JOHNGABRIELBORKMAN
PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
ACT FIRST
MRS.BORKMAN'sdrawing-room,furnishedwithold-fashioned,faded splendour.At theback,anopensliding-door leadsintoagarden-room, withwindowsandaglassdoor.Throughit aviewover thegarden; twilight withdrivingsnow.Ontheright,adoor leadingfrom thehall.Further forward,alargeold-fashionedironstove,withthefirelighted.Ontheleft, towardstheback,asinglesmaller door.Infront,onthesameside,a window,coveredwiththickcurtains.Betweenthewindowandthedoor a horsehair sofa,withatableinfront of it coveredwithacloth.Onthetable, alightedlampwithashade.Besidethestoveahigh-backedarmchair.
MRS.GUNHILDBORKMANsitsonthesofa,crocheting.Sheisan elderlylady,of cold,distinguishedappearance,withstiff carriageand immobilefeatures.Her abundant hair isverygrey.Delicatetransparent hands.Dressedinagownof heavydarksilk,whichhasoriginallybeen handsome,but isnowsomewhat wornandshabby.Awoollenshawl over her shoulders.
Shesitsfor atimeerect andimmovableat her crochet.Thenthebellsof a passingsledgeareheard.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Listens; her eyessparklewithgladnessandshe involuntarilywhispers].Erhart! At last!
[Sherisesanddrawsthecurtainalittleasidetolookout. Appearsdisappointed,andsitsdowntoher workagain,on thesofa.PresentlyTHEMAIDentersfrom thehall witha visitingcardonasmall tray.
MRS.BORKMAN.
[Quickly.] HasMr.Erhart comeafter all?
THEMAID.
No,ma'am.But there'salady——
MRS.BORKMAN.
[Layingasideher crochet.] Oh,Mrs.Wilton,I suppose
THEMAID.
[Approaching.] No,it'sastrangelady——
MRS.BORKMAN.[Takingthecard.] Let mesee——[Readsit; rises hastilyandlooksintentlyat thegirl.] Areyousurethisisfor me?
THEMAID.
Yes,I understandit wasfor you,ma'am.
MRS.BORKMAN.
DidshesayshewantedtoseeMrs.Borkman?
THEMAID.
Yes,shedid.
MRS.BORKMAN. [Shortly,resolutely.] Good.ThensayI am at home.
[THEMAIDopensthedoor for thestrangeladyandgoesout. MISSELLARENTHEIMenters.Sheresemblesher sister; but her facehasrather asufferingthanahardexpression. It still showssignsof great beauty,combinedwithstrong
character.Shehasagreat deal of hair,whichisdrawn backfrom theforeheadinnatural ripples,andissnow-white. Sheisdressedinblackvelvet,withahat andafur-lined cloakof thesamematerial.
[Thetwosistersstandsilent for atime,andlooksearchingly at eachother.Eachisevidentlywaitingfor theother to speakfirst.
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Whohasremainednear thedoor.] Youaresurprisedtoseeme, Gunhild.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Standingerect andimmovablebetweenthesofaand thetable,restingher finger-tipsuponthecloth.] Haveyounot madea mistake?Thebailiff livesinthesidewing,youknow.
ELLARENTHEIM. It isnot thebailiff I want toseeto-day.
MRS.BORKMAN. Isit meyouwant,then?
ELLARENTHEIM.
Yes.I haveafewwordstosaytoyou.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Comingforwardintothemiddleof theroom.] Well thensit down.
ELLARENTHEIM. Thankyou.I canquitewell standfor thepresent.
MRS.BORKMAN.
Just asyouplease.But at least loosenyour cloak.
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Unbuttoningher cloak.] Yes,it isverywarm here.
MRS.BORKMAN. I am alwayscold.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Standslookingat her for atimewithher armsresting onthebackof thearmchair.] Well,Gunhild,it isnearlyeight yearsnow sincewesaweachother last.
MRS.BORKMAN. [Coldly.] Sincelast wespoketoeachother at anyrate.
ELLARENTHEIM.True,sincewespoketoeachother.I daresayyouhave seenmenowandagain—whenI cameonmyyearlyvisit tothebailiff.
MRS.BORKMAN. Onceor twice,I have.
ELLARENTHEIM.I havecaught oneor twoglimpsesof you,too—there, at thewindow.
