Mrs. Borkman.
[Indignantly.] How dare you say that so scornfully?
Ella Rentheim.
Do you think a young man of Erhart's age, full of health and spirits—-do you think he is going to sacrifice himself for—for such a thing as a "mission"?
Mrs. Borkman.
[Firmly and emphatically.] Erhart will! I know he will.
Ella Rentheim.
[Shaking her head.] You neither know it nor believe it, Gunhild.
Mrs. Borkman.
I don't believe it!
Ella Rentheim.
It is only a dream that you cherish. For if you hadn't that to cling to, you feel that you would utterly despair.
Mrs. Borkman.
Yes, indeed I should despair. [Vehemently.] And I daresay that is what you would like to see, Ella!
Ella Rentheim.
[With head erect.] Yes, I would rather see that than see you "redeem" yourself at Erhart's expense.
