Ella Rentheim.
[Passionately.] Do not let it be so! Let Erhart bear my name after me!
Borkman.
[Looking harshly at her.] I understand you well enough. You want to save my son from having to bear his father's name. That is your idea.
Ella Rentheim.
No, no, not that! I myself would have borne it proudly and gladly along with you! But a mother who is at the point of death There is more binding force in a name than you think or believe, Borkman.
Borkman.
[Coldly and proudly.] Well and good, Ella. I am man enough to bear my own name alone.
Ella Rentheim.
[Seizing and pressing his hand.] Thank you, thank you! Now there has been a full settlement between us! Yes, yes, let it be so! You have made all the atonement in your power. For when I have gone from the world, I shall leave Erhart Rentheim behind me!
[The tapestry door is thrown open. Mrs. Borkman, with the large shawl over her head, stands in the doorway.
Mrs. Borkman.
[In violent agitation.] Never to his dying day shall Erhart be called by that name!
