Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/145

 Lövborg.

So she was in mortal terror! On my account!

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Softly and piteously.] Oh, Hedda—now you have ruined everything!

Lövborg.

[Looks fixedly at her for a moment. His face is distorted.] So that was my comrade's frank confidence in me?

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Imploringly.] Oh, my dearest friend—only let me tell you

Lövborg.

[Takes one of the glasses of punch, raises it to his lips, and says in a low, husky voice.] Your health, Thea!

[He empties the glass, puts it down, and takes the second.

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Softly.] Oh, Hedda, Hedda—how could you do this?

Hedda.

I do it? I? Are you crazy?

Lövborg.

Here's to your health too, Mrs. Tesman. Thanks for the truth. Hurrah for the truth!

[He empties the glass and is about to re-fill it.

Hedda.

[Lays her hand on his arm.] Come, come—no more for the present. Remember you are going out to supper.