That is why the Orphanage is to exist, to silence all rumours and
clear away all doubt.

Manders. You certainly have not fallen short of the mark in that,
Mrs. Alving.

Mrs. Alving. I had another very good reason. I did not wish
Oswald, my own son, to inherit a penny that belonged to his
father.

Manders. Then it is with Mr. Alving's property.

Mrs. Alving. Yes. The sums of money that, year after year, I have
given towards this Orphanage, make up the amount of property--I
have reckoned it carefully--which in the old days made Lieutenant
Alving a catch.

Manders. I understand.

Mrs. Alving. That was my purchase money. I don't wish it to pass
into Oswald's hands. My son shall have everything from me, I am
determined.

(OSWALD comes in by the farther door on the right. He has left
his hat and coat outside.)

Mrs. Alving. Back again, my own dear boy?

Oswald. Yes, what can one do outside in this everlasting rain? I
hear dinner is nearly ready. That's good!