[Softly, so as not to be heard in the dining-room.] Yes; it would not do to provoke scandal.

Mrs. Alving.

[Under her breath, but firmly.] No. But then this long, hateful comedy will be ended. From the day after to-morrow, I shall act in every way as though he who is dead had never lived in this house. There shall be no one here but my boy and his mother.

[From the dining-room comes the noise of a chair overturned, and at the same moment is heard:

Regina.

[Sharply, but in a whisper.] Oswald! take care! are you mad? Let me go!

Mrs. Alving.

[Starts in terror.] Ah——!

[She stares wildly towards the half-open door. Oswald is heard laughing and humming. A bottle is uncorked.

Manders.