[Slowly.] I wanted to smooth the way for Erhart to happiness in life.
Mrs. Borkman.
[Contemptuously.] Pooh—people situated as we are have something else than happiness to think of.
Ella Rentheim.
What, then?
Mrs. Borkman.
[Looking steadily and earnestly at her.] Erhart has in the first place to make so brilliant a position for himself, that no trace shall be left of the shadow his father has cast upon my name—and my son’s.
Ella Rentheim.
[Searchingly.] Tell me, Gunhild, is this what Erhart himself demands of his life?
Mrs. Borkman.