MRS. WILTON. Many thanks, my dear lady, but I really can't. We have another invitation. We're going down to the Hinkels'. MRS. BORKMAN. [Looking at her.] We? Whom do you mean by we? MRS. WILTON. [Laughing.] Oh, I ought really to have said I. But I was commissioned by the ladies of the house to bring Mr. Borkman with me--if I happened to see him. MRS. BORKMAN. And you did happen to see him, it appears. MRS. WILTON. Yes, fortunately. He was good enough to look in at my house-- to call for Frida. MRS. BORKMAN. [Drily.] But, Erhart, I did not know that you knew that family-- those Hinkels? ERHART. [Irritated.] No, I don't exactly know them. [Adds rather impatiently.] You know better than anybody, mother, what people I know and don't know. MRS. WILTON. Oh, it doesn't matter! They soon put you at your ease in that house! They are such cheerful, hospitable people--the house swarms with young ladies. MRS. BORKMAN. [With emphasis.] If I know my son rightly, Mrs. Wilton, they are no fit company for him. MRS. WILTON. Why, good gracious, dear lady, he is young, too, you know! MRS. BORKMAN. Yes, fortunately he's young. He would need to be young. ERHART. [Concealing his impatience.] Well, well, well, mother, it's quite clear I can't got to the Hinkels' this evening. Of course I shall remain here with you and Aunt Ella. MRS. BORKMAN. I knew you would, my dear Erhart.