Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/176

 Brack.

[In the doorway, laughing to her.] Oh, people don't shoot their tame poultry, I fancy.

Hedda.

[Also laughing.] Oh no, when there is only one cock in the basket

[They exchange laughing nods of farewell. He goes. She closes the door behind him.

[Hedda, who has become quite serious, stands for a moment looking out. Presently she goes and peeps through the curtain over the middle doorway. Then she goes to the writing-table, takes Lövborg's packet out of the bookcase, and is on the point of looking through its contents. Berta is heard speaking loudly in the hall. Hedda turns and listens. Then she hastily locks up the packet in the drawer, and lays the key on the inkstand.

Eilert Lövborg, with his greatcoat on and his hat in his hand, tears open the hall door. He looks somewhat confused and irritated.

Lövborg.

[Looking towards the hall.] And I tell you I must and will come in! There!

[He closes the door, turns, sees Hedda, at once regains his self-control, and bows.

Hedda.

[At the writing table.] Well, Mr. Lövborg, this is rather a late hour to call for Thea.