Hedda.

That is stupid of you.

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Shakes her head.] It cannot be otherwise—not with him. I don’t think he really cares for any one but himself—and perhaps a little for the children.

Hedda.

And for Eilert Lövborg[Lövborg], Thea.

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Looking at her.] For Eilert Lövborg? What puts that into your head?

Hedda.

Well, my dear—I should say, when he sends you after him all the way to town——[Smiling almost imperceptibly.] And besides, you said so yourself, to Tesman.