Mrs. Elvsted.
My name is Thea.[1]
Hedda.
Why, of course! I meant Thea. [Looks at her compassionately.] So you are not accustomed to goodness and kindness, Thea? Not in your own home?
Mrs. Elvsted.
Oh, if I only had a home! But I haven't any; I have never had a home.
Hedda.
[Looks at her for a moment.] I almost suspected as much.
Mrs. Elvsted.
[Gazing helplessly before her.] Yes—yes—yes.
Hedda.
I don't quite remember—was it not as housekeeper that you first went to Mr. Elvsted's?
Mrs. Elvsted.
I really went as governess. But his wife—his late wife—was an invalid,—and rarely left her room. So I had to look after the housekeeping as well.
Hedda.
And then—at last—you became mistress of the house.
Mrs. Elvsted.
[Sadly.] Yes, I did.
Hedda.
Let me see—about how long ago was that?
1 Pronounce Tora and Taya.
