MANDERS. Yes, you are; you must be. And in what state of mind has he
returned to you? Bethink yourself well, Mrs. Alving. You sinned
greatly against your husband;--that you recognise by raising yonder
memorial to him. Recognise now, also, how you have sinned against
your son--there may yet be time to lead him back from the paths of
error. Turn back yourself, and save what may yet be saved in him.
For [With uplifted forefinger] verily, Mrs. Alving, you are a
guilt-laden mother! This I have thought it my duty to say to you.

[Silence.]

MRS. ALVING. [Slowly and with self-control.] You have now spoken
out, Pastor Manders; and to-morrow you are to speak publicly in
memory of my husband. I shall not speak to-morrow. But now I will
speak frankly to you, as you have spoken to me.

MANDERS. To be sure; you will plead excuses for your conduct--

MRS. ALVING. No. I will only tell you a story.

MANDERS. Well--?

MRS. ALVING. All that you have just said about my husband and me,
and our life after you had brought me back to the path of duty--as
you called it--about all that you know nothing from personal
observation. From that moment you, who had been our intimate friend,
never set foot in our house gain.

MANDERS. You and your husband left the town immediately after.