Chapter II: Part 2

Yes, you don’t seem to have wasted your time on your wedding trip, George.

TESMAN.

No, that I haven’t. But do take off your bonnet, Auntie. Look here! Let me untie the strings—eh?

MISS TESMAN.

[_While he does so._] Well well—this is just as if you were still at home with us.

TESMAN.

[_With the bonnet in his hand, looks at it from all sides._] Why, what a gorgeous bonnet you’ve been investing in!

MISS TESMAN.

I bought it on Hedda’s account.

TESMAN.

On Hedda’s account? Eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, so that Hedda needn’t be ashamed of me if we happened to go out together.

TESMAN.

[_Patting her cheek._] You always think of everything, Aunt Julia. [_Lays the bonnet on a chair beside the table._] And now, look here—suppose we sit comfortably on the sofa and have a little chat, till Hedda comes.

[_They seat themselves. She places her parasol in the corner of the
sofa._

MISS TESMAN.

[_Takes both his hands and looks at him._] What a delight it is to have you again, as large as life, before my very eyes, George! My George—my poor brother’s own boy!

TESMAN.

And it’s a delight for me, too, to see you again, Aunt Julia! You, who have been father and mother in one to me.

MISS TESMAN.

Oh yes, I know you will always keep a place in your heart for your old aunts.

TESMAN.

And what about Aunt Rina? No improvement—eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Oh no—we can scarcely look for any improvement in her case, poor thing. There she lies, helpless, as she has lain for all these years. But heaven grant I may not lose her yet awhile! For if I did, I don’t know what I should make of my life, George—especially now that I haven’t you to look after any more.

TESMAN.

[_Patting her back._] There there there——!

MISS TESMAN.

[_Suddenly changing her tone._] And to think that here are you a married man, George!—And that _you_ should be the one to carry off Hedda Gabler—the beautiful Hedda Gabler! Only think of it—she, that was so beset with admirers!

TESMAN.

[_Hums a little and smiles complacently._] Yes, I fancy I have several good friends about town who would like to stand in my shoes—eh?

MISS TESMAN.

And then this fine long wedding-tour you have had! More than five—nearly six months——

TESMAN.

Well, for me it has been a sort of tour of research as well. I have had to do so much grubbing among old records—and to read no end of books too, Auntie.

MISS TESMAN.

Oh yes, I suppose so. [_More confidentially, and lowering her voice a little._] But listen now, George,—have you nothing—nothing special to tell me?

TESMAN.

As to our journey?

MISS TESMAN.

Yes.

TESMAN.

No, I don’t know of anything except what I have told you in my letters. I had a doctor’s degree conferred on me—but that I told you yesterday.

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, yes, you did. But what I mean is—haven’t you any—any—expectations——?

TESMAN.

Expectations?

MISS TESMAN.

Why you know, George—I’m your old auntie!

TESMAN.

Why, of course I have expectations.

MISS TESMAN.

Ah!

TESMAN.

I have every expectation of being a professor one of these days.

MISS TESMAN.

Oh yes, a professor——

TESMAN.

Indeed, I may say I am certain of it. But my dear Auntie—you know all about that already!

MISS TESMAN.

[_Laughing to herself._] Yes, of course I do. You are quite right there. [_Changing the subject._] But we were talking about your journey. It must have cost a great deal of money, George?

TESMAN.

Well, you see—my handsome travelling-scholarship went a good way.

MISS TESMAN.

But I can’t understand how you can have made it go far enough for two.

TESMAN.

No, that’s not so easy to understand—eh?

MISS TESMAN.

And especially travelling with a lady—they tell me that makes it ever so much more expensive.

TESMAN.

Yes, of course—it makes it a little more expensive. But Hedda _had_ to have this trip, Auntie! She really _had_ to. Nothing else would have done.

MISS TESMAN.

No no, I suppose not. A wedding-tour seems to be quite indispensable nowadays.—But tell me now—have you gone thoroughly over the house yet?

TESMAN.

Yes, you may be sure I have. I have been afoot ever since daylight.

MISS TESMAN.

And what do you think of it all?

TESMAN.

I’m delighted! Quite delighted! Only I can’t think what we are to do with the two empty rooms between this inner parlour and Hedda’s bedroom.

MISS TESMAN.

[_Laughing._] Oh my dear George, I daresay you may find some use for them—in the course of time.

TESMAN.

Why of course you are quite right, Aunt Julia! You mean as my library increases—eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, quite so, my dear boy. It was your library I was thinking of.

TESMAN.

I am specially pleased on Hedda’s account. Often and often, before we were engaged, she said that she would never care to live anywhere but in Secretary Falk’s villa.[14]

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, it was lucky that this very house should come into the market, just after you had started.

TESMAN.

Yes, Aunt Julia, the luck was on our side, wasn’t it——eh?

MISS TESMAN.

But the expense, my dear George. You will find it very expensive, all this.

TESMAN.

[_Looks at her, a little cast down._] Yes, I suppose I shall, Aunt!

MISS TESMAN.

Oh, frightfully!

TESMAN.

How much do you think? In round numbers?—Eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Oh, I can’t even guess until all the accounts come in.

