Mrs. Alving. But what is the particular objection that you have
to these books?

Manders. What objection? You surely don't suppose that I take any
particular interest in such productions?

Mrs. Alving. In fact, you don't know anything about what you are
denouncing?

Manders. I have read quite enough about these books to disapprove
of them:

Mrs. Alving. Yes, but your own opinion--

Manders. My dear Mrs. Alving, there are many occasions in life
when one has to rely on the opinion of others. That is the way in
this world, and it is quite right that it should be so. What
would become of society, otherwise?

Mrs. Alving. Well, you may be right.

Manders. Apart from that, naturally I don't deny that literature
of this kind may have a considerable attraction. And I cannot
blame you, either, for wishing to make yourself acquainted with
the intellectual tendencies which I am told are at work in the
wider world in which you have allowed your son to wander for so
long but--

Mrs. Alving. But--?