t I haven't any; I have never had a home.

HEDDA.

[Looks at her for a moment.] I almost suspected as much.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Gazing helplessly before her.] Yes--yes--yes.

HEDDA.

I don't quite remember--was it not as housekeeper that you first went to
Mr. Elvsted's?

MRS. ELVSTED.

I really went as governess. But his wife--his late wife--was an
invalid,--and rarely left her room. So I had to look after the
housekeeping as well.

HEDDA.

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

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Sadly.] Yes, I did.

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.

[Giving her a little slap on the hand.] De? Fie, Thea!

MRS. ELVSTED.

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

HEDDA.

[Lightly.] Eilert Lovborg has been in your neighbourhood about three
years, hasn't he?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Looks at here doubtfully.] Eilert Lovborg? Yes--he has.

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.

HEDDA.

No, that's clear.--And your husband--? I suppose he is often away from
home?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes. Being sheriff, you know, he has to travel about a good deal in his
district.

HEDDA.

[Leaning against the arm of the chair.] Thea--my poor, sweet Thea--now
you must tell me everything--exactly as it stands.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Well, then you must question me.

HEDDA.

What sort of a man is your husband, Thea? I mean--you know--in everyday
life. Is he kind to you?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Evasively.] I am sure he means well in everything.

HEDDA.

I should think he must be altogether too old for you. There is at least
twenty years' difference between you, is there not?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Irritably.] Yes, that is true, too. Everything about him is repellent
to me! We have not a thought in common. We have no single point of
sympathy--he and I.

HEDDA.

But