Manders. But do you mean to say that it is possible for a man of
any sort of bringing up, and a young woman, to reconcile
themselves to such a way of living--and to make no secret of it,
either!

Oswald. What else are they to do? A poor artist, and a poor girl--
it costs a good deal to get married. What else are they to do?

Manders. What are they to do? Well, Mr. Alving, I will tell you
what they ought to do. They ought to keep away from each other
from the very beginning--that is what they ought to do!

Oswald. That advice wouldn't have much effect upon hot-blooded
young folk who are in love.

Mrs. Alving. No, indeed it wouldn't.

Manders (persistently). And to think that the authorities
tolerate such things! That they are allowed to go on, openly!
(Turns to MRS. ALVING.) Had I so little reason, then, to be sadly
concerned about your son? In circles where open immorality is
rampant--where, one may say, it is honoured--

Oswald. Let me tell you this, Mr. Manders. I have been a constant
Sunday guest at one or two of these "irregular" households.

Manders. On Sunday, too!

Oswald. Yes, that is the day of leisure. But never have I heard
one objectionable word there, still less have I ever seen