MRS.BORKMAN.Youmust haveseenmethroughthecurtainsthen.You havegoodeyes.[Harshlyandcuttingly.] But thelast timewespoketoeach other—it washereinthisroom
ELLARENTHEIM. [Tryingtostopher.] Yes,yes; I know,Gunhild!
MRS.BORKMAN. —theweekbeforehe—beforehewaslet out.
ELLARENTHEIM. [Movingtowardstheback.] O,don't speakabout that.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Firmly,but inalowvoice.] It wastheweekbeforehe —wasset at liberty.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Comingdown.] Ohyes,yes,yes! I shall never forget that time! But it istooterribletothinkof! Onlytorecall it for themoment —oh!
MRS.BORKMAN.[Gloomily.] Andyet one'sthoughtscannever get away from it.[Vehemently; clenchingher handstogether.] No,I can't understand howsuchathing—howanythingsohorriblecancomeupononesingle family! Andthen—that it shouldbeour family! Sooldafamilyasours! Thinkof itschoosingusout!
ELLARENTHEIM.Oh,Gunhild—thereweremany,manyfamilies besidesoursthat that blowfell upon.
MRS.BORKMAN.Ohyes; but thoseothersdon't troublemeverymuch. For intheir caseit wasonlyamatter of alittlemoney—or somepapers. But for us——! For me! Andthenfor Erhart! Mylittleboy—ashethen was! [Inrisingexcitement.] Theshamethat fell uponustwoinnocent ones! Thedishonour! Thehateful,terribledishonour! Andthentheutter ruintoo!
ELLARENTHEIM. [Cautiously.] Tell me,Gunhild,howdoeshebear it?
MRS.BORKMAN. Erhart,doyoumean?
ELLARENTHEIM. No—hehimself.Howdoeshebear it?
MRS.BORKMAN. [Scornfully.] DoyouthinkI ever askabout that?
ELLARENTHEIM. Ask?Surelyyoudonot requiretoask——
MRS.BORKMAN.[Looksat her insurprise.] Youdon't supposeI ever haveanythingtodowithhim?That I ever meet him?That I seeanything of him?
ELLARENTHEIM. Not eventhat!
MRS.BORKMAN.[Asbefore.] Themanwasingaol,ingaol for five years! [Coversher facewithher hands.] Oh,thecrushingshameof it! [Withincreasedvehemence.] Andthentothinkof all that thenameof JohnGabriel Borkmanusedtomean! No,no,no—I cannever seehim again! Never!
ELLARENTHEIM. [Looksat her for awhile.] Youhaveahardheart,Gunhild.
MRS.BORKMAN. Towardshim,yes.
ELLARENTHEIM. After all,heisyour husband.
MRS.BORKMAN. Didhenot sayincourt that it wasI whobeganhisruin?That I spent moneysorecklessly?
ELLARENTHEIM. [Tentatively.] But istherenot sometruthinthat?
MRS.BORKMAN.Why,it washehimself that mademedoit! Heinsisted onour livinginsuchanabsurdlylavishstyle
ELLARENTHEIM.Yes,I know.But that isjust whereyoushouldhave restrainedhim; andapparentlyyoudidn't.
MRS.BORKMAN.HowwasI toknowthat it wasnot hisownmoneyhe gavemetosquander?Andthat hehimself usedtosquander,too—ten timesmorethanI did!
ELLARENTHEIM.[Quietly.] Well,I daresayhispositionforcedhim to dothat—tosomeextent at anyrate.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Scornfully.] Yes,it wasalwaysthesamestory—we wereto"cut afigure."Andhedid"cut afigure"tosomepurpose! Heused todriveabout withafour-in-handasif hewereaking.Andhehadpeople
bowingandscrapingtohim just astoaking.[Withalaugh.] Andthey alwayscalledhim byhisChristiannames—all thecountryover—asif he hadbeenthekinghimself."JohnGabriel,""JohnGabriel,""JohnGabriel." Everyoneknewwhat agreat man"JohnGabriel"was!
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Warmlyandemphatically.] Hewasagreat manthen.
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,toall appearance.But henever breathedasingle wordtomeastohisreal position—never gaveahint astowherehegot hismeansfrom.
ELLARENTHEIM.
No,no; andother peopledidnot dream of it either.
MRS.BORKMAN.I don't careabout theother people.But it washisduty totell methetruth.Andthat henever did! Hekept onlyingtome—lying abominably——
ELLARENTHEIM.[Interrupting.] Surelynot,Gunhild.Hekept things backperhaps,but I am surehedidnot lie.
