[Goes up behind him and lays her hands on his shoulders.] Oswald, my dear boy—has it shaken you very much?

Oswald.

[Turns his face towards her.] All that about father, do you mean?

Mrs. Alving.

Yes, about your unhappy father. I am so afraid it may have been too much for you.

Oswald.

Why should you fancy that? Of course it came upon me as a great surprise; but it can make no real difference to me.

Mrs. Alving.

[Draws her hands away.] No difference! That your father was so infinitely unhappy!

Oswald.