Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/82

 Mrs. Elvsted.

They may say what they like, for aught I care. [Seats herself wearily and sadly on the sofa.] I have done nothing but what I had to do.

Hedda.

[After a short silence.] And what are your plans now? What do you think of doing?

Mrs. Elvsted.

I don't know yet. I only know this, that I must live here, where Eilert Lövborg is—if I am to live at all.

Hedda.

[Takes a chair from the table, seats herself beside her, and strokes her hands.] My dear Thea—how did this—this friendship—between you and Eilert Lövborg come about?

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh it grew up gradually. I gained a sort of influence over him.

Hedda.

Indeed?

Mrs. Elvsted.

He gave up his old habits. Not because I asked him to, for I never dared do that. But of course he saw how repulsive they were to me; and so he dropped them.

Hedda.

[Concealing an involuntary smile of scorn.] Then you have reclaimed him—as the saying goes—my little Thea.