MANDERS. He requires some one near him whom he cares for, and whose
judgment he respects. He frankly admitted as much when he last came
to see me.

REGINA. Yes, he mentioned something of the sort to me. But I don't
know whether Mrs. Alving can spare me; especially now that we've
got the new Orphanage to attend to. And then I should be so sorry
to leave Mrs. Alving; she has always been so kind to me.

MANDERS. But a daughter's duty, my good girl--Of course, we should
first have to get your mistress's consent.

REGINA. But I don't know whether it would be quite proper for me,
at my age, to keep house for a single man.

MANDERS. What! My dear Miss Engstrand! When the man is your own
father!

REGINA. Yes, that may be; but all the same--Now, if it were in a
thoroughly nice house, and with a real gentleman--

MANDERS. Why, my dear Regina--

REGINA. --one I could love and respect, and be a daughter to--

MANDERS. Yes, but my dear, good child--

REGINA. Then I should be glad to go to town. It's very lonely out
here; you know yourself, sir, what it is to be alone in the world.