to her. No! She shall never go to him with my goodwill.

MANDERS. [Rising.] My dear lady, don't take the matter so warmly.
You sadly misjudge poor Engstrand. You seem to be quite terrified--

MRS. ALVING. [More quietly.] It makes no difference. I have taken
Regina into my house, and there she shall stay. [Listens.] Hush, my
dear Mr. Manders; say no more about it. [Her face lights up with
gladness.] Listen! there is Oswald coming downstairs. Now we'll
think of no one but him.

[OSWALD ALVING, in a light overcoat, hat in hand, and smoking a
large meerschaum, enters by the door on the left; he stops in the
doorway.]

OSWALD. Oh, I beg your pardon; I thought you were in the study.
[Comes forward.] Good-morning, Pastor Manders.

MANDERS. [Staring.] Ah--! How strange--!

MRS. ALVING. Well now, what do you think of him, Mr. Manders?

MANDERS. I--I--can it really be--?

OSWALD. Yes, it's really the Prodigal Son, sir.

MANDERS. [Protesting.] My dear young friend--

OSWALD. Well, then, the Lost Sheep Found.