Regina shall be with me always. You will come to the rescue, Regina, won't you?
Regina.
I don't understand
Mrs. Alving.
To the rescue?
Oswald.
Yes—when the need comes.
Mrs. Alving.
Oswald, have you not your mother to come to the rescue?
Oswald.
You? [Smiles.] No, mother; that rescue you will never bring me. [Laughs sadly.] You! ha ha! [Looks earnestly at her.] Though, after all, who ought to do it if not you? [Impetuously.] Why can't you say "thou" to me, Regina? Why do'n't you call me "Oswald"?
Regina.
[Softly.] I don't think Mrs. Alving would like it.
Mrs. Alving.
You shall have leave to, presently. And meanwhile sit over here beside us.
[Regina seats herself demurely and hesitatingly at the other side of the table.
Mrs. Alving.
And now, my poor suffering boy, I am going to take the burden off your mind
1 "Sige du"=Fr. tutoyer.
