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Borkman.
[Shortly.] This is not Mrs. Borkman.
Foldal.
Oh, I beg pardon. You see, I have lost my spectacles in the snow. But how is it that you, who never put your foot out of doors?
Borkman.
[Carelessly and gaily.] It is high time I should come out into the open air again, don't you see? Nearly three years in detention—five years in prison—eight years in the gallery up there
Ella Rentheim.
[Distressed.] Borkman, I beg you
Foldal.
Ah yes, yes, yes!
Borkman.
But I want to know what has brought you here.
Foldal.
[Still standing at the foot of the steps.] I wanted to come up to you, John Gabriel. I felt I must come to you, in the gallery. Ah me, that gallery!
Borkman.
Did you want to come up to me after I had shown you the door?
