ELLA RENTHEIM. But that is very much what Erhart knew already. MRS. BORKMAN. When he came home to me, he imagined that you did it all out of goodness of heart. [Looks malignly at her.] Now he does not believe that any longer, Ella. ELLA RENTHEIM. Then what does he believe now? MRS. BORKMAN. He believes what is the truth. I asked him how he accounted for the fact that Aunt Ella never came here to visit us---- ELLA RENTHEIM. [Interrupting.] He knew my reasons already! MRS. BORKMAN. He knows them better now. You had got him to believe that it was to spare me and--and him up there in gallery---- ELLA RENTHEIM. And so it was. MRS. BORKMAN. Erhart does not believe that for a moment, now. ELLA RENTHEIM. What have you put in his head? MRS. BORKMAN. He thinks, what is the truth, that you are ashamed of us--that you despise us. And do you pretend that you don't? Were you not once planning to take him quite away from me? Think, Ella; you cannot have forgotten. ELLA RENTHEIM. [With a gesture of negation.] That was at the height of the scandal--when the case was before the courts. I have no such designs now. MRS. BORKMAN. And it would not matter if you had. For in that case what would become of his mission? No, thank you. It is me that Erhart needs-- not you. And therefore he is as good as dead to you--and you to him. ELLA RENTHEIM. [Coldly, with resolution.] We shall see. For now I shall remain out here.