go a little bit of the way with you?

MRS. WILTON.
[In the doorway, motioning him back.] You shan't go a step
with me. I am quite accustomed to taking my walks alone. [Stops
on the threshold, looks at him and nods.] But now beware, Mr.
Borkman--I warn you!

ERHART.
What am I to beware of?

MRS. WILTON.
[Gaily.] Why, as I go down the road--deserted and forlorn, as
I said before--I shall try if I can't cast a spell upon you.

ERHART.
[Laughing.] Oh, indeed! Are you going to try that again?

MRS. WILTON.
[Half seriously.] Yes, just you beware! As I go down the road,
I will say in my own mind--right from the very centre of my will--
I will say: "Mr. Erhart Borkman, take your hat at once!"

MRS. BORKMAN.
And you think he will take it?

MRS. WILTON.
[Laughing.] Good heavens, yes, he'll snatch up his hat
instantly. And then I will say: "Now put on your overcoat, like
a good boy, Erhart Borkman! And your goloshes! Be sure you don't
forget the goloshes! And then follow me! Do as I bid you, as I
bid you, as I bid you!"

ERHART.
[With forced gaiety.] Oh, you may rely on that.

MRS. WILTON.
[Raising her forefinger.] As I bid you! As I bid you!
Good-night!

[She laughs and nods to the ladies, and closes the door
behind her.

MRS. BORKMAN.
Does she really play tricks of that sort?

ERHART.
Oh, not at all. How can you think so! She only says it in fun.
[Breaking off.] But don't let us talk about Mrs. Wilton. [He
forces ELLA RENTHEIM to seat herself at the armchair beside the
stove, then stands and looks at her.] To think of your having
taken all this long journey, Aunt Ella! And in winter too!

ELLA RENTHEIM.
I found I had to, Erhart.

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 yo