MRS.BORKMAN.
Well,well; call it what youplease; it makesnodifference. Andthenit all fell topieces—thewholething.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Toherself.] Yes,everythingfell topieces—for him andfor others.
MRS.BORKMAN.
[Drawingherself upmenacingly.] But I tell youthis,Ella, I donot giveinyet! I shall redeem myself yet—youmaymake upyour mindtothat!
ELLARENTHEIM. [Eagerly.] Redeem yourself! What doyoumeanbythat?
MRS.BORKMAN.Redeem myname,andhonour,andfortune! Redeem myruinedlife—that iswhat I mean! I havesomeoneinreserve,let me tell you—onewhowill washawayeverystainthat hehasleft.
ELLARENTHEIM. Gunhild! Gunhild!
MRS.BORKMAN.[Withrisingexcitement.] Thereisanavenger living,I tell you! Onewhowill makeuptomefor all hisfather'ssins!
ELLARENTHEIM. Erhart youmean.
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,Erhart,myownboy! Hewill redeem thefamily, thehouse,thename.All that canberedeemed.—Andperhapsmore besides.
ELLARENTHEIM. Andhowdoyouthinkthat istobedone?
MRS.BORKMAN.It must bedoneasbest it can; I don't knowhow.But I knowthat it must andshall bedone.[Lookssearchinglyat her.] Comenow, Ella; isn't that reallywhat youhavehadinmindtoo,ever sincehewasa child?
ELLARENTHEIM. No,I can't exactlysaythat.
MRS.BORKMAN.No?Thenwhydidyoutakechargeof him whenthe storm brokeupon—uponthishouse?
ELLARENTHEIM. Youcouldnot lookafter him yourself at that time,Gunhild.
MRS.BORKMAN.No,no,I couldnot.Andhisfather—hehadavalid enoughexcuse—whilehewasthere—insafekeeping——
ELLARENTHEIM. [Indignant.] Oh,howcanyousaysuchthings!—You!
MRS.BORKMAN.[Withavenomousexpression.] Andhowcouldyou makeupyour mindtotakechargeof thechildof a—aJohnGabriel! Just asif hehadbeenyour own?Totakethechildawayfrom me—homewith you—andkeephim thereyear after year,until theboywasnearlygrown up.[Lookingsuspiciouslyat her.] What wasyour real reason,Ella?Why didyoukeephim withyou?
ELLARENTHEIM. I cametolovehim sodearly——
MRS.BORKMAN. MorethanI—hismother?
ELLARENTHEIM. [Evasively.] I don't knowabout that.Andthen,youknow, Erhart wasrather delicateasachild——
MRS.BORKMAN. Erhart—delicate!
ELLARENTHEIM.Yes,I thought so—at that timeat anyrate.Andyou knowtheair of thewest coast issomuchmilder thanhere.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Smilingbitterly.] H'm—isit indeed?[Breakingoff.] Yes,it istrueyouhavedoneagreat deal for Erhart.[Withachangeof tone.] Well,of course,youcouldaffordit.[Smiling.] Youweresolucky, Ella; youmanagedtosaveall your money.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Hurt.] I didnot manageanythingabout it,I assure you.I hadnoidea—until long,longafterwards—that thesecurities belongingtome—that theyhadbeenleft untouched.
MRS.BORKMAN.Well,well; I don't understandanythingabout these things! I onlysayyouwerelucky.[Lookinginquiringlyat her.] But when you,of your ownaccord,undertooktoeducateErhart for me—what was your motiveinthat?
ELLARENTHEIM. [Lookingat her.] Mymotive?
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,somemotiveyoumust havehad.What didyou want todowithhim?Tomakeof him,I mean?
ELLARENTHEIM.[Slowly.] I wantedtosmooththewayfor Erhart to happinessinlife.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Contemptuously.] Pooh—peoplesituatedasweare havesomethingelsethanhappinesstothinkof.
ELLARENTHEIM. What,then?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Lookingsteadilyandearnestlyat her.] Erhart hasin thefirst placetomakesobrilliant apositionfor himself,that notrace shall beleft of theshadowhisfather hascast uponmyname—andmy son's.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Searchingly.] Tell me,Gunhild,isthiswhat Erhart himself demandsof hislife?
MRS.BORKMAN. [Slightlytakenaback.] Yes,I shouldhopeso!
