Oh, yes, mother; I had to.

Mrs. Alving.

You know I would ten times rather forgo the joy of having you here, than let you——

Oswald.

[Stops beside the table.] Now just tell me, mother: does it really make you so very happy to have me home again?

Mrs. Alving.

Does it make me happy!

Oswald.

[Crumpling up a newspaper.] I should have thought it must be pretty much the same to you whether I was in existence or not.

Mrs. Alving.