MRS. BORKMAN.
[Contemptuously.] Pooh--people situated as we are have something
else than happiness to think of.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
What, then?

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Looking steadily and earnestly at her.] Erhart has in the first
place to make so brilliant a position for himself, that no trace
shall be left of the shadow his father has cast upon my name--and
my son's.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Searchingly.] Tell me, Gunhild, is this what Erhart himself
demands of his life?

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Slightly taken aback.] Yes, I should hope so!

ELLA RENTHEIM.
Is it not rather what you demand of him?

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Curtly.] Erhart and I always make the same demands upon
ourselves.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Sadly and slowly.] You are so very certain of your boy, then,
Gunhild?