u 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.

ERHART.
[Emphatically.] Well, then, I tell you what it is, Aunt Ella;
you mustn't think of going home again for the present.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
No, I am not thinking of it.

ERHART.
You must remain in town; for here you can have your choice of
all the best doctors.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
That was what I thought when I left home.

ERHART.
And then you must be sure and find a really nice place to live--
quiet, comfortable rooms.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
I went this morning to the old ones, where I used to stay before.

ERHART.
Oh, well, you were comfortable enough there.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
Yes, but I shall not be staying there after all.

ERHART.
Indeed? Why not?

ELLA RENTHEIM.
I changed my mind after coming out here.

ERHART.
[Surprised.] Really? Changed you mind?

MRS. BORKMAN.
[Crocheting; without looking up.] Your aunt will live here, in
her own house, Erhart.

ERHART.
[Looking from one to the other alternately.] Here, with us? Is
this true, Aunt?

ELLA RENTHEIM.
Yes, that is what I made up my mind to do.

MRS. BORKMAN.
[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 goi