MRS. ALVING. Oswald is thinking of the time when you were so much
opposed to his becoming a painter.

MANDERS. To our human eyes many a step seems dubious, which
afterwards proves--[Wrings his hand.] But first of all, welcome,
welcome home! Do not think, my dear Oswald--I suppose I may call
you by your Christian name?

OSWALD. What else should you call me?

MANDERS. Very good. What I wanted to say was this, my dear Oswald
you must not think that I utterly condemn the artist's calling. I
have no doubt there are many who can keep their inner self unharmed
in that profession, as in any other.

OSWALD. Let us hope so.

MRS. ALVING. [Beaming with delight.] I know one who has kept both
his inner and his outer self unharmed. Just look at him, Mr.
Manders.

OSWALD. [Moves restlessly about the room.] Yes, yes, my dear
mother; let's say no more about it.

MANDERS. Why, certainly--that is undeniable. And you have begun to
make a name for yourself already. The newspapers have often spoken
of you, most favourably. Just lately, by-the-bye, I fancy I haven't
seen your name quite so often.

OSWALD. [Up in the conservatory.] I haven't been able to paint so