OSWALD. No, mother, I assure you I didn't dream it. For--don't you
remember this?--you came and carried me out into the nursery. Then
I was sick, and I saw that you were crying.--Did father often play
such practical jokes?

MANDERS. In his youth he overflowed with the joy of life--

OSWALD. And yet he managed to do so much in the world; so much that
was good and useful; although he died so early.

MANDERS. Yes, you have inherited the name of an energetic and
admirable man, my dear Oswald Alving. No doubt it will be an
incentive to you--

OSWALD. It ought to, indeed.

MANDERS. It was good of you to come home for the ceremony in his
honour.

OSWALD. I could do no less for my father.

MRS. ALVING. And I am to keep him so long! That is the best of all.

MANDERS. You are going to pass the winter at home, I hear.

OSWALD. My stay is indefinite, sir.-But, ah! it is good to be at
home!

MRS. ALVING. [Beaming.] Yes, isn't it, dear?