Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/142

 Hedda.

[Looks fixedly at him.] But if I say you shall?

Lövborg.

It would be no use.

Hedda.

[Laughing.] Then I, poor creature, have no sort of power over you?

Lövborg.

Not in that respect.

Hedda.

But seriously, I think you ought to—for your own sake.

Mrs. Elvsted.

Why, Hedda!

Lövborg.

How so?

Hedda.

Or rather on account of other people.

Lövborg.

Indeed?

Hedda.

Otherwise people might be apt to suspect that—in your heart of hearts—you did not feel quite secure—quite confident in yourself.

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Softly.] Oh please, Hedda

Lövborg.

People may suspect what they like—for the present.