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Ella Rentheim.
[Slowly.] I wanted to smooth the way for Erhart to happiness in life.
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.
