Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/286



[Taken aback.] What do you mean by that?

I suppose you know I have been in bad health for many years past?

Have you?

Do you not know that?

No, I cannot say I did

[Looking at him in surprise.] Has Erhart not told you so?

I really don't remember at the moment.

Perhaps he has not spoken of me at all?

Oh, yes, I believe he has spoken of you. But the fact is, I so seldom see anything of him—scarcely ever. There is a certain person below that keeps him away from me. Keeps him away, you understand?

Are you quite sure of that, Borkman?