ELLARENTHEIM. Isit not rather what youdemandof him?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Curtly.] Erhart andI alwaysmakethesamedemands uponourselves.
ELLARENTHEIM. [Sadlyandslowly.] Youaresoverycertainof your boy,then, Gunhild?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Withveiledtriumph.] Yes,that I am—thankHeaven. Youmaybesureof that!
ELLARENTHEIM.ThenI shouldthinkinrealityyoumust behappyafter all; inspiteof all therest.
MRS.BORKMAN.SoI am—sofar asthat goes.But then,everymoment, all therest comesrushinginuponmelikeastorm.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Withachangeof tone.] Tell me—youmayaswell tell meat once—for that isreallywhat I havecomefor
MRS.BORKMAN. What?
ELLARENTHEIM.SomethingI felt I must talktoyouabout.—Tell me Erhart doesnot liveout herewith—withyouothers?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Harshly.] Erhart cannot liveout herewithme.Hehas toliveintown——
ELLARENTHEIM. Sohewrotetome.
MRS.BORKMAN.Hemust,for thesakeof hisstudies.But hecomesout tomefor alittlewhileeveryevening.
ELLARENTHEIM. Well,mayI seehim then?MayI speaktohim at once?
MRS.BORKMAN. Hehasnot comeyet; but I expect him everymoment.
ELLARENTHEIM.Why,Gunhild,surelyhemust havecome.I canhear hisfootstepsoverhead.
MRS.BORKMAN. [Witharapidupwardglance.] Upinthelonggallery?
ELLARENTHEIM. Yes.I haveheardhim walkingupanddownthereever since I came.
MRS.BORKMAN.
[Lookingawayfrom her.] That isnot Erhart,Ella.
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Surprised.] Not Erhart?[Divining.] Whoisit then?
MRS.BORKMAN. It ishe.
ELLARENTHEIM. [Softly,withsuppressedpain.] Borkman?JohnGabriel Borkman?
MRS.BORKMAN.Hewalksupanddownlikethat—backwardsand forwards—from morningtonight—dayout anddayin.
ELLARENTHEIM. I haveheardsomethingof this
MRS.BORKMAN.
I daresay.Peoplefindplentytosayabout us,nodoubt.
ELLARENTHEIM.Erhart hasspokenof it inhisletters.Hesaidthat his father generallyremainedbyhimself—upthere—andyoualonedown here.
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes; that ishowit hasbeen,Ella,ever sincetheylet him out,andsent him hometome.All theselongeight years.
ELLARENTHEIM. I never believedit couldreallybeso.It seemedimpossible!
MRS.BORKMAN. [Nods.] It isso; andit cannever beotherwise.
ELLARENTHEIM. [Lookingat her.] Thismust beaterriblelife,Gunhild.
MRS.BORKMAN. Worsethanterrible—almost unendurable.
ELLARENTHEIM. Yes,it must be.
MRS.BORKMAN.Alwaystohear hisfootstepsupthere—from early morningtill far intothenight.Andeverythingsoundssoclear inthis house!
ELLARENTHEIM. Yes,it isstrangehowclear thesoundis.
MRS.BORKMAN.
I oftenfeel asif I hadasickwolf pacinghiscageuptherein thegallery,right over myhead.[Listensandwhispers.] Hark! Doyouhear! Backwardsandforwards,upanddown,goesthewolf.
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Tentatively.] Isnochangepossible,Gunhild?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Withagestureof repulsion.] Hehasnever madeany movement towardsachange.
ELLARENTHEIM. Couldyounot makethefirst movement,then?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Indignantly.] I! After all thewronghehasdoneme! Nothankyou! Rather let thewolf goonprowlingupthere.
ELLARENTHEIM.Thisroom istoohot for me.Youmust let metakeoff mythingsafter all.
MRS.BORKMAN. Yes,I askedyouto.
[ELLARENTHEIMtakesoff her hat andcloakandlaysthem ona chair besidethedoor leadingtothehall.
ELLARENTHEIM. Doyounever happentomeet him,awayfrom home?
MRS.BORKMAN.
[Withabitter laugh.] Insociety,doyoumean?
ELLARENTHEIM. I mean,whenhegoesout walking.Inthewoods,or
MRS.BORKMAN. Henever goesout.
ELLARENTHEIM. Not eveninthetwilight?
MRS.BORKMAN. Never.
