Mrs. Alving.

[Looking steadily at him.] If I were what I ought to be, I should go to Oswald and say, “Listen, my boy: your father led a vicious life——”

Manders.

Merciful heavens——!

Mrs. Alving.

——and then I should tell him all I have told you—every word of it.

Manders.

You shock me unspeakably, Mrs. Alving.

Mrs. Alving.

Yes; I know that. I know that very well. I myself am shocked at the idea. [Goes away from the window.] I am such a coward.