Manders, don't you suppose there are plenty of married couples
out here in the country that are just as nearly related as they
are?

Manders. I am sure I don't understand you.

Mrs. Alving. Indeed you do.

Manders. I suppose you are thinking of cases where possibly--. It
is only too true, unfortunately, that family life is not always
as stainless as it should be. But as for the sort of thing you
hint at--well, it's impossible to tell, at all events, with any
certainty. Here on the other hand--for you, a mother, to be
willing to allow your--

Mrs. Alving. But I am not willing to allow it; I would not allow
it for anything in the world; that is just what I was saying.

Manders. No, because you are a coward, as you put it. But,
supposing you were not a coward--! Great heavens--such a
revolting union!

Mrs. Alving. Well, for the matter of that, we are all descended
from a union of that description, so we are told. And who was it
that was responsible for this state of things, Mr. Manders?

Manders. I can't discuss such questions with you, Mrs. Alving;
you are by no means in the right frame of mind for that. But for
you to dare to say that it is cowardly of you--!