ELLARENTHEIM. [Withemotion.] Hecannot bringhimself togoout?
MRS.BORKMAN.I supposenot.Hehashisgreat cloakandhishat hanginginthecupboard—thecupboardinthehall,youknow
ELLARENTHEIM.[Toherself.] Thecupboardweusedtohideinwhen wewerelittle.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Nods.] Andnowandthen—lateintheevening—I can hear him comedownasthoughtogoout.But healwaysstopswhenheis halfwaydownstairs,andturnsback—straight backtothegallery.
ELLARENTHEIM. [Quietly.] Dononeof hisoldfriendsever comeuptoseehim?
MRS.BORKMAN. Hehasnooldfriends.
ELLARENTHEIM. Hehadsomany—once.
MRS.BORKMAN.H'm! Hetookthebest possiblewaytoget ridof them. Hewasadear friendtohisfriends,wasJohnGabriel.
ELLARENTHEIM.
Oh,yes,that istrue,Gunhild.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Vehemently.] All thesame,I call it mean,petty,base, contemptibleof them,tothinksomuchof thepaltrylossestheymayhave sufferedthroughhim.Theywereonlymoneylosses,nothingmore.
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Not answeringher.] Sohelivesuptherequitealone. Absolutelybyhimself.
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,practicallyso.Theytell meanoldclerkor copyist or somethingcomesout toseehim nowandthen.
ELLARENTHEIM.Ah,indeed; nodoubt it isamancalledFoldal.I know theywerefriendsasyoungmen.
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,I believetheywere.But I knownothingabout him.Hewasquiteoutsideour circle—whenwehadacircle
ELLARENTHEIM. Sohecomesout toseeBorkmannow?
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,hecondescendsto.But of courseheonlycomes whenit isdark.
ELLARENTHEIM.ThisFoldal—hewasoneof thosethat sufferedwhen thebankfailed?
MRS.BORKMAN.
[Carelessly.] Yes,I believeI heardhehadlost somemoney. But nodoubt it wassomethingquitetrifling.
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Withslight emphasis.] It wasall hepossessed.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Smiling.] Oh,well; what hepossessedmust havebeen littleenough—nothingtospeakof.
ELLARENTHEIM.Andhedidnot speakof it—Foldal I mean—during theinvestigation.
MRS.BORKMAN.At all events,I canassureyouErhart hasmadeample amendsfor anylittlelosshemayhavesuffered.
ELLARENTHEIM. [Withsurprise.] Erhart! HowcanErhart havedonethat?
MRS.BORKMAN.Hehastakenaninterest inFoldal'syoungest daughter. Hehastaught her things,andput her inthewayof gettingemployment, andsomedayprovidingfor herself.I am surethat isagreat deal more thanher father couldever havedonefor her.
ELLARENTHEIM.
Yes,I daresayher father can't affordtodomuch.
MRS.BORKMAN. AndthenErhart hasarrangedfor her tohavelessonsinmusic. Shehasmadesuchprogressalreadythat shecancomeupto—to him inthegallery,andplaytohim.
ELLARENTHEIM. Soheisstill fondof music?
MRS.BORKMAN.Ohyes,I supposeheis.Of coursehehasthepianoyou sent out here—whenhewasexpectedback——
ELLARENTHEIM. Andsheplaystohim onit?
MRS.BORKMAN. Yes,nowandthen—intheevenings.That isErhart'sdoing,too.
ELLARENTHEIM.Hasthepoor girl tocomeall thelongwayout here, andthenbacktotownagain?
MRS.BORKMAN.No,shedoesn't needto.Erhart hasarrangedfor her to staywithaladywholivesnear us—aMrs.Wilton——
ELLARENTHEIM. [Withinterest.] Mrs.Wilton?
MRS.BORKMAN. Averyrichwoman.Youdon't knowher.
ELLARENTHEIM. I haveheardher name.Mrs.FannyWilton,isit not——?
MRS.BORKMAN. Yes,quiteright.
ELLARENTHEIM.Erhart hasmentionedher several times.Doesshelive out herenow?
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,shehastakenavillahere; shemovedout from townsometimeago.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Withaslight hesitation.] Theysaysheisdivorced from her husband.
MRS.BORKMAN. Her husbandhasbeendeadfor several years.
ELLARENTHEIM. Yes,but theyweredivorced.Hegot adivorce.
MRS.BORKMAN.Hedesertedher,that iswhat hedid.I am surethefault wasn't hers.
