Ella Rentheim.
[Smiling.] You, who never had the least doubt of victory?
Borkman.
[Impatiently.] Men are made so, Ella. They both doubt and believe at the same time. [Looking straight before him.] And I suppose that was why I would not take you and yours with me in the balloon.
Ella Rentheim.
[Eagerly.] Why, I ask you? Tell me why!
Borkman.
[Without looking at her.] One shrinks from risking what one holds dearest on such a voyage.
Ella Rentheim.
You had risked what was dearest to you on that voyage. Your whole future life——