Oswald.
[Springs up and paces the room.] And now you have taken Regina from me. If I could only have had her! She would have come to the rescue, I know.
Mrs. Alving.
[Goes to him.] What do you mean by that, my darling boy? Is there any help in the world that I would not give you?
Oswald.
When I got over my attack in Paris, the doctor told me that when it comes again—and it will come—there will be no more hope.
Mrs. Alving.
He was heartless enough to
Oswald.
I demanded it of him. I told him I had preparations to make[He smiles cunningly.] And so I had. [He takes a little box from his inner breast pocket and opens it.] Mother, do you see this?
Mrs. Alving.
What is it?
Oswald.
Morphia.
Mrs. Alving.
[Looks at him horror-struck.] Oswald—my boy!
Oswald.
I've scraped together twelve pilules
Mrs. Alving.
[Snatches at it.] Give me the box, Oswald!
