gh its contents. BERTA
is heard speaking loudly in the hall. HEDDA turns and
listens. Then she hastily locks up the packet in the drawer,
and lays the key on the inkstand.

EILERT LOVBORG, with his greatcoat on and his hat in his
hand, tears open the hall door. He looks somewhat confused
and irritated.

LOVBORG.

[Looking towards the hall.] and I tell you I must and will come in!
There!

[He closes the door, turns, sees HEDDA, at once regains his self-
control, and bows.

HEDDA.

[At the writing-table.] Well, Mr Lovborg, this is rather a late hour to
call for Thea.

LOVBORG.

You mean rather an early hour to call on you. Pray pardon me.

HEDDA.

How do you know that she is still here?

LOVBORG.

They told me at her lodgings that she had been out all night.

HEDDA.

[Going to the oval table.] Did you notice anything about the people of
the house when they said that?

LOVBORG.

[Looks inquiringly at her.] Notice anything about them?

HEDDA.

I mean, did they seem to think it odd?

LOVBORG.

[Suddenly understanding.] Oh yes, of course! I am dragging her down with
me! However, I didn't notice anything.--I suppose Tesman is not up yet.

HEDDA.

No--I think not--

LOVBORG.

When did he come home?

HEDDA.

Very late.

LOVBORG.

Did he tell you anything?

HEDDA.

Yes, I gathered that you had had an exceedingly jolly evening at Judge
Brack's.

LOVBORG.

Nothing more?

HEDDA.

I don't think so. However, I was so dreadfully sleepy--

MRS. ELVSTED enters through the curtains of the middle doorway.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Going towards him.] Ah, Lovborg! At last--!

LOVBORG.

Yes, at last. And too late!

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Looks anxiously at him.] What is too late?

LOVBORG.

Everything is too late now. It is all over with me.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh no, no--don't say that!

LOVBORG.

You will say the same when you hear--

MRS. ELVSTED.

I won't hear anything!

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.