Mrs. Alving. Oh well, perhaps he does.

Manders. He feels so strongly that he needs someone who can keep
a hold on him when temptations assail him. That is the most
winning thing about Jacob Engstrand; he comes to one like a
helpless child and accuses himself and confesses his frailty. The
last time he came and had a talk with me... Suppose now, Mrs.
Alving, that it were really a necessity of his existence to have
Regina at home with him again--

Mrs. Alving (standing up suddenly). Regina!

Manders. --you ought not to set yourself against him.

Mrs. Alving. Indeed, I set myself very definitely against that.
And, besides, you know Regina is to have a post in the Orphanage.

Manders. But consider, after all he is her father--

Mrs. Alving. I know best what sort of a father he has been to
her. No, she shall never go to him with my consent.

Manders (getting up). My dear lady, don't judge so hastily. It is
very sad how you misjudge poor Engstrand. One would really think
you were afraid...

Mrs. Alving (more calmly). That is not the question. I have taken
Regina into my charge, and in my charge she remains. (Listens.)
Hush, dear Mr. Manders, don't say any more about it. (Her face