Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/174

 Brack.

Yes. I confess it would be more than painful to me if this personage were to be made free of your house. How superfluous, how intrusive, he would be, if he were to force his way into

Hedda. into the triangle?

Brack.

Precisely. It would simply mean that I should find myself homeless.

Hedda.

[Looks at him with a smile.] So you want to be the one cock in the basket[1]—that is your aim.

Brack.

[Nods slowly and lowers his voice.] Yes, that is my aim. And for that I will fight—with every weapon I can command.

Hedda.

[Her smile vanishing.] I see you are a dangerous person—when it comes to the point.

Brack. Do you think so?

Hedda.

I am beginning to think so. And I am exceedingly glad to think—that you have no sort of hold over me.

1 "Eneste hane i kurven"—a proverbial saying.