Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/196

 Tesman.

Do you know what you have done, Hedda? It's unlawful appropriation of lost property. Fancy that! Just ask Judge Brack, and he'll tell you what it is.

Hedda.

I advise you not to speak of it—either to Judge Brack, or to any one else.

Tesman.

But how could you do anything so unheard-of? What put it into your head? What possessed you? Answer me that—eh?

Hedda.

[Suppressing an almost imperceptible smile.] I did it for your sake, George.

Tesman.

For my sake!

Hedda.

This morning, when you told me about what he had read to you

Tesman.

Yes yes—what then?

Hedda.

You acknowledged that you envied him his work.

Tesman.

Oh, of course I didn't mean that literally.

Hedda.

No matter—I could not bear the idea that any one should throw you into the shade.