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 is he not fond of you all the same? In his own way?

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh I really don’t know. I think he regards me simply as a useful property. And then it doesn’t cost much to keep me. I am not expensive.