MRS. BORKMAN. I will fight with all my might for you. I will protect you from the powers of evil.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
The worst "powers of evil" are in yourself, Gunhild!
MRS. BORKMAN. [Harshly.] So be it then. [Menacingly, with upstretched arm.] But this I tell you—he shall bear his father's name! And bear it aloft in honour again! My son's heart shall be mine—mine and no other's.
[She goes out by the tapestry door and shuts it behind her.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Shaken and shattered.] Borkman, Erhart's life will be wrecked
in this storm. There must be an understanding between you and
Gunhild. We must go down to her at once.
BORKMAN.
[Looking at her.] We? I too, do you mean?
ELLA RENTHEIM.
Both you and I.
BORKMAN.
[Shaking his head.] She is hard, I tell you. Hard as the metal
I once dreamed of hewing out of the rocks.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
Then try it now!
[BORKMAN does not answer, but stands looking doubtfully at her.