ELLA RENTHEIM. [With a smile of scorn.] Do you still think that victory was worth the winning?
MRS. BORKMAN.
[Darkly.] No; Heaven knows you are right there.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
You need look for no victory worth the winning this time either.
MRS. BORKMAN.
Not when I am fighting to preserve a mother's power over my son!
ELLA RENTHEIM.
No; for it is only power over him that you want.
MRS. BORKMAN.
And you?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Warmly.] I want his affection—his soul—his whole heart!
MRS. BORKMAN.
[With an outburst.] That you shall never have in this world!
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Looking at her.] You have seen to that?
MRS. BORKMAN. [Smiling.] Yes, I have taken that liberty. Could you not see that in his letters?