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.
