Oh it grew up gradually. I gained a sort of influence over him.
HEDDA.
Indeed?
MRS. ELVSTED.
He gave up his old habits. Not because I asked him to, for I never dared do that. But of course he saw how repulsive they were to me; and so he dropped them.
HEDDA.
[Concealing an involuntary smile of scorn.] Then you have reclaimed him—as the saying goes—my little Thea.
MRS. ELVSTED.
So he says himself, at any rate. And he, on his side, has made a real human being of me—taught me to think, and to understand so many things.
HEDDA.