[_Turning round, surprised and pleased._] No, really! Good-morning, Pastor Manders. Is the steamer in already? MANDERS. It is just in. [_Enters the sitting-room._] Terrible weather we have been having lately. REGINA. [_Follows him._] It’s such blessëd weather for the country, sir. MANDERS. No doubt; you are quite right. We townspeople give too little thought to that. [_He begins to take off his overcoat._ REGINA. Oh, mayn’t I help you?—There! Why, how wet it is? I’ll just hang it up in the hall. And your umbrella, too—I’ll open it and let it dry. [_She goes out with the things through the second door on the right._ PASTOR MANDERS _takes off his travelling-bag and lays it and his hat on a chair. Meanwhile_ REGINA _comes in again._ MANDERS. Ah, it’s a comfort to get safe under cover. I hope everything is going on well here? REGINA. Yes, thank you, sir. MANDERS. You have your hands full, I suppose, in preparation for to-morrow? REGINA. Yes, there’s plenty to do, of course. MANDERS. And Mrs. Alving is at home, I trust? REGINA. Oh dear, yes. She’s just upstairs, looking after the young master’s chocolate. MANDERS. Yes, by-the-bye—I heard down at the pier that Oswald had arrived. REGINA. Yes, he came the day before yesterday. We didn’t expect him before to-day. MANDERS. Quite strong and well, I hope? REGINA. Yes, thank you, quite; but dreadfully tired with the journey. He has made one rush right through from Paris—the whole way in one train, I believe. He’s sleeping a little now, I think; so perhaps we’d better talk a little quietly. MANDERS. Sh!—as quietly as you please. REGINA. [_Arranging an arm-chair beside the table._] Now, do sit down, Pastor Manders, and make yourself comfortable. [_He sits down; she places a footstool under his feet._] There! Are you comfortable now, sir? MANDERS. Thanks, thanks, extremely so. [_Looks at her._] Do you know, Miss Engstrand, I positively believe you have grown since I last saw you. REGINA. Do you think so, sir? Mrs. Alving says I’ve filled out too. MANDERS. Filled out? Well, perhaps a little; just enough. [_Short pause._ REGINA. Shall I tell Mrs. Alving you are here?