Hedda Gabler By Henrik Ibsen Summary and Analysis Act III

HEDDA.

Perhaps you would prefer to talk to her alone? If so, I will leave you.

LOVBORG.

No, stay — you too. I beg you to stay.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, but I won't hear anything, I tell you.

LOVBORG.

It is not last night's adventures that I want to talk about.

MRS. ELVSTED.

What is it then — -?

LOVBORG.

I want to say that now our ways must part.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Part!

HEDDA.

[Involuntarily.] I knew it!

LOVBORG.

You can be of no more service to me, Thea.

MRS. ELVSTED.

How can you stand there and say that! No more service to you! Am I not to help you now, as before? Are we not to go on working together?

LOVBORG.

Henceforward I shall do no work.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Despairingly.] Then what am I to do with my life?

LOVBORG.

You must try to live your life as if you had never know me.

MRS. ELVSTED.

But you know I cannot do that!

LOVBORG.

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!

LOVBORG.

[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!

LOVBORG.

Thea — our book will never appear.

HEDDA.

Ah!

MRS. ELVSTED.

Never appear!

LOVBORG.

Can never appear.

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