boy, and especially for an only child. It's a pity when they are
kept at home with their parents and get spoiled.

Manders. That is a very debatable question, Mrs, Alving. A
child's own home is, and always must be, his proper place.

Oswald. There I agree entirely with Mr. Manders.

Manders. Take the case of your own son. Oh yes, we can talk about
it before him. What has the result been in his case? He is six or
seven and twenty, and has never yet had the opportunity of
learning what a well-regulated home means.

Oswald. Excuse me, Mr. Manders, you are quite wrong there.

Manders. Indeed? I imagined that your life abroad had practically
been spent entirely in artistic circles.

Oswald. So it has.

Manders. And chiefly amongst the younger artists.

Oswald. Certainly.

Manders. But I imagined that those gentry, as a rule, had not the
means necessary for family life and the support of a home.

Oswald. There are a considerable number of them who have not the
means to marry, Mr. Manders.