Mr. Manders.

Manders. How do you do, Mrs. Alving. Here I am, as I promised.

Mrs. Alving. Always punctual!

Manders. Indeed, I was hard put to it to get away. What with
vestry meetings and committees.

Mrs. Alving. It was all the kinder of you to come in such good
time; we can settle our business before dinner. But where is your
luggage?

Manders (quickly). My things are down at the village shop. I am
going to sleep there tonight.

Mrs. Alving (repressing a smile). Can't I really persuade you to
stay the night here this time?

Manders. No, no; many thanks all the same; I will put up there,
as usual. It is so handy for getting on board the boat again.

Mrs. Alving. Of course, you shall do as you please. But it seems
to me quite another thing, now we are two old people--

Manders. Ha! ha! You will have your joke! And it's natural you
should be in high spirits today--first of all there is the great
event tomorrow, and also you have got Oswald home.

Mrs. Alving. Yes, am I not a lucky woman! It is more than two