think of it! Oh! if only I could live my life over again—if only I could undo what I have done! (Throws himself on his face on the couch. MRS. ALVING wrings her hands, and walks up and down silently fighting with herself.) 

 Oswald (looks up after a while, raising himself on his elbows). If only it had been something I had inherited—something I could not help. But, instead of that, to have disgracefully, stupidly, thoughtlessly thrown away one's happiness, one's health, everything in the world—one's future, one's life! 

 Mrs. Alving. No, no, my darling boy; that is impossible! (Bending over him.) Things are not so desperate as you think. 

 Oswald. Ah, you don't know—(Springs up.) And to think, mother, that I should bring all this sorrow upon you! Many a time I have almost wished and hoped that you really did not care so very much for me. 

 Mrs. Alving. I, Oswald? My only son! All that I have in the world! The only thing I care about! 

 Oswald (taking hold of her hands and kissing them). Yes, yes, I know that is so. When I am at home I know that is true. And that is one of the hardest parts of it to me. But now you know all about it; and now we won't talk anymore about it today. I can't stand thinking about it long at a time. (Walks across the room.) Let me have something to drink, mother! 

 Mrs. Alving. To drink? What do you want? 

 Oswald. Oh, anything you like. I suppose you have got some punch in the house. 

 Mrs. Alving. Yes, but my dear Oswald—! 

 Oswald. Don't tell me I mustn't, mother. Do be nice! I must have something to drown these gnawing thoughts. (Goes into the conservatory.) And how—how gloomy it is here! (MRS. ALVING rings the bell.) And this incessant rain. It may go on week after week—a whole month. Never a ray of sunshine. I don't remember ever having seen the sunshine once when I have been at home. 

 Mrs. Alving. Oswald—you are thinking of going away from me! 

 Oswald. Hm!—(sighs deeply). I am not thinking about anything. I can't think about anything! (In a low voice.) I have to let that alone. 

 Regina (coming from the dining-room). Did you ring, ma'am? 

 Mrs. Alving. Yes, let us have the lamp in. 

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