more than I did! ELLA RENTHEIM. [Quietly.] Well, I daresay his position forced him to do that-- to some extent at any rate. MRS. BORKMAN. [Scornfully.] Yes, it was always the same story--we were to "cut a figure." And he did "cut a figure" to some purpose! He used to drive about with a four-in-hand as if he were a king. And he had people bowing and scraping to him just as to a king. [With a laugh.] And they always called him by his Christian names--all the country over--as if he had been the king himself. "John Gabriel," "John Gabriel," "John Gabriel." Every one knew what a great man "John Gabriel" was! ELLA RENTHEIM. [Warmly and emphatically.] He was a great man then. MRS. BORKMAN. Yes, to all appearance. But he never breathed a single word to me as to his real position--never gave a hint as to where he got his means from. ELLA RENTHEIM. No, no; and other people did not dream of it either. MRS. BORKMAN. I don't care about the other people. But it was his duty to tell me the truth. And that he never did! He kept on lying to me--lying abominably---- ELLA RENTHEIM. [Interrupting.] Surely not, Gunhild. He kept things back perhaps, but I am sure he did not lie. MRS. BORKMAN. Well, well; call it what you please; it makes no difference. And then it all fell to pieces--the whole thing. ELLA RENTHEIM. [To herself.] Yes, everything fell to pieces--for him--and for others. MRS. BORKMAN. [Drawing herself up menacingly.] But I tell you this, Ella, I do not give in yet! I shall redeem myself yet--you may make up your mind to that! ELLA RENTHEIM. [Eagerly.] Redeem yourself! What do you mean by that?