[Struggling with himself.] Mother, I may as well tell you plainly——
Mrs. Borkman.
[Eagerly.] What?
Erhart.
I am afraid it is only a very little way you and I can go together.
Mrs. Borkman.
[Stands as though thunderstruck.] What do you mean by that?
Erhart.
[Plucking up spirit.] Good heavens, mother, I am young, after all! I feel as if the close air of this room must stifle me in the end.
Mrs. Borkman.