[As before.] Everything here belongs to your aunt, you know. ELLA RENTHEIM. I intend to remain here, Erhart--just now--for the present. I shall set up a little establishment of my own, over in the bailiff's wing. ERHART. Ah, that's a good idea. There are plenty of rooms there. [With sudden vivacity.] But, by-the-bye, Aunt--aren't you very tired after your journey? ELLA RENTHEIM. Oh yes, rather tired. ERHART. Well, then, I think you ought to go quite early to bed. ELLA RENTHEIM. [Looks at him smilingly.] I mean to. ERHART. [Eagerly.] And then we could have a good long talk to-morrow-- or some other day, of course--about this and that--about things in general--you and mother and I. Wouldn't that be much the best plan, Aunt Ella? MRS. BORKMAN. [With an outburst, rising from the sofa.] Erhart, I can see you are going to leave me! ERHART. [Starts.] What do you mean by that? MRS. BORKMAN. You are going down to--to the Hinkels'? ERHART. [Involuntarily.] Oh, that! [Collecting himself.] Well, you wouldn't have me sit here and keep Aunt Ella up half the night? Remember, she's an invalid, mother. MRS. BORKMAN. You are going to the Hinkels', Erhart! ERHART. [Impatiently.] Well, really, mother, I don't think I can well get out of it. What do you say, Aunt? ELLA RENTHEIM. I should like you to feel quite free, Erhart.