you going? ans. sivino (Inthe hall). To get the doctor, Osvaldt Let me out OSvALD (abo in the hall). You don't leave. And no oe (he sound of a key turning ina lock) Des, ALvINO (coming fn again). O1vald—Osvald—my ula OsvaLD (Jollowing her). Have you no motherove for ‘me at allo see me ser this unbearable feat! Mas, ALviNG (after 4 momen? silence, controlling her voice). Heres my band on osvaLn, Then you will? Duns. atvino, Hf it becomes necessary. But it won't be necessary. No, no, that simply impossible ‘oevato, Well, that we can hope. And now les live together as long as we can Thank you, Mother. (Ue settles down in the armchair that ons, sea, had Imoved over to the ofa. The day 1s breaking: the lamp Tl burns onthe table) dans, aLvtna. Now do you feel all ight? csv, Yee, ns, ava (bending over im). What a fearful nighte mare this har been for you, Onald—but it was all a ‘fram, Too mich exctement—it hasn't been ood for you. But now you can have your rer, at home with your other near, my own, my dearest boy. Anything you want you can have, st ike when you were Kile chil. There ‘ow, the pain i over. You see how quickly it went. Ob T Knew it would— And look, Orvald, what a lovely day wet bbive, Bright sunlight. Now you reall ean see your howe. (She goer to the table and puts out the lamp. Sunrise, She glaciers and peaks In the background shine tm the Britian light of morning. Wih his back toward the di fant view, o=vaL tr motionles in the atmchai) ‘osvano (abruptly). Mother, give me the sun uns, aLvina (by the table, looks at him, started). What ‘id 'you say? COsvALD (repeats i ell monotone). The sun. The sun. dans, stvine (moves over to hm). Osrald, wha’ the matter? (covnan appears to crumple inwardly In the chai: alls Inuucle loven the exprecion leavet his face; and hi ee are Blankiy.) ans, svete (shaking with fear). What is it? (In a shriek) Ovval! What's wroagl (Drops to her knees Desde Tim and shakes him.) Oxvald! Orvala! Look at me! Doa't you know me? ‘covato (in the same monotone). The #ua—the run. ns, anv (springs 10 her fet in angulsh teas at her hair with both hands and screams). 1 cast beat this! (Whispers as if parayeed by frigh.) Y can't bear ith[Never (Suddeniy.) Where did be pot them? (Her hand Nina otras hs chen) Herel (She shrinks back several dai roe Meas) No, toy gol—-Yest--No, 201 (She Fer eu cps ewe. from him, er flngers thrast into Ker hair, ring at him tn Speechless Korror) wate (sting motionless, ap before). The sun—the