Oswald. There are a considerable number of them who have not the
means to marry, Mr. Manders.
Manders. That is exactly my point.
Oswald. But they can have a home of their own, all the same; a
good many of them have. And they are very well-regulated and very
comfortable homes, too.
(MRS. ALVING, who has listened to him attentively, nods assent,
but says nothing.)
Manders. Oh, but I am not talking of bachelor establishments. By
a home I mean family life--the life a man lives with his wife and
children.
Oswald. Exactly, or with his children and his children's mother.
Manders (starts and clasps his hands). Good heavens!
Oswald. What is the matter?
Manders. Lives with-with-his children's mother.
Oswald. Well, would you rather he should repudiate his children's
mother?
Manders. Then what you are speaking of are those unprincipled
conditions known as irregular unions!
Oswald. I have never noticed anything particularly unprincipled
about these people's lives.
Manders. But do you mean to say that it is possible for a man of
any sort of bringing up, and a young woman, to reconcile
themselves to such a way of living--and to make no secret of it,
either!
Oswald.
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