MRS. ALVING. The dread?

OSWALD. [Walks across the room.] Regina could have been got to do
it.

MRS. ALVING. I don't understand you. What is this about dread--and
Regina?

OSWALD. Is it very late, mother?

MRS. ALVING. It is early morning. [She looks out through the
conservatory.] The day is dawning over the mountains. And the
weather is clearing, Oswald. In a little while you shall see the
sun.

OSWALD. I'm glad of that. Oh, I may still have much to rejoice in
and live for--

MRS. ALVING. I should think so, indeed!

OSWALD. Even if I can't work--

MRS. ALVING. Oh, you'll soon be able to work again, my dear boy--
now that you haven't got all those gnawing and depressing thoughts
to brood over any longer.

OSWALD. Yes, I'm glad you were able to rid me of all those fancies.
And when I've got over this one thing more--[Sits on the sofa.] Now
we will have a little talk, mother--