Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/146

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Mrs. Elvsted.

No, no, no!

Hedda.

Hush! They are sitting watching you.

Lövborg.

[Putting down the glass.] Now, Thea—tell me the truth——

Mrs. Elvsted.

Yes.

Lövborg.

Did your husband know that you had come after me?

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Wringing her hands.] Oh, Hedda—do you hear what he is asking?

Lövborg.

Was it arranged between you and him that you were to come to town and look after me? Perhaps it was the Sheriff himself that urged you to come? Aha, my dear—no doubt he wanted my help in his office! Or was it at the card-table that he missed me?

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Softly, in agony.] Oh, Lövborg, Lövborg——!

Lövborg.

[Seizes a glass and is on the point of filling it.] Here's a glass for the old Sheriff too!

Hedda.

[Preventing him.] No more just now. Remember, you have to read your manuscript to Tesman.