Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/267



[Closes the door and advances.] It is I, Borkman. [She puts down the candle on the piano and remains standing beside it.

[''Stands as though thunderstruck, stares fixedly at her, and says in a half-whisper.''] Is it—is it Ella? Is it Ella Rentheim?

Yes, it's "your" Ella, as you used to call me in the old days; many, many years ago.

[As before.] Yes, it is you Ella, I can see you now.

Can you recognise me?

Yes, now I begin to

The years have told on me, and brought winter with them, Borkman. Do you not think so?

[In a forced voice.] You are a good deal changed—just at the first glance.