BORKMAN.
What were the whispers? Tell me. You see I know nothing.
For I had to go straight into—into isolation. What did people
whisper, Vilhelm?

FOLDAL.
You were to have gone into the Cabinet, they said.

BORKMAN.
I was offered a portfolio, but I refused it.

FOLDAL.
Then it wasn't there you stood in his way?

BORKMAN.
Oh, no; that was not the reason he betrayed me.

FOLDAL.
Then I really can't understand——

BORKMAN.
I may as well tell you, Vilhelm——

FOLDAL.
Well?

BORKMAN.
There was—in fact, there was a woman in the case.

FOLDAL.
A woman in the case? Well but, John Gabriel——