Mrs. Alving.
This can never be, Oswald!
Oswald.
It's a settled thing. Can't you see that? It's no use saying anything against it.
[Regina enters with an empty glass, which she keeps in her hand.
Oswald.
Sit down, Regina.
[Regina looks inquiringly at Mrs. Alving.
Mrs. Alving.
Sit down. [Regina sits on a chair by the dining-room door, still holding the empty glass in her hand.] Oswald—what were you saying about the joy of life?
Oswald.
Ah, the joy of life, mother—that's a thing you don't know much about in these parts. I have never felt it here.
Mrs. Alving.
Not when you are with me?
Oswald.
Not when I'm at home. But you don't understand that.
Mrs. Alving.
Yes, yes; I think I almost understand it—now.
Oswald.
And then, too, the joy of work! At bottom, it's the same thing. But that, too, you know nothing about.
