Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/291



[Passionately.] Do not let it be so! Let Erhart bear my name after me!

[Looking harshly at her.] I understand you well enough. You want to save my son from having to bear his father's name. That is your idea.

No, no, not that! I myself would have borne it proudly and gladly along with you! But a mother who is at the point of death There is more binding force in a name than you think or believe, Borkman.

[Coldly and proudly.] Well and good, Ella. I am man enough to bear my own name alone.

[Seizing and pressing his hand.] Thank you, thank you! Now there has been a full settlement between us! Yes, yes, let it be so! You have made all the atonement in your power. For when I have gone from the world, I shall leave Erhart Rentheim behind me!

[The tapestry door is thrown open. '', with the large shawl over her head, stands in the doorway''.

[In violent agitation.] Never to his dying day shall Erhart be called by that name!