w that you knew that family--
those Hinkels?

ERHART.
[Irritated.] No, I don't exactly know them. [Adds rather
impatiently.] You know better than anybody, mother, what people
I know and don't know.

MRS. WILTON.
Oh, it doesn't matter! They soon put you at your ease in that
house! They are such cheerful, hospitable people--the house swarms
with young ladies.

MRS. BORKMAN.
[With emphasis.] If I know my son rightly, Mrs. Wilton, they
are no fit company for him.

MRS. WILTON.
Why, good gracious, dear lady, he is young, too, you know!

MRS. BORKMAN.
Yes, fortunately he's young. He would need to be young.

ERHART.
[Concealing his impatience.] Well, well, well, mother, it's
quite clear I can't got to the Hinkels' this evening. Of course
I shall remain here with you and Aunt Ella.

MRS. BORKMAN.
I knew you would, my dear Erhart.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
No, Erhart, you must not stop at home on my account----

ERHART.
Yes, indeed, my dear Aunt; I can't think of going. [Looking
doubtfully at MRS. WILTON.] But how shall we manage? Can I get
out of it? You have said "Yes" for me, haven't you?

MRS. WILTON.
[Gaily.] What nonsense! Not get out of it! When I make my
entrance into the festive halls--just imagine it!--deserted and
forlorn--then I must simply say "No" for you.

ERHART.
[Hesitatingly.] Well, if you really think I can get out of
it----

MRS. WILTON.
[Putting the matter lightly aside.] I am quite used to saying
both yes and no--on my own account. And you can't possibly think
of leaving your aunt the moment she has arrived! For shame,
Monsieur Erhart! Would that be behaving like a good son?

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Annoyed.] Son?

MRS. WILTON.
Well, adopted son then, Mrs. Borkman.

MRS. BORKMAN.
Yes, you may well add that.

MRS. WILTON.
Oh, it seems to me we have often more cause to be grateful to
a foster-mother than to our own mother.

MRS. BORKMAN.
Has that been your experience?

MRS. WILTON.
I knew very little of my own mother, I am sorry to say. But if
I had had a good foster-mother, perhaps I shouldn't have been so--
so naughty, as people say I am. [Turning towards ERHART.] Well,
then we stop peaceably at home like a good boy, and drink tea
with mamma and auntie! [To the ladies.] Good-bye, good-bye Mrs.
Borkman! Good-bye Miss Rentheim.

[The ladies bow silently. She goes toward the door.

ERHART.
[Following her.] Shan't I