Manders.

You have established a happy illusion in your son’s heart, Mrs. Alving; and assuredly you ought not to undervalue it.

Mrs. Alving.

H’m; who knows whether it is so happy after all——? But, at any rate, I will not have any tampering with Regina. He shall not go and wreck the poor girl’s life.

Manders.

No; good God—that would be terrible!

Mrs. Alving.

If I knew he was in earnest, and that it would be for his happiness——

Manders.

What? What then?