Part 22

HEDDA.

And then--at last--you became mistress of the house.

MRS. ELVSTED.

HEDDA.

Let me see--about how long ago was that?

MRS. ELVSTED.

My marriage?

HEDDA.

Yes.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Five years ago.

HEDDA.

To be sure; it must be that.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh those five years--! Or at all events the last two or three of them! Oh, if you(6) could only imagine--

HEDDA.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, yes, I will try--. Well, if--you could only imagine and understand--

HEDDA.

MRS. ELVSTED.

HEDDA.

Had you known him before, in town here?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Scarcely at all. I mean--I knew him by name of course.

HEDDA.

But you saw a good deal of him in the country?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, he came to us every day. You see, he gave the children lessons; for in the long run I couldn't manage it all myself.