BORKMAN.
Go on—tell me what it is.
ELLA RENTHEIM. When I die—as I must soon—I shall have a fair amount to leave behind me.
BORKMAN.
Yes, I suppose so.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
And I intend to leave it all to Erhart.
BORKMAN.
Well, you have really no one nearer to you than he.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Warmly.] No, indeed, I have no one nearer me than he.
BORKMAN.
No one of your own family. You are the last.
ELLA RENTHEIM. [Nodding slowly.] Yes, that is just it. When I die, the name of Rentheim dies with me. And that is such a torturing thought to me. To be wiped out of existence—even to your very name——
BORKMAN.
[Firing up.] Ah, I see what you are driving at!
ELLA RENTHEIM. [Passionately.] Do not let this be my forte. Let Erhart bear my name after me!