Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/263

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Manders.

Ah, you admit that. Then perhaps you will make a clean breast of it, and tell me—the real truth about Regina?

Mrs. Alving.

[Quickly.] Mr. Manders!

Manders.

[Reassuringly.] Please allow me——

Engstrand.

About Regina! Lord, what a turn you gave me! [Looks at Mrs. Alving.] There's nothing wrong about Regina, is there?

Manders.

We will hope not. But I mean, what is the truth about you and Regina? You pass for her father, eh!

Engstrand.

[Uncertain.] Well—h'm—your Reverence knows all about me and poor Johanna.

Manders.

Come now, no more prevarication! Your wife told Mrs. Alving the whole story before quitting her service.

Engstrand.

Well, then, may——! Now, did she really?

Manders.

You see we know you now, Engstrand.

Engstrand.

And she swore and took her Bible oath——

Manders.

Did she take her Bible oath?