_Another_ early call, you see! My party was such a singularly animated _soirée_ that I haven't undressed all night. Oh, it was the liveliest affair conceivable! And, like a true Norwegian host, I tracked Lövborg home; and it is only my duty, as a friend of the house, and cock of the walk, to take the first opportunity of telling you that he finished up the evening by coming to mere loggerheads with a red-haired opera-singer, and being taken off to the police-station! You mustn't have him here any more. Remember our little triple alliance! HEDDA. [_Her smile fading away._] You are certainly a dangerous person--but you must not get a hold over _me_! BRACK. [_Ambiguously._] What an idea! But I might--I am an insinuating dog. Good morning! [_Goes out._ LÖVBORG. [_Bursting in, confused and excited._] I suppose you've heard where _I've_ been? HEDDA. [_Evasively._] I heard you had a very jolly party at Judge Brack's. [MRS. ELVSTED _comes in._ LÖVBORG. It's all over. I don't mean to do any more work. I've no use for a companion now, Thea. Go home to your sheriff! MRS. ELVSTED. [_Agitated._] Never! I want to be with you when your book comes out! LÖVBORG. It won't _come_ out--I've torn it up! [MRS. ELVSTED _rushes out, wringing her hands._] Mrs. Tesman, I told her a lie--but no matter. I haven't torn my book up--I've done worse! I've taken it about to several parties, and it's been through a police-row with me--now I've lost it. Even if I found it again, it wouldn't be the same--not to me! I am a Norwegian literary man, and peculiar. So I must make an end of it altogether! [Illustration: "I am a Norwegian literary man, and peculiar."] HEDDA. Quite so--but look here, you must do it beautifully. I don't insist on your putting vine-leaves in your hair--but do it beautifully. [_Fetches pistol._] See, here is one of General Gabler's pistols--do it with _that_! LÖVBORG. Thanks! [_He takes the pistol, and goes out through the hall-door; as soon as he has gone_, HEDDA _brings out the manuscript, and puts it on the fire, whispering to herself, as Curtain falls._ * * * * * ACT THREE SCENE.--_The same room, but_--_it being evening_--_darker than ever. The crape curtains are drawn. A servant, with black ribbons in her cap, and red eyes, comes in and lights the gas quietly and carefully. Chords are heard on the piano in the back drawing-room. Presently_ HEDDA _comes in and looks out into the darkness. A short pause. Enter_ GEORGE TESMAN. GEORGE. I am _so_ uneasy about poor Lövborg. Fancy! he is not at home. Mrs. Elvsted told me he has been here early this morning, so I suppose you gave him back his manuscript, eh? HEDDA. [_Cold and immovable, supported by arm-chair._] No, I put it on the fire instead. GEORGE.