Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/137

 Lövborg.

It was you that broke with me.

Hedda.

Yes, when our friendship threatened to develop into something more serious. Shame upon you, Eilert Lövborg! How could you think of wronging your—your frank comrade?

Lövborg.

[Clenching his hands.] Oh, why did you not carry out your threat? Why did you not shoot me down?

Hedda.

Because I have such a dread of scandal.

Lövborg.

Yes, Hedda, you are a coward at heart.

Hedda.

A terrible coward. [Changing her tone.] But it was a lucky thing for you. And now you have found ample consolation at the Elvsteds'.

Lövborg.

I know what Thea has confided to you.

Hedda.

And perhaps you have confided to her something about us?

Lövborg.

Not a word. She is too stupid to understand anything of that sort.

Hedda.

Stupid?