John Gabriel Borkman - LightNovelsOnl.com
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ERHART.
Indeed? Why so?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
I had to come to town after all, to consult the doctors.
ERHART.
Oh, I'm glad of that!
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Smiling.] Are you glad of that?
ERHART.
I mean I am glad you made up your mind to it at last.
MRS. BORKMAN.
[On the sofa, coldly.] Are you ill, Ella?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Looking hardly at her.] You know quite well that I am ill.
MRS. BORKMAN.
I knew you were not strong, and hadn't been for years.
ERHART.
I told you before I left you that you ought to consult a doctor.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
There is no one in my neighbourhood that I have any real confidence in. And, besides, I did not feel it so much at that time.
ERHART.
Are you worse, then, Aunt?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
Yes, my dear boy; I am worse now.
ERHART.
But there's nothing dangerous?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
Oh, that depends how you look at it.
ERHART.
[Emphatically.] Well, then, I tell you what it is, Aunt Ella; you mustn't think of going home again for the present.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
No, I am not thinking of it.
ERHART.
You must remain in town; for here you can have your choice of all the best doctors.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
That was what I thought when I left home.
ERHART.
And then you must be sure and find a really nice place to live-- quiet, comfortable rooms.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
I went this morning to the old ones, where I used to stay before.
ERHART.
Oh, well, you were comfortable enough there.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
Yes, but I shall not be staying there after all.
ERHART.
Indeed? Why not?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
I changed my mind after coming out here.
ERHART.
[Surprised.] Really? Changed you mind?
MRS. BORKMAN.
[Crocheting; without looking up.] Your aunt will live here, in her own house, Erhart.
ERHART.
[Looking from one to the other alternately.] Here, with us? Is this true, Aunt?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
Yes, that is what I made up my mind to do.
MRS. BORKMAN.
[As before.] Everything here belongs to your aunt, you know.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
I intend to remain here, Erhart--just now--for the present.
I shall set up a little establishment of my own, over in the bailiff's wing.
ERHART.
Ah, that's a good idea. There are plenty of rooms there. [With sudden vivacity.] But, by-the-bye, Aunt--aren't you very tired after your journey?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
Oh yes, rather tired.
ERHART.
Well, then, I think you ought to go quite early to bed.
