REGINA. Haven't you many a time sworn at me and called me a--? _Fi
donc_!
ENGSTRAND. Curse me, now, if ever I used such an ugly word.
REGINA. Oh, I remember very well what word you used.
ENGSTRAND. Well, but that was only when I was a bit on, don't you know?
Temptations are manifold in this world, Regina.
REGINA. Ugh!
ENGSTRAND. And besides, it was when your mother was that aggravating--I
had to find something to twit her with, my child. She was always setting
up for a fine lady. [Mimics.] "Let me go, Engstrand; let me be.
Remember I was three years in Chamberlain Alving's family at Rosenvold."
[Laughs.] Mercy on us! She could never forget that the Captain was made
a Chamberlain while she was in service here.
REGINA. Poor mother! you very soon tormented her into her grave.
ENGSTRAND. [With a twist of his shoulders.] Oh, of course! I'm to have
the blame for everything.
REGINA. [Turns away; half aloud.] Ugh--! And that leg too!
ENGSTRAND. What do you say, my child?
REGINA. _Pied de mouton_.
ENGSTRAND. Is that English, eh?
REGINA. Yes.
ENGSTRAND. Ay, ay; you've picked up some learning out here; and that may
come in useful now, Regina.
REGINA. [After a short silence.] What do you want with me in town?
ENGSTRAND. Can you ask what a father wants with his only child? A'n't I
a lonely, forlorn widower?
REGINA. Oh, don't try on any nonsense like that with me! Why do you want
me?
ENGSTRAND. Well, let me tell you, I've been thinking of setting up in a
new line of business.
REGINA. [Contemptuously.] You've tried that often enough, and much good
you've done with it.