down. And the driver didn't stop a moment after he had sent
me spinning. But it doesn't matter a bit, for---- [With an
outburst.] Oh, I am so happy, so happy!

BORKMAN.
Happy?

FOLDAL.
Well, I don't exactly know what to call it. But I think happy
is the nearest word. For something wonderful has happened! And
that is why I couldn't help--I had to come out and share my
happiness with you, John Gabriel.

BORKMAN.
[Harshly.] Well, share away then!

ELLA RENTHEIM.
Oh, but first take your friend indoors with you, Borkman.

BORKMAN.
[Sternly.] I have told you I will not go into the house.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
But don't you hear, he has been run over!

BORKMAN.
Oh, we are all of us run over, sometime or other in life. The
thing is to jump up again, and let no one see you are hurt.

FOLDAL.
That is a profound saying, John Gabriel. But I can easily tell
you my story out here, in a few words.

BORKMAN.
[More mildly.] Yes, please do, Vilhelm.

FOLDAL.
Well, now you shall hear! Only think, when I got home this
evening after I had been with you, what did I find but a letter.
Can you guess who it was from?

BORKMAN.
Possibly from your little Frida?

FOLDAL.
Precisely! Think of your hitting on it at once! Yes, it was
a long letter from Frida. A footman had brought it. And can
you imagine what was in it?

BORKMAN.
Perhaps it was to say good-bye to her mother and you?

FOLDAL.
Exactly! How good you are at guessing, John Gabriel! Yes, she
tells me that Mrs. Wilton has taken such a fancy to her, and she
is to go abroad with her and study music. And Mrs. Wilton has
engaged a first-rate teacher who is to accompany them on the
journey--and to read with Frida. For unfortunately she has been
a good deal neglected in some branches, you see.

BORKMAN.
[Shaken with inward laughter.] Of course, of course--I see it
all quite clearly, Vilhelm.

FOLDAL.
[Eagerly continuing.] And only think, she knew nothing about
the arrangement until this evening; at that party, you know, h'm!
And yet she found time to write to me. And the letter is such a
beautiful one--so warm and affectionate, I assure you. There is
not a trace of contempt for her father in it. And then what a
delicate thought it was to say good-bye to us by letter--before
she started. [Laughing.] But of course I can't let her go like
that.

BORKMAN.
[Looks inquiringly at him.] How so?

FOLDAL.
She