MRS. ALVING. Oh--indeed?

MANDERS. Helen--!

MRS. ALVING. People so easily forget their past selves.

MANDERS. I do not. I am what I always was.

MRS. ALVING. [Changing the subject.] Well well well; don't let us
talk of old times any longer. You are now over head and ears in
Boards and Committees, and I am fighting my battle with ghosts, both
within me and without.

MANDERS. Those without I shall help you to lay. After all the
terrible things I have heard from you today, I cannot in conscience
permit an unprotected girl to remain in your house.

MRS. ALVING. Don't you think the best plan would be to get her
provided for?--I mean, by a good marriage.

MANDERS. No doubt. I think it would be desirable for her in every
respect. Regina is now at the age when--Of course I don't know much
about these things, but--

MRS. ALVING. Regina matured very early.

MANDERS. Yes, I thought so. I have an impression that she was
remarkably well developed, physically, when I prepared her for
confirmation. But in the meantime, she ought to be at home, under