freely admit that. But it was about the Orphanage... 

 Manders. It was about the Orphanage we were going to talk; quite so. Well—walk warily, dear Mrs. Alving! And now let us turn to the business in hand. (Opens an envelope and takes out some papers.) You see these? 

 Mrs. Alving. The deeds? 

 Manders. Yes, the whole lot—and everything in order; I can tell you it has been no easy matter to get them in time. I had positively to put pressure on the authorities; they are almost painfully conscientious when it is a question of settling property. But here they are at last. (Turns over the papers.) Here is the deed of conveyance of that part of the Rosenvold estate known as the Solvik property, together with the buildings newly erected thereon—the school, the masters' houses and the chapel. And here is the legal sanction for the statutes of the institution. Here, you see—(reads) "Statutes for the Captain Alving Orphanage." 

 Mrs. Alving (after a long look at the papers). That seems all in order. 

 Manders. I thought "Captain" was the better title to use, rather than your husband's Court title of "Chamberlain." "Captain" seems less ostentatious. 

 Mrs. Alving. Yes, yes; just as you think best. 

 Manders. And here is the certificate for the investment of the capital in the bank, the interest being earmarked for the current expenses of the Orphanage. 

 Mrs. Alving. Many thanks; but I think it will be most convenient if you will kindly take charge of them. 

 Manders. With pleasure. I think it will be best to leave the money in the bank for the present. The interest is not very high, it is true; four per cent at six months' call; later on, if we can find some good mortgage—of course it must be a first mortgage and on unexceptionable security—we can consider the matter further. 

 Mrs. Alving. Yes, yes, my dear Mr. Manders, you know best about all that. 

 Manders. I will keep my eye on it, anyway. But there is one thing in connection with it that I have often meant to ask you about. 

 Mrs. Alving. What is that? 

 Manders. Shall we insure the buildings, or not? 

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