At ten o’clock—he will be here. I can see him already—with vine-leaves in his hair—flushed and fearless——

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh, I hope he may.

Hedda.

And then, you see—then he will have regained control over himself. Then he will be a free man for all his days.

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh God!—if he would only come as you see him now!

Hedda.

He will come as I see him—so, and not otherwise! [Rises and approaches Thea.] You may doubt him as long as you please; I believe in him. And now we will try——

Mrs. Elvsted.