LOVBORG.
How so?
HEDDA.
Or rather on account of other people.
LOVBORG.
Indeed?
HEDDA.
Otherwise people might be apt to suspect that — in your heart of hearts — you did not feel quite secure — quite confident in yourself.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Softly.] Oh please, Hedda — -!
LOVBORG.
People may suspect what they like — for the present.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Joyfully.] Yes, let them!
HEDDA.
I saw it plainly in Judge Brack's face a moment ago.
LOVBORG.
What did you see?
HEDDA.
His contemptuous smile, when you dared not go with them into the inner room.
LOVBORG.
Dared not? Of course I preferred to stop here and talk to you.
MRS. ELVSTED.
What could be more natural, Hedda?
HEDDA.
But the Judge could not guess that. And I say, too, the way he smiled and glanced at Tesman when you dared not accept his invitation to this wretched little supper-party of his.
LOVBORG.
Dared not! Do you say I dared not?
HEDDA.
I don't say so. But that was how Judge Brack understood it.
LOVBORG.
Well, let him.
HEDDA.
Then you are not going with them?
LOVBORG.
I will stay here with you and Thea.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, Hedda — how can you doubt that?
HEDDA.
[Smiles and nods approvingly to LOVBORG.] Firm as a rock! Faithful to your principles, now and for ever! Ah, that is how a man should be! [Turns to MRS. ELVSTED and caresses her.] Well now, what did I tell you, when you came to us this morning in such a state of distraction — -
LOVBORG.
[Surprised.] Distraction!
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Terrified.] Hedda — oh Hedda — -!
HEDDA.
You can see for yourself! You haven't the slightest reason to be in such mortal terror — - [Interrupting herself.] There! Now we can all three enjoy ourselves!
LOVBORG.
[Who has given a start.] Ah — what is all this, Mrs. Tesman?
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh my God, Hedda! What are you saying? What are you doing?
