Don’t refuse me, mother. Do be kind, now! I must have something to wash down all these gnawing thoughts. [Goes into the conservatory.] And then——it’s so dark here! [Mrs. Alving pulls a bell-rope on the right.] And this ceaseless rain! It may go on week after week, for months together. Never to get a glimpse of the sun! I can’t recollect ever having seen the sun shine all the times I’ve been at home.

Mrs. Alving.

Oswald—you are thinking of going away from me.

Oswald.

H’m—[Drawing a heavy breath.]—I’m not thinking of anything. I cannot think of anything! [In a low voice.] I let thinking alone.

Regina.

[From the dining-room.] Did you ring, ma’am?

Mrs. Alving.

Yes; let us have the lamp in.

Regina.