You among others. But if I am to tell you my errand, I must begin far back.

Borkman.

You look tired.

Ella Rentheim.

Yes, I am tired.

Borkman.

Won’t you sit down? There, on the sofa.

Ella Rentheim.

Yes, thank you; I need rest.

[She crosses to the right and seats herself in the furthest forward corner of the sofa. Borkman stands beside the table with his hands behind his back looking at her. A short silence.