[Breaking off.] But don't let us talk about Mrs. Wilton. [He forces ELLA RENTHEIM to seat herself at the armchair beside the stove, then stands and looks at her.] To think of your having taken all this long journey, Aunt Ella! And in winter too! ELLA RENTHEIM. I found I had to, Erhart. ERHART. Indeed? Why so? ELLA RENTHEIM. I had to come to town after all, to consult the doctors. ERHART. Oh, I'm glad of that! ELLA RENTHEIM. [Smiling.] Are you glad of that? ERHART. I mean I am glad you made up your mind to it at last. MRS. BORKMAN. [On the sofa, coldly.] Are you ill, Ella? ELLA RENTHEIM. [Looking hardly at her.] You know quite well that I am ill. MRS. BORKMAN. I knew you were not strong, and hadn't been for years. ERHART. I told you before I left you that you ought to consult a doctor. ELLA RENTHEIM. There is no one in my neighbourhood that I have any real confidence in. And, besides, I did not feel it so much at that time. ERHART. Are you worse, then, Aunt? ELLA RENTHEIM. Yes, my dear boy; I am worse now. ERHART. But there's nothing dangerous? ELLA RENTHEIM. Oh, that depends how you look at it.