ELLARENTHEIM. Doyouknowher at all intimately,Gunhild?
MRS.BORKMAN.Ohyes,prettywell.Shelivesclosebyhere; andshe looksineverynowandthen.
ELLARENTHEIM. Anddoyoulikeher?
MRS.BORKMAN.
Sheisunusuallyintelligent; remarkablyclear inher judgments.
ELLARENTHEIM.
Inher judgmentsof people,doyoumean?
MRS.BORKMAN.
Yes,principallyof people.Shehasmadequiteastudyof Erhart; lookeddeepintohischaracter—intohissoul.And theresult issheidoliseshim,asshecouldnot helpdoing.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Withatouchof finesse.] Thenperhapssheknows Erhart still better thansheknowsyou?
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,Erhart sawagooddeal of her intown,beforeshe cameout here.
ELLARENTHEIM. [Without thinking.] Andinspiteof that shemovedout of town?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Takenaback,lookingkeenlyat her.] Inspiteof that! What doyoumean?
ELLARENTHEIM. [Evasively.] Oh,nothingparticular.
MRS.BORKMAN.
Yousaidit strangely—youdidmeansomethingbyit,Ella!
ELLARENTHEIM. [Lookingher straight intheeyes.] Yes,that istrue,Gunhild! I didmeansomethingbyit.
MRS.BORKMAN.
Well,then,sayit right out.
ELLARENTHEIM.
First let metell you,I thinkI toohaveacertainclaim upon Erhart.DoyouthinkI haven't?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Glancingroundtheroom.] Nodoubt—after all the moneyyouhavespent uponhim.
ELLARENTHEIM.
Oh,not onthat account,Gunhild.But becauseI lovehim.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Smilingscornfully.] Lovemyson?Isit possible? You?Inspiteof everything?
ELLARENTHEIM.
Yes,it ispossible—inspiteof everything.Andit istrue. I loveErhart—asmuchasI canloveanyone—now—at mytimeof life.
MRS.BORKMAN.
Well,well,supposeyoudo: what then?
ELLARENTHEIM.Why,then,I am troubledassoonasI seeanything threateninghim.
MRS.BORKMAN. ThreateningErhart! Why,what shouldthreatenhim?Or who?
ELLARENTHEIM. Youinthefirst place—inyour way.
MRS.BORKMAN. [Vehemently.] I!
ELLARENTHEIM. AndthenthisMrs.Wilton,too,I am afraid.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Looksat her for amoment inspeechlesssurprise.] Andyouthinksuchthingsof Erhart! Of myownboy! He,whohashis great missiontofulfil!
ELLARENTHEIM. [Lightly.] Oh,hismission!
MRS.BORKMAN. [Indignantly.] Howdareyousaythat soscornfully?
ELLARENTHEIM.Doyouthinkayoungmanof Erhart'sage,full of healthandspirits—doyouthinkheisgoingtosacrificehimself for—for suchathingasa"mission"?
MRS.BORKMAN. [Firmlyandemphatically.] Erhart will! I knowhewill.
ELLARENTHEIM. [Shakingher head.] Youneither knowit nor believeit,Gunhild.
MRS.BORKMAN. I don't believeit!
ELLARENTHEIM.It isonlyadream that youcherish.For if youhadn't that toclingto,youfeel that youwouldutterlydespair.
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,indeedI shoulddespair.[Vehemently.] AndI daresaythat iswhat youwouldliketosee,Ella!
ELLARENTHEIM.[Withheaderect.] Yes,I wouldrather seethat than seeyou"redeem"yourself at Erhart'sexpense.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Threateningly.] Youwant tocomebetweenus? Betweenmother andson?You?
ELLARENTHEIM. I want tofreehim from your power—your will—your despotism.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Triumphantly.] Youaretoolate! Youhadhim inyour netsall theseyears—until hewasfifteen.But nowI havewonhim again, yousee!
ELLARENTHEIM. ThenI will winhim backfrom you! [Hoarsely,half whispering.] Wetwohavefought alife-and-deathbattlebefore,Gunhild—for a man'ssoul!
MRS.BORKMAN.
[Lookingat her intriumph.] Yes,andI wonthevictory.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Withasmileof scorn.] Doyoustill thinkthat victory wasworththewinning?
MRS.BORKMAN. [Darkly.] No; Heavenknowsyouareright there.
