MRS. BORKMAN. [Taken aback.] Why, where else should he be? THE MAID. [With a slight smile.] Well, I only thought he might be where he usually is. MRS. BORKMAN. Where do you mean? THE MAID. At Mrs. Wilton's, as they call her. MRS. BORKMAN. Mrs. Wilton's? My son isn't so often there. THE MAID. [Half muttering.] I've heard say as he's there every day of his life. MRS. BORKMAN. That's all nonsense, Malena. Go straight to Mr. Hinkel's and try to to get hold of him. THE MAID. [With a toss of her head.] Oh, very well; I'm going. [She is on the point of going out by the hall, but just at that moment the hall door is opened, and ELLA RENTHEIM and BORKMAN appear on the threshold. MRS. BORKMAN. [Staggers a step backwards.] What does this mean? THE MAID. [Terrified, instinctively folding her hands.] Lord save us! MRS. BORKMAN. [Whispers to THE MAID.] Tell him he must come this instant. THE MAID. [Softly.] Yes, ma'am. [ELLA RENTHEIM and, after her, BORKMAN enter the room. THE MAID sidles behind them to the door, goes out, and closes it after her. MRS. BORKMAN. [Having recovered her self-control, turns to ELLA.] What does he want down here in my room?