Do you grudge your father a moment of self-forgetfulness? ERHART. No, I don't. I'm very, very glad that he should have it--if only _I_ don't have to listen. MRS. BORKMAN. [Looking solemnly at him.] Be strong, Erhart! Be strong, my son! Do not forget that you have your great mission. ERHART. Oh, mother--do spare me these phrases! I wasn't born to be a "missionary."--Good-night, aunt dear! Good-night, mother. [He goes hastily out through the hall. MRS. BORKMAN. [After a short silence.] It has not taken you long to recapture him, Ella, after all. ELLA RENTHEIM. I wish I could believe it. MRS. BORKMAN. But you shall see you won't be allowed to keep him long. ELLA RENTHEIM. Allowed? By you, do you mean? MRS. BORKMAN. By me or--by her, the other one---- ELLA RENTHEIM. Then rather she than you. MRS. BORKMAN. [Nodding slowly.] That I understand. I say the same. Rather she than you. ELLA RENTHEIM. Whatever should become of him in the end---- MRS. BORKMAN. It wouldn't greatly matter, I should say. ELLA RENTHEIM. [Taking her outdoor things upon her arm.] For the first time in our lives, we twin sisters are of one mind. Good-night, Gunhild. [She goes out by the hall. The music sounds louder from above. MRS. BORKMAN.