interpret our action as a sign that neither you nor I had the right
faith in a Higher Providence.

MRS. ALVING. But for your own part, my dear Pastor, you can at
least tell yourself that--

MANDERS. Yes, I know--I know; my conscience would be quite easy,
that is true enough. But nevertheless we should not escape grave
misinterpretation; and that might very likely react unfavourably
upon the Orphanage.

MRS. ALVING. Well, in that case--

MANDERS. Nor can I entirely lose sight of the difficult--I may even
say painful--position in which _I_ might perhaps be placed. In the
leading circles of the town, people take a lively interest in this
Orphanage. It is, of course, founded partly for the benefit of the
town, as well; and it is to be hoped it will, to a considerable
extent, result in lightening our Poor Rates. Now, as I have been
your adviser, and have had the business arrangements in my hands, I
cannot but fear that I may have to bear the brunt of fanaticism--

MRS. ALVING. Oh, you mustn't run the risk of that.

MANDERS. To say nothing of the attacks that would assuredly be made
upon me in certain papers and periodicals, which--

MRS. ALVING. Enough, my dear Pastor Manders. That consideration is
quite decisive.