Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/150

 enters from the inner room with a lighted lamp, which she places on the drawing-room table; she goes out by the way she came.

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Who has risen and is wandering restlessly about the room.] Hedda—Hedda—what will come of all this?

Hedda.

At ten o'clock—he will be here. I can see him already—with vine-leaves in his hair—flushed and fearless

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh, I hope he may.

Hedda.

And then, you see—then he will have regained control over himself. Then he will be a free man for all his days.

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh God!—if he would only come as you see him now!

Hedda.

He will come as I see him—so, and not otherwise! [Rises and approaches Thea.] You may doubt him as long as you please; I believe in him. And now we will try

Mrs. Elvsted.

You have some hidden motive in this, Hedda!

Hedda.

Yes, I have. I want for once in my life to have power to mould a human destiny.