course. But here, you see, it is quite another matter. The
Orphanage is to be consecrated, as it were, to a higher purpose.

MRS. ALVING.
Yes, but that's no reason--

MANDERS. For my own part, I should certainly not see the smallest
impropriety in guarding against all contingencies--

MRS. ALVING. No, I should think not.

MANDERS. But what is the general feeling in the neighbourhood? You,
of course, know better than I.

MRS. ALVING. Well--the general feeling--

MANDERS. Is there any considerable number of people--really
responsible people--who might be scandalised?

MRS. ALVING. What do you mean by "really responsible people"?

MANDERS. Well, I mean people in such independent and influential
positions that one cannot help attaching some weight to their
opinions.

MRS. ALVING. There are several people of that sort here, who would
very likely be shocked if--

MANDERS. There, you see! In town we have many such people. Think
of all my colleague's adherents! People would be only too ready to