Yes, I do make bold to say that I brought up the child, and made my poor Joanna a loving and careful husband, as the Bible says we ought. But it never occurred to me to go to your reverence and claim credit for it or boast about it because I had done one good deed in this world. No; when Jacob Engstrand does a thing like that, he holds his tongue about it. Unfortunately it doesn't often happen, I know that only too well. And whenever I do come to see your reverence, I never seem to have anything but trouble and wickedness to talk about. Because, as I said just now—and I say it again—conscience can be very hard on us sometimes. 

 Manders. Give me your hand, Jacob Engstrand, 

 Engstrand. Oh, sir, I don't like— 

 Manders. No nonsense, (Grasps his hand.) That's it! 

 Engstrand. And may I make bold humbly to beg your reverence's pardon— 

 Manders. You? On the contrary it is for me to beg your pardon— 

 Engstrand. Oh no, sir. 

 Manders. Yes, certainly it is, and I do it with my whole heart. Forgive me for having so much misjudged you. And I assure you that if I can do anything for you to prove my sincere regret and my goodwill towards you— 

 Engstrand. Do you mean it, sir? 

 Manders. It would give me the greatest pleasure. 

 Engstrand. As a matter of fact, sir, you could do it now. I am thinking of using the honest money I have put away out of my wages up here, in establishing a sort of Sailors' Home in the town. 

 Mrs. Alving. You? 

 Engstrand. Yes, to be a sort of Refuge, as it were, There are such manifold temptations lying in wait for sailor men when they are roaming about on shore. But my idea is that in this house of mine they should have a sort of parental care looking after them. 

 Menders. What do you say to that, Mrs. Alving! 

 Engstrand. I haven't much to begin such a work with, I know; but Heaven might prosper it, and if I found any helping hand stretched out to me, then— 

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