OSWALD. I didn't understand either, and begged him to explain
himself more clearly. And then the old cynic said--[Clenching his
fist] Oh--!

MRS. ALVING. What did he say?

OSWALD. He said, "The sins of the fathers are visited upon the
children."

MRS. ALVING. [Rising slowly.] The sins of the fathers--!

OSWALD. I very nearly struck him in the face--

MRS. ALVING. [Walks away across the room.] The sins of the fathers--

OSWALD. [Smiles sadly.] Yes; what do you think of that? Of course I
assured him that such a thing was out of the question. But do you
think he gave in? No, he stuck to it; and it was only when I
produced your letters and translated the passages relating to
father--

MRS. ALVING. But then--?

OSWALD. Then of course he had to admit that he was on the wrong
track; and so I learned the truth--the incomprehensible truth! I
ought not to have taken part with my comrades in that lighthearted,
glorious life of theirs. It had been too much for my strength. So I
had brought it upon myself!

MRS. ALVING. Oswald! No, no; do not believe it!