ELLARENTHEIM. Youneedlookfor novictoryworththewinningthistimeeither.
MRS.BORKMAN. Not whenI am fightingtopreserveamother'spower over myson!
ELLARENTHEIM. No; for it isonlypower over him that youwant.
MRS.BORKMAN. Andyou?
ELLARENTHEIM. [Warmly.] I want hisaffection—hissoul—hiswholeheart!
MRS.BORKMAN. [Withanoutburst.] That youshall never haveinthisworld!
ELLARENTHEIM. [Lookingat her.] Youhaveseentothat?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Smiling.] Yes,I havetakenthat liberty.Couldyounot seethat inhisletters?
ELLARENTHEIM.[Nodsslowly.] Yes.I couldseeyou—thewholeof you —inhislettersof late.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Gallingly.] I havemadethebest useof theseeight years.I havehadhim under myowneye,yousee.
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Controllingherself.] What haveyousaidtoErhart about me? Isit thesort of thingyoucantell me?
MRS.BORKMAN. Ohyes,I cantell youwell enough.
ELLARENTHEIM. Thenpleasedo.
MRS.BORKMAN. I haveonlytoldhim thetruth.
ELLARENTHEIM. Well?
MRS.BORKMAN.I haveimpresseduponhim,everydayof hislife,that hemust never forget that it isyouwehavetothankfor beingabletolive aswedo—for beingabletoliveat all.
ELLARENTHEIM. Isthat all?
MRS.BORKMAN.Oh,that isthesort of thingthat rankles; I feel that in myownheart.
ELLARENTHEIM. But that isverymuchwhat Erhart knewalready.
MRS.BORKMAN.Whenhecamehometome,heimaginedthat youdid it all out of goodnessof heart.[Looksmalignlyat her.] Nowhedoesnot believethat anylonger,Ella.
ELLARENTHEIM. Thenwhat doeshebelievenow?
MRS.BORKMAN.Hebelieveswhat isthetruth.I askedhim howhe accountedfor thefact that Aunt Ellanever cameheretovisit us
ELLARENTHEIM. [Interrupting.] Heknewmyreasonsalready!
MRS.BORKMAN.Heknowsthem better now.Youhadgot him tobelieve that it wastosparemeand—andhim upthereingallery——
ELLARENTHEIM. Andsoit was.
MRS.BORKMAN. Erhart doesnot believethat for amoment,now.
ELLARENTHEIM. What haveyouput inhishead?
MRS.BORKMAN.Hethinks,what isthetruth,that youareashamedof us —that youdespiseus.Anddoyoupretendthat youdon't?Wereyounot onceplanningtotakehim quiteawayfrom me?Think,Ella; youcannot haveforgotten.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Withagestureof negation.] That wasat theheight of thescandal—whenthecasewasbeforethecourts.I havenosuchdesigns now.
MRS.BORKMAN.Andit wouldnot matter if youhad.For inthat case what wouldbecomeof hismission?No,thankyou.It ismethat Erhart needs—not you.Andthereforeheisasgoodasdeadtoyou—andyouto him.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Coldly,withresolution.] Weshall see.For nowI shall remainout here.
MRS.BORKMAN. [Staresat her.] Here?Inthishouse?
ELLARENTHEIM. Yes,here.
MRS.BORKMAN. Here—withus?Remainall night?
ELLARENTHEIM. I shall remainhereall therest of mydaysif needbe.
MRS.BORKMAN. [Collectingherself.] Verywell,Ella; thehouseisyours
ELLARENTHEIM. Oh,nonsense
MRS.BORKMAN.Everythingisyours.Thechair I am sittinginisyours. ThebedI lieandtossinat night belongstoyou.Thefoodweeat comesto usfrom you.
ELLARENTHEIM.It can't bearrangedotherwise,youknow.Borkman canholdnopropertyof hisown; for someonewouldat oncecomeand takeit from him.
MRS.BORKMAN.Yes,I know.Wemust becontent toliveuponyour pity andcharity.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Coldly.] I cannot prevent youfrom lookingat it in that light,Gunhild.
MRS.BORKMAN. No,youcannot.Whendoyouwant ustomoveout?
ELLARENTHEIM. [Lookingat her.] Moveout?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Ingreat excitement.] Yes; youdon't imaginethat I will goonlivingunder thesameroof withyou! I tell you,I wouldrather gototheworkhouseor tramptheroads!
