THE STRANGER. Yes—why, there is the very sofa upon which she and Lovberg used to sit, in the old days, discussing his past. There he would sit and tell her of his escapades, his affairs, everything. Tell me, does she insist on Lovberg's being polygamous, whether he wants to or not?
THE MAID. Evidently you don't know the new Hedda. Or the new Lovberg either. The only thing they talk about is what they call "the monogamist ideal."
THE STRANGER. There is some mistake. I will find out when I see her. Surely she is still interested in adventure—the free life—vine- leaves—beauty—! I will remind her of her own past—
THE MAID. No you won't. She won't let you. She will tell you that too much attention is paid to such foolishness nowadays.
THE STRANGER. She! who was interested in nothing else! But then—what is she interested in, now?
THE MAID. In "co-operation."
THE STRANGER, Has she then turned into a mere sociologist? Oh, you are deceiving me!
THE MAID. If you don't believe me—I'll just open the door an inch, and you can hear her talking.
THE STRANGER. Oh, it cannot be true!
The maid quietly opens the door a little way. He listens.