ERHART.

[Interrupting.] Oh, nonsense, f.a.n.n.y--I knew that all the time.

MRS. WILTON.

But nothing--nothing was of any use.

MRS. BORKMAN.

Indeed? Nothing? Then why did you not dismiss him without more ado? Close your door to him? You should have done that, and done it in time!

MRS. WILTON.

[Looks at her, and says in a low voice.] I could not do that, Mrs. Borkman.

MRS. BORKMAN.

Why could you not?

MRS. WILTON.

Because for me too this meant happiness.

MRS. BORKMAN.

[Scornfully.] H'm, happiness, happiness----

MRS. WILTON.

I have never before known happiness in life. And I cannot possibly drive happiness away from me, merely because it comes so late.

MRS. BORKMAN.

And how long do you think this happiness will last?

ERHART.

[Interrupting.] Whether it lasts or does not last, mother, it doesn't matter now!

MRS. BORKMAN.

[In anger.] Blind boy that you are! Do you not see where all this is leading you?

ERHART.

I don't want to look into the future. I don't want to look around me in any direction; I am only determined to live my own life--at last!

MRS. BORKMAN.

[With deep pain.] And you call this life, Erhart!

ERHART.

Don't you see how lovely she is!

MRS. BORKMAN.

[Wringing her hands.] And I have to bear this load of shame as well!

BORKMAN.

[At the back, harshly and cuttingly.] Ho--you are used to bearing things of that sort, Gunhild!

ELLA RENTHEIM.

[Imploringly.] Borkman!

ERHART.

[Similarly.] Father!

MRS. BORKMAN.

Day after day I shall have to see my own son linked to a--a----

ERHART.

[Interrupting her harshly.] You shall see nothing of the kind, mother! You may make your mind easy on that point. I shall not remain here.

MRS. WILTON.

[Quickly and with decision.] We are going away, Mrs. Borkman.

MRS. BORKMAN.

[Turning pale.] Are you going away, too? Together, no doubt?

MRS. WILTON.

[Nodding.] Yes, I am going abroad, to the south. I am taking a young girl with me. And Erhart is going along with us.

MRS. BORKMAN.

With you--and a young girl?

MRS. WILTON.

Yes. It is little Frida Foldal, whom I have had living with me.

I want her to go abroad and get more instruction in music.

MRS. BORKMAN.

So you are taking her with you?

MRS. WILTON.

Yes; I can't well send her out into the world alone.

MRS. BORKMAN.

[Suppressing a smile.] What do you say to this, Erhart?

ERHART.

[With some embarra.s.sment, shrugging his shoulders.] Well, mother, since f.a.n.n.y will have it so----

MRS. BORKMAN.

[Coldly.] And when does this distinguished party set out, if one may ask?

MRS. WILTON.

We are going at once--to-night. My covered sledge is waiting on the road, outside the Hinkels'.

MRS. BORKMAN.

[Looking her from head to foot.] Aha! so that was what the party meant?

MRS. WILTON.

[Smiling.] Yes, Erhart and I were the whole party. And little Frida, of course.