ERHART. [Following her.] Shan't I go a little bit of the way with you? MRS. WILTON. [In the doorway, motioning him back.] You shan't go a step with me. I am quite accustomed to taking my walks alone. [Stops on the threshold, looks at him and nods.] But now beware, Mr. Borkman--I warn you! ERHART. What am I to beware of? MRS. WILTON. [Gaily.] Why, as I go down the road--deserted and forlorn, as I said before--I shall try if I can't cast a spell upon you. ERHART. [Laughing.] Oh, indeed! Are you going to try that again? MRS. WILTON. [Half seriously.] Yes, just you beware! As I go down the road, I will say in my own mind--right from the very centre of my will-- I will say: "Mr. Erhart Borkman, take your hat at once!" MRS. BORKMAN. And you think he will take it? MRS. WILTON. [Laughing.] Good heavens, yes, he'll snatch up his hat instantly. And then I will say: "Now put on your overcoat, like a good boy, Erhart Borkman! And your goloshes! Be sure you don't forget the goloshes! And then follow me! Do as I bid you, as I bid you, as I bid you!" ERHART. [With forced gaiety.] Oh, you may rely on that. MRS. WILTON. [Raising her forefinger.] As I bid you! As I bid you! Good-night! [She laughs and nods to the ladies, and closes the door behind her. MRS. BORKMAN. Does she really play tricks of that sort? ERHART. Oh, not at all. How can you think so! She only says it in fun. [Breaking off.] But don't let us talk about Mrs. Wilton. [He