Regina. Thank you, Mr. Manders, he is getting on pretty well. 

 Manders. He came to see me the last time he was in town. 

 Regina. Did he? He is always so glad when he can have a chat with you. 

 Manders. And I suppose you have seen him pretty regularly every day? 

 Regina. I? Oh, yes, I do—whenever I have time, that is to say. 

 Manders. Your father has not a very strong character, Miss Engstrand. He sadly needs a guiding hand. 

 Regina. Yes, I can quite believe that. 

 Manders. He needs someone with him that he can cling to, someone whose judgment he can rely on. He acknowledged that freely himself, the last time he came up to see me. 

 Regina. Yes, he has said something of the same sort to me. But I don't know whether Mrs. Alving could do without me—most of all just now, when we have the new Orphanage to see about. And I should be dreadfully unwilling to leave Mrs. Alving, too; she has always been so good to me. 

 Manders. But a daughter's duty, my good child—. Naturally we should have to get your mistress' consent first. 

 Regina. Still I don't know whether it would be quite the thing, at my age, to keep house for a single man. 

 Manders. What! My dear Miss Engstrand, it is your own father we are speaking of! 

 Regina. Yes, I dare say, but still—. Now, if it were in a good house and with a real gentleman— 

 Manders. But, my dear Regina! 

 Regina. —one whom I could feel an affection for, and really feel in the position of a daughter to... 

 Manders. Come, come—my dear good child— 

 Regina. I should like very much to live in town. Out here it is terribly lonely; and you know yourself, Mr. Manders, what it is to be alone in the world. And, though I say it, I really am both capable and willing. Don't you know any place that would be suitable for me, Mr. Manders? 

 Manders. I? No, indeed I don't. 

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