ELLARENTHEIM. Good.Thenlet metakeErhart withme
MRS.BORKMAN. Erhart?Myownson?Mychild?
ELLARENTHEIM. Yes; for thenI wouldgostraight homeagain.
MRS.BORKMAN.[After reflectingamoment,firmly.] Erhart himself shall choosebetweenus.
ELLARENTHEIM.[Lookingdoubtfullyandhesitatinglyat her.] He choose?Dareyouriskthat,Gunhild?
MRS.BORKMAN.[Withahardlaugh.] DareI?Let myboychoose betweenhismother andyou?Yes,indeedI dare!
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Listening.] Istheresomeonecoming?I thought I heard——
MRS.BORKMAN. Thenit must beErhart.
[Thereisasharpknockat thedoor leadinginfrom thehall, whichisimmediatelyopened.MRS.WILTONenters,in eveningdress,andwithouter wraps.Sheisfollowedby THEMAID,whohasnot hadtimetoannounceher,andlooks bewildered.Thedoor remainshalf open.MRS.WILTONis astrikinglyhandsome,well-developedwomaninthe thirties.Broad,red,smilinglips,sparklingeyes. Luxuriant darkhair.
MRS.WILTON.
Goodevening,mydearest Mrs.Borkman!
MRS.BORKMAN.[Rather drily.] Goodevening,Mrs.Wilton.[ToTHE MAID,pointingtowardthegarden-room.] Takethelampthat isinthere andlight it.
[THEMAIDtakesthelampandgoesout withit.
MRS.WILTON.[ObservingELLARENTHEIM.] Oh,I begyour pardon— youhaveavisitor.
MRS.BORKMAN.
Onlymysister,whohasjust arrivedfrom
[ERHARTBORKMANflingsthehalf-opendoor wideopenandrushes in.Heisayoungmanwithbright cheerful eyes.Heis well dressed; hismoustacheisbeginningtogrow.
ERHART.
[Radiant withjoy; onthethreshold.] What isthis! IsAunt Ellahere?[Rushinguptoher andseizingher hands.] Aunt, aunt! Isit possible?Areyouhere?
ELLARENTHEIM.
[Throwsher armsroundhisneck.] Erhart! Mydear,dear boy! Why,howbigyouhavegrown! Oh,howgoodit istoseeyouagain!
MRS.BORKMAN.[Sharply.] What doesthismean,Erhart?Wereyou hidingout inthehallway?
MRS.WILTON. [Quickly.] Erhart—Mr.Borkmancameinwithme.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Lookinghardat him.] Indeed,Erhart! Youdon't come toyour mother first?
ERHART.I hadjust tolookinat Mrs.Wilton'sfor amoment—tocall for littleFrida.
MRS.BORKMAN. Isthat MissFoldal withyoutoo?
MRS.WILTON. Yes,wehaveleft her inthehall.
ERHART.[Addressingsomeonethroughtheopendoor.] Youcangoright upstairs,Frida.
[Pause.ELLARENTHEIMobservesERHART.Heseemsembarrassed andalittleimpatient; hisfacehasassumedanervousand colder expression.
[THEMAIDbringsthelightedlampintothegarden-room,goes out againandclosesthedoor behindher.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Withforcedpoliteness.] Well,Mrs.Wilton,if you will giveusthepleasureof your companythisevening,won't you——
MRS.WILTON.Manythanks,mydear lady,but I reallycan't.Wehave another invitation.We'regoingdowntotheHinkels'.
MRS.BORKMAN.
[Lookingat her.] We?Whom doyoumeanbywe?
MRS.WILTON.[Laughing.] Oh,I ought reallytohavesaidI.But I was commissionedbytheladiesof thehousetobringMr.Borkmanwithme if I happenedtoseehim.
MRS.BORKMAN. Andyoudidhappentoseehim,it appears.
MRS.WILTON.Yes,fortunately.Hewasgoodenoughtolookinat my house—tocall for Frida.
MRS.BORKMAN.[Drily.] But,Erhart,I didnot knowthat youknewthat family—thoseHinkels?
ERHART.
[Irritated.] No,I don't exactlyknowthem.[Addsrather impatiently.] Youknowbetter thananybody,mother,what people I knowanddon't know.
MRS.WILTON.Oh,it doesn't matter! Theysoonput youat your easein that house! Theyaresuchcheerful,hospitablepeople—thehouseswarms withyoungladies.
