Part 57

Not a word. She is too stupid to understand anything of that sort.

HEDDA.

Stupid?

LOVBORG.

She is stupid about matters of that sort.

HEDDA.

And I am cowardly. [Bends over towards him, without looking him in the face, and says more softly:] But now I will confide something to you.

LOVBORG.

HEDDA.

The fact that I dared not shoot you down--

LOVBORG.

Yes!

HEDDA.

--that was not my arrant cowardice--that evening.

LOVBORG.

HEDDA.

HEDDA.

MRS. ELVSTED enters from the hall. She is in evening dress. The door is closed behind her.

HEDDA.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Ought I to go in and talk to your husband for a moment?

HEDDA.

Oh, not at all. Leave those two alone. They will soon be going.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Are they going out?

HEDDA.

Yes, to a supper-party.

MRS. ELVSTED.