Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/79

 Mrs. Elvsted.

[Irritably.] Yes, that is true, too. Everything about him is repellent to me! We have not a thought in common. We have no single point of sympathy—he and I.

Hedda.

But is he not fond of you all the same? In his own way?

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh I really don't know. I think he regards me simply as a useful property. And then it doesn't cost much to keep me. I am not expensive.

Hedda.

That is stupid of you.

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Shakes her head.] It cannot be otherwise—not with him. I don't think he really cares for any one but himself—and perhaps a little for the children.

Hedda.

And for Eilert Lövberg, Thea.

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Looking at her.] For Eilert Lövborg? What puts that into your head?

Hedda.

Well, my dear—I should say, when he sends you after him all the way to town [Smiling almost imperceptibly.] And besides, you said so yourself, to Tesman.