TESMAN.

Well, fortunately, Judge Brack has secured the most favourable terms for me,—so he said in a letter to Hedda.

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, don’t be uneasy, my dear boy.—Besides, I have given security for the furniture and all the carpets.

TESMAN.

Security? You? My dear Aunt Julia—what sort of security could _you_ give?

MISS TESMAN.

I have given a mortgage on our annuity.

TESMAN.

[_Jumps up._] What! On your—and Aunt Rina’s annuity!

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, I knew of no other plan, you see.

TESMAN.

[_Placing himself before her._] Have you gone out of your senses, Auntie! Your annuity—it’s all that you and Aunt Rina have to live upon.

MISS TESMAN.

Well well—don’t get so excited about it. It’s only a matter of form you know—Judge Brack assured me of that. It was he that was kind enough to arrange the whole affair for me. A mere matter of form, he said.

TESMAN.

Yes, that may be all very well. But nevertheless——

MISS TESMAN.

You will have your own salary to depend upon now. And, good heavens, even if we did have to pay up a little——! To eke things out a bit at the start——! Why, it would be nothing but a pleasure to us.

TESMAN.

Oh Auntie—will you never be tired of making sacrifices for me!

MISS TESMAN.

[_Rises and lays her hand on his shoulders._] Have I any other happiness in this world except to smooth your way for you, my dear boy? You, who have had neither father nor mother to depend on. And now we have reached the goal, George! Things have looked black enough for us, sometimes; but, thank heaven, now you have nothing to fear.

TESMAN.

Yes, it is really marvellous how everything has turned out for the best.

MISS TESMAN.

And the people who opposed you—who wanted to bar the way for you—now you have them at your feet. They have fallen, George. Your most dangerous rival—his fall was the worst.—And now he has to lie on the bed he has made for himself—poor misguided creature.

TESMAN.

Have you heard anything of Eilert? Since I went away, I mean.

MISS TESMAN.

Only that he is said to have published a new book.

TESMAN.

What! Eilert Lövborg! Recently—eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, so they say. Heaven knows whether it can be worth anything! Ah, when _your_ new book appears—that will be another story, George! What is it to be about?

TESMAN.

It will deal with the domestic industries of Brabant during the Middle Ages.

MISS TESMAN.

Fancy—to be able to write on such a subject as that!

TESMAN.

However, it may be some time before the book is ready. I have all these collections to arrange first, you see.

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, collecting and arranging—no one can beat you at that. There you are my poor brother’s own son.

TESMAN.

I am looking forward eagerly to setting to work at it; especially now that I have my own delightful home to work in.

MISS TESMAN.

And, most of all, now that you have got the wife of your heart, my dear George.

TESMAN.

[_Embracing her._] Oh yes, yes, Aunt Julia! Hedda—she is the best part of it all! [_Looks towards the doorway._] I believe I hear her coming—eh?

_HEDDA enters from the left through the inner room. She is a woman of
nine-and-twenty. Her face and figure show refinement and
distinction. Her complexion is pale and opaque. Her steel-grey eyes
express a cold, unruffled repose. Her hair is of an agreeable medium
brown, but not particularly abundant. She is dressed in a tasteful,
somewhat loose-fitting morning gown._

MISS TESMAN.

[_Going to meet HEDDA._] Good morning, my dear Hedda! Good morning, and a hearty welcome!

HEDDA.

[_Holds out her hand._] Good morning, dear Miss Tesman! So early a call! That is kind of you.

MISS TESMAN.

[_With some embarrassment._] Well—has the bride slept well in her new home?

HEDDA.

Oh yes, thanks. Passably.

TESMAN.

[_Laughing._] Passably! Come, that’s good, Hedda! You were sleeping like a stone when I got up.

HEDDA.

Fortunately. Of course one has always to accustom one’s self to new surroundings, Miss Tesman—little by little. [LOOKING TOWARDS THE LEFT.] Oh—there the servant has gone and opened the veranda door, and let in a whole flood of sunshine.

MISS TESMAN.

[_Going towards the door._] Well, then we will shut it.

HEDDA.

No no, not that! Tesman, please draw the curtains. That will give a softer light.

TESMAN.

[_At the door._] All right—all right.—There now, Hedda, now you have both shade and fresh air.

HEDDA.

Yes, fresh air we certainly must have, with all these stacks of flowers——. But—won’t you sit down, Miss Tesman?

MISS TESMAN.

No, thank you. Now that I have seen that everything is all right here—thank heaven!—I must be getting home again. My sister is lying longing for me, poor thing.

TESMAN.

Give her my very best love, Auntie; and say I shall look in and see her later in the day.

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, yes, I’ll be sure to tell her. But by-the-bye, George—[_Feeling in her dress pocket_]—I had almost forgotten—I have something for you here.

TESMAN.

What is it, Auntie? Eh?

MISS TESMAN.

[_Produces a flat parcel wrapped in newspaper and hands it to him._] Look here, my dear boy.

TESMAN.

[_Opening the parcel._] Well, I declare!—Have you really saved them for me, Aunt Julia! Hedda! isn’t this touching—eh?

