Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/227



Yes, you may well add that.

Oh, it seems to me we have often more cause to be grateful to a foster-mother than to our own mother.

Has that been your experience?

I knew very little of my own mother, I am sorry to say. But if I had had a good foster-mother, perhaps I shouldn't have been so—so naughty, as people say I am. [Turning towards ] Well, then, we stop peaceably at home like a good boy, and drink tea with mamma and auntie! [To the ladies.] Good-bye, goodbye Mrs. Borkman! Good-bye Miss Rentheim. [''The ladies bow silently. She goes toward the door.''

[Following her.] Shan't I go a little bit of the way with you?

[In the doorway, motioning him back.] You shan't go a step with me. I am quite accustomed to taking my walks alone. [''Stops on the threshold, looks at him and nods.''] But now beware, Mr. Borkman—I warn you!