Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/143

 Mrs. Elvsted.

[Joyfully.] Yes, let them!

Hedda.

I saw it plainly in Judge Brack's face a moment ago.

Lövborg.

What did you see?

Hedda.

His contemptuous smile, when you dared not go with them into the inner room.

Lövborg.

Dared not? Of course I preferred to stop here and talk to you.

Mrs. Elvsted.

What could be more natural, Hedda?

Hedda.

But the Judge could not guess that. And I saw, too, the way he smiled and glanced at Tesman when you dared not accept his invitation to this wretched little supper-party of his.

Lövborg.

Dared not! Do you say I dared not?

Hedda.

I don't say so. But that was how Judge Brack understood it.

Lövborg.

Well, let him.

Hedda.

Then you are not going with them?