or leading from the hall. Further forward, a large
old-fashioned iron stove, with the fire lighted. On the left,
towards the back, a single smaller door. In front, on the
same side, a window, covered with thick curtains. Between
the window and the door a horsehair sofa, with a table in
front of it covered with a cloth. On the table, a lighted
lamp with a shade. Beside the stove a high-backed armchair.

MRS. GUNHILD BORKMAN sits on the sofa, crocheting. She is an
elderly lady, of cold, distinguished appearance, with stiff
carriage and immobile features. Her abundant hair is very
grey. Delicate transparent hands. Dressed in a gown of
heavy dark silk, which has originally been handsome, but
is now somewhat worn and shabby. A woollen shawl over her
shoulders.

She sits for a time erect and immovable at her crochet. Then the
bells of a passing sledge are heard.

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Listens; her eyes sparkle with gladness and she involuntarily
whispers]. Erhart! At last!

[She rises and draws the curtain a little aside to look out.
Appears disappointed, and sits down to her work again, on
the sofa. Presently THE MAID enters from the hall with a
visiting card on a small tray.

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Quickly.] Has Mr. Erhart come after all?

THE MAID.
No, ma'am. But there's a lady----

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Laying aside her crochet.] Oh, Mrs. Wilton, I suppose----

THE MAID.
[Approaching.] No, it's a strange lady----

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Taking the card.] Let me see---- [Reads it; rises hastily and
looks intently at the girl.] Are you sure this is for me?

THE MAID.
Yes, I understand it was for you, ma'am.

MRS. BORKMAN.
Did she say she wanted to see Mrs. Borkman?

THE MAID.
Yes, she did.

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Shortly, resolutely.] Good. Then say I am at home.

[THE MAID opens the door for the strange lady and goes out.
MISS ELLA RENTHEIM enters. She resembles her sister; but
her face has rather a suffering than a hard expression.
It still shows signs of great beauty, combined with strong
character. She has a great deal of hair, which is drawn
back from the forehead in natural ripples, and is snow-white.
She is dressed in black velvet, with a hat and a fur-lined
cloak of the same material.

[The two sisters stand silent for a time, and look se