Mrs. Elvsted.

[Presses and pats her hands.] Oh, how good and kind you are! I am not used to such kindness.

Hedda.

There, there, there! And I shall say du to you, as in the old days, and call you my dear Thora.

Mrs. Elvsted.

My name is Thea.[[17]]

Hedda.

Why, of course! I meant Thea. [Looks at her compassionately.] So you are not accustomed to goodness and kindness, Thea? Not in your own home?

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh, if I only had a home! But I haven’t any; I have never had a home.