Foldal.
Then you really want me to leave you?
Borkman.
[Without looking at him.] I have no longer any use for you.
Foldal.
[Softly, taking his portfolio.] No, no, no; I daresay not.
Borkman.
Here you have been lying to me all the time.
Foldal.
[Shaking his head.] Never lying, John Gabriel.
Borkman.
Have you not sat here feeding me with hope, and trust, and confidence—that was all a lie?
Foldal.
It wasn't a lie so long as you believed in my vocation. So long as you believed in me, I believed in you.
Borkman.
Then we have been all the time deceiving each other. And perhaps deceiving ourselves—both of us.
Foldal.
But isn't that just the essence of friendship, John Gabriel?
Borkman.
[Smiling bitterly.] Yes, you are right there. Friendship means—deception. I have learnt that once before.
