MRS. ALVING. Yes, let us. [She pushes an arm-chair towards the
sofa, and sits down close to him.]

OSWALD. And meantime the sun will be rising. And then you will
know all. And then I shall not feel this dread any longer.

MRS. ALVING. What is it that I am to know?

OSWALD. [Not listening to her.] Mother, did you not say a little
while ago, that there was nothing in the world you would not do
for me, if I asked you?

MRS. ALVING. Yes, indeed I said so!

OSWALD. And you'll stick to it, mother?

MRS. ALVING. You may rely on that, my dear and only boy! I have
nothing in the world to live for but you alone.

OSWALD. Very well, then; now you shall hear--Mother, you have a
strong, steadfast mind, I know. Now you're to sit quite still when
you hear it.

MRS. ALVING. What dreadful thing can it be--?

OSWALD. You're not to scream out. Do you hear? Do you promise me
that? We will sit and talk about it quietly. Do you promise me,
mother?

MRS. ALVING. Yes, yes; I promise. Only speak!