enters from the inner room with a lighted lamp, which she places on the drawing-room table; she goes out by the way she came.
Mrs. Elvsted.
[Who has risen and is wandering restlessly about the room.] Hedda—Hedda—what will come of all this?
Hedda.
At ten o'clock—he will be here. I can see him already—with vine-leaves in his hair—flushed and fearless
Mrs. Elvsted.
Oh, I hope he may.
Hedda.
And then, you see—then he will have regained control over himself. Then he will be a free man for all his days.
Mrs. Elvsted.
Oh God!—if he would only come as you see him now!
Hedda.
He will come as I see him—so, and not otherwise! [Rises and approaches Thea.] You may doubt him as long as you please; I believe in him. And now we will try
Mrs. Elvsted.
You have some hidden motive in this, Hedda!
Hedda.
Yes, I have. I want for once in my life to have power to mould a human destiny.
