My dear friend, it’s only something Oswald has dreamt.
Oswald.
No, mother, I assure you I didn’t dream it. For—don’t you remember this?—you came and carried me out into the nursery. Then I was sick, and I saw that you were crying.—Did father often play such practical jokes?
Manders.
In his youth he overflowed with the joy of life——
Oswald.
And yet he managed to do so much in the world; so much that was good and useful; although he died so early.
Manders.
Yes, you have inherited the name of an energetic and admirable man, my dear Oswald Alving. No doubt it will be an incentive to you——
Oswald.