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.

ACT THIRD