BORKMAN. [Impatiently.] Men are made so, Ella. They both doubt and believe at the same time. [Looking straight before him.] And I suppose that was why I would not take you and yours with me in the balloon.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Eagerly.] Why, I ask you? Tell me why!
BORKMAN. [Without looking at her.] One shrinks from risking what one holds dearest on such a voyage.
ELLA RENTHEIM. You had risked what was dearest to you on that voyage. Your whole future life——
BORKMAN.
Life is not always what one holds dearest.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Breathlessly.] Was that how you felt at that time?
BORKMAN.
I fancy it was.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
I was the dearest thing in the world to you?
BORKMAN.
I seem to remember something of the sort.
ELLA RENTHEIM. And yet years had passed since you had deserted me—and married— married another!