know—the rough brutes threw you downstairs. You have told me about that incident before. The affliction to your leg is a credit to you. 

 Engstrand. I don't want to claim credit for it, your reverence. But what I wanted to tell you was that she came then and confided in me with tears and gnashing of teeth. I can tell you, sir, it went to my heart to hear her. 

 Manders. Did it, indeed, Engstrand? Well, what then? 

 Engstrand. Well, then I said to her: "The American is roaming about on the high seas, he is. And you, Joanna," I said, "you have committed a sin and are a fallen woman. But here stands Jacob Engstrand," I said, "on two strong legs"—of course that was only speaking in a kind of metaphor, as it were, your reverence. 

 Manders. I quite understand. Go on. 

 Engstrand. Well, sir, that was how I rescued her and made her my lawful wife, so that no one should know how recklessly she had carried on with the stranger. 

 Manders. That was all very kindly done. The only thing I cannot justify was your bringing yourself to accept the money. 

 Engstrand. Money? I? Not a farthing. 

 Manders (to MRS. ALVING, in a questioning tare). But— 

 Engstrand. Ah, yes!—wait a bit; I remember now. Joanna did have a trifle of money, you are quite right. But I didn't want to know anything about that. "Fie," I said, "on the mammon of unrighteousness, it's the price of your sin; as for this tainted gold"—or notes, or whatever it was—"we will throw it back in the American's face," I said. But he had gone away and disappeared on the stormy seas, your reverence. 

 Manders. Was that how it was, my good fellow? 

 Engstrand. It was, sir. So then Joanna and I decided that the money should go towards the child's bringing-up, and that's what became of it; and I can give a faithful account of every single penny of it. 

 Manders. This alters the complexion of the affair very considerably. 

 Engstrand. That's how it was, your reverence. And I make bold to say that I have been a good father to Regina—as far as was in my power—for I am a poor erring mortal, alas! 

 Manders. There, there, my dear Engstrand. 

 Engstrand. 

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