Mrs. Elvsted.
[Despairingly.] Then what am I to do with my life?
Lövborg.
You must try to live your life as if you had never known me.
Mrs. Elvsted. But you know I cannot do that!
Lövborg. Try if you cannot, Thea. You must go home again
Mrs. Elvsted.
[In vehement protest.] Never in this world! Where you are, there will I be also! I will not let myself be driven away like this! I will remain here! I will be with you when the book appears.
Hedda.
[Half aloud, in suspense.] Ah yes—the book!
Lövborg.
[Looks at her.] My book and Thea's; for that is what it is.
Mrs. Elvsted.
Yes, I feel that it is. And that is why I have a right to be with you when it appears! I will see with my own eyes how respect and honour pour in upon you afresh. And the happiness—the happiness—oh, I must share it with you!
Lövborg. Thea—our book will never appear.
