Regina.

I don’t understand——

Mrs. Alving.

To the rescue?

Oswald.

Yes—when the need comes.

Mrs. Alving.

Oswald, have you not your mother to come to the rescue?

Oswald.

You? [Smiles.] No, mother; that rescue you will never bring me. [Laughs sadly.] You! ha ha! [Looks earnestly at her.] Though, after all, who ought to do it if not you? [Impetuously.] Why can’t you say “thou” to me, Regina?[[14]] Why do’n’t you call me “Oswald”?