archingly
at each other. Each is evidently waiting for the other to
speak first.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Who has remained near the door.] You are surprised to see me,
Gunhild.

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Standing erect and immovable between the sofa and the table,
resting her finger-tips upon the cloth.] Have you not made a
mistake? The bailiff lives in the side wing, you know.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
It is not the bailiff I want to see to-day.

MRS. BORKMAN.
Is it me you want, then?

ELLA RENTHEIM.
Yes. I have a few words to say to you.

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Coming forward into the middle of the room.] Well--then
sit down.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
Thank you. I can quite well stand for the present.

MRS. BORKMAN.
Just as you please. But at least loosen your cloak.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Unbuttoning her cloak.] Yes, it is very warm here.

MRS. BORKMAN.
I am always cold.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Stands looking at her for a time with her arms resting on the
back of the armchair.] Well, Gunhild, it is nearly eight years
now since we saw each other last.

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Coldly.] Since last we spoke to each other at any rate.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
True, since we spoke to each other. I daresay you have seen
me now and again--when I came on my yearly visit to the bailiff.

MRS. BORKMAN.
Once or twice, I have.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
I have caught one or two glimpses of you, too--there, at the
window.

MRS. BORKMAN.
You must have seen me through the curtains then. You have good
eyes. [Harshly and cuttingly.] But the last time we spoke to each
other--it was here in this room----

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Trying to stop her.] Yes, yes; I know, Gunhild!

MRS. BORKMAN.
--the week before he--before he was let out.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Moving towards the back.] O, don't speak about that.

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Firmly, but in a low voice.] It was the week before he--was
set at liberty.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Coming down.] Oh yes, yes, yes! I shall never forget that
time! But it is too terrible to think of! Only to recall it
for the moment--oh!

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Gloomily.] And yet one's thoughts can never get away from it.
[Vehemently; clenching her hands together.] No, I can't understand
how such a thing--how anything so horrible can come upon one single
family! And then--that it should be our family! So old a family
as ours! Think of its choosing us out!

ELLA RENTHEIM.
Oh, Gunhild--there wer