[Cautiously.] Tell me, Gunhild, how does he bear it?

Mrs. Borkman.

Erhart, do you mean?

Ella Rentheim.

No—he himself. How does he bear it?

Mrs. Borkman.

[Scornfully.] Do you think I ever ask about that?

Ella Rentheim.

Ask? Surely you do not require to ask——

Mrs. Borkman.