farthing, although I could have taken it, and made use of it, as I did of all the rest! ELLA RENTHEIM. [Coldly and quietly.] That is quite true, Borkman. BORKMAN. Yes it is. And that was why, when they came and took me, they found all your securities untouched in the strong-room of the bank. ELLA RENTHEIM. [Looking at him.] I have often and often wondered what was your real reason for sparing all my property? That, and that alone. BORKMAN. My reason? ELLA RENTHEIM. Yes, your reason. Tell me. BORKMAN. [Harshly and scornfully.] Perhaps you think it was that I might have something to fall back upon, if things went wrong? ELLA RENTHEIM. Oh no, I am sure you did not think of that in those days. BORKMAN. Never! I was so absolutely certain of victory. ELLA RENTHEIM. Well then, why was it that----? BORKMAN. [Shrugging his shoulders.] Upon my soul, Ella, it is not so easy to remember one's motives of twenty years ago. I only know that when I used to grapple, silently and alone, with all the great projects I had in my mind, I had something like the feeling of a man who is starting on a balloon voyage. All through my sleepless nights I was inflating my giant balloon, and preparing to soar away into perilous, unknown regions. ELLA RENTHEIM. [Smiling.] You, who never had the least doubt of victory? BORKMAN. [Impatiently.] Men are made so, Ella. They both doubt and believe at the same time. [Looking straight before him.] And I suppose that was why I would not take you and yours with me in the balloon.