Mrs. Borkman.
[Taking the card.] Let me seeThe Maid. Yes, I understand it was for you, ma'm. Mrs. Borkman. Did she say she wanted to see Mrs. Borkman? The Maid. Yes, she did. Mrs. Borkman. [Shortly, resolutely.] Good. Then say I am at home. [The Maid opens the door for the strange lady and goes out. Miss Ella Rentheim enters. She resembles her sister; but her face has rather a suffering than a hard expression. It still shows signs of great beauty, combined with strong character. She has a great deal of hair, which is drawn back from the forehead in natural ripples, and is snow-white. She is dressed in black velvet, with a hat and a fur-lined cloak of the same material.
[Reads it; rises hastily and looks intently at the girl.] Are you sure this is for me?[The two sisters stand silent for a time, and look searchingly at each other. Each is evidently waiting for the other to speak first.