between us.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Looking doubtfully and hesitatingly at her.] He choose? Dare
you risk that, Gunhild?

MRS. BORKMAN.
[With a hard laugh.] Dare I? Let my boy choose between his
mother and you? Yes, indeed I dare!

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Listening.] Is there some one coming? I thought I heard----

MRS. BORKMAN.
Then it must be Erhart.

[There is a sharp knock at the door leading in from the hall,
which is immediately opened. MRS. WILTON enters, in
evening dress, and with outer wraps. She is followed by
THE MAID, who has not had time to announce her, and looks
bewildered. The door remains half open. MRS. WILTON is
a strikingly handsome, well-developed woman in the
thirties. Broad, red, smiling lips, sparkling eyes.
Luxuriant dark hair.

MRS. WILTON.
Good evening, my dearest Mrs. Borkman!

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Rather drily.] Good evening, Mrs. Wilton. [To THE MAID,