ELLA RENTHEIM. Why, then, I am troubled as soon as I see anything threatening him.
MRS. BORKMAN.
Threatening Erhart! Why, what should threaten him? Or who?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
You in the first place—in your way.
MRS. BORKMAN.
[Vehemently.] I!
ELLA RENTHEIM.
And then this Mrs. Wilton, too, I am afraid.
MRS. BORKMAN. [Looks at her for a moment in speechless surprise.] And you think such things of Erhart! Of my own boy! He, who has his great mission to fulfil!
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Lightly.] Oh, his mission!
MRS. BORKMAN.
[Indignantly.] How dare you say that so scornfully?
ELLA RENTHEIM. Do you think a young man of Erhart's age, full of health and spirits—do you think he is going to sacrifice himself for—for such a thing as a "mission"?
MRS. BORKMAN.
[Firmly and emphatically.] Erhart will! I know he will.