Oh, all right then; I’ll come in. Just a tiny drop more first.—There! [He comes into the room with his cigar, and shuts the door after him. A short silence.] Where has the pastor gone to?

Mrs. Alving.

I have just told you; he went down to the Orphanage.

Oswald.

Oh, yes; so you did.

Mrs. Alving.

You shouldn’t sit so long at table, Oswald.

Oswald.

[Holding his cigar behind him.] But I find it so pleasant, mother. [Strokes and caresses her.] Just think what it is for me to come home and sit at mother’s own table, in mother’s room, and eat mother’s delicious dishes.

Mrs. Alving.