HEDDA.

[_Beside the whatnot on the right._] Well, what is it?

TESMAN.

My old morning-shoes! My slippers.

HEDDA.

Indeed. I remember you often spoke of them while we were abroad.

TESMAN.

Yes, I missed them terribly. [_Goes up to her._] Now you shall see them, Hedda!

HEDDA.

[_Going towards the stove._] Thanks, I really don’t care about it.

TESMAN.

[_Following her._] Only think—ill as she was, Aunt Rina embroidered these for me. Oh you can’t think how many associations cling to them.

HEDDA.

[_At the table._] Scarcely for me.

MISS TESMAN.

Of course not for Hedda, George.

TESMAN.

Well, but now that she belongs to the family, I thought——

HEDDA.

[_Interrupting._] We shall never get on with this servant, Tesman.

MISS TESMAN.

Not get on with Berta?

TESMAN.

Why, dear, what puts _that_ in your head? Eh?

HEDDA.

[_Pointing._] Look there! She has left her old bonnet lying about on a chair.

TESMAN.

[_In consternation, drops the slippers on the floor._] ] Why, Hedda——

HEDDA.

Just fancy, if any one should come in and see it!

TESMAN.

But Hedda—that’s Aunt Julia’s bonnet.

HEDDA.

Is it!

MISS TESMAN.

[_Taking up the bonnet._] Yes, indeed it’s mine. And, what’s more, it’s not old, Madam Hedda.

HEDDA.

I really did not look closely at it, Miss Tesman.

MISS TESMAN.

[_Trying on the bonnet._] Let me tell you it’s the first time I have worn it—the very first time.

TESMAN.

And a very nice bonnet it is too—quite a beauty!

MISS TESMAN.

Oh, it’s no such great things, George. [_Looks around her._] My parasol——? Ah, here. [_Takes it._] For this is mine too—[_mutters_]—not Berta’s.

TESMAN.

A new bonnet and a new parasol! Only think, Hedda!

HEDDA.

Very handsome indeed.

TESMAN.

Yes, isn’t it? Eh? But Auntie, take a good look at Hedda before you go! See how handsome _she_ is!

MISS TESMAN.

Oh, my dear boy, there’s nothing new in _that_. Hedda was always lovely.

[_She nods and goes towards the right._

TESMAN.

[_Following._] Yes, but have you noticed what splendid condition she is in? How she has filled out on the journey?

HEDDA.

[_Crossing the room._] Oh, do be quiet——!

MISS TESMAN.

[_Who has stopped and turned._] Filled out?

TESMAN.

Of course you don’t notice it so much now that she has that dress on. But I, who can see——

HEDDA.

[_At the glass door, impatiently._] Oh, you can’t see anything.

TESMAN.

It must be the mountain air in the Tyrol——

HEDDA.

[_Curtly, interrupting._] I am exactly as I was when I started.

TESMAN.

So you insist; but I’m quite certain you are not. Don’t you agree with me, Auntie?

MISS TESMAN.

[_Who has been gazing at her with folded hands._] Hedda is lovely—lovely—lovely. [_Goes up to her, takes her head between both hands, draws it downwards, and kisses her hair._] God bless and preserve Hedda Tesman—for George’s sake.

HEDDA.

_[Gently freeing herself._] Oh—! Let me go.

MISS TESMAN.

[_In quiet emotion._] I shall not let a day pass without coming to see you.

TESMAN.

No you won’t, will you, Auntie? Eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Good-bye—good-bye!

[_She goes out by the hall door. TESMAN accompanies her. The door
remains half open. TESMAN can be heard repeating his message to Aunt
Rina and his thanks for the slippers._

[_In the meantime, HEDDA walks about the room, raising her arms and
clenching her hands as if in desperation. Then she flings back the
curtains from the glass door, and stands there looking out._

[_Presently TESMAN returns and closes the door behind him._

TESMAN.

[_Picks up the slippers from the floor._] What are you looking at, Hedda?

HEDDA.

[_Once more calm and mistress of herself._] I am only looking at the leaves. They are so yellow—so withered.

TESMAN.

[_Wraps up the slippers and lays them on the table._] Well you see, we are well into September now.

HEDDA.

[_Again restless._] Yes, to think of it!—Already in—in September.

TESMAN.

Don’t you think Aunt Julia’s manner was strange, dear? Almost solemn? Can you imagine what was the matter with her? Eh?

HEDDA.

I scarcely know her, you see. Is she not often like that?

TESMAN.

No, not as she was to-day.

HEDDA.

[_Leaving the glass door._] Do you think she was annoyed about the bonnet?

TESMAN.

Oh, scarcely at all. Perhaps a little, just at the moment——

HEDDA.

But what an idea, to pitch her bonnet about in the drawing-room! No one does that sort of thing.

TESMAN.

Well you may be sure Aunt Julia won’t do it again.

HEDDA.

In any case, I shall manage to make my peace with her.

TESMAN.

Yes, my dear, good Hedda, if you only would.

HEDDA.

When you call this afternoon, you might invite her to spend the evening here.

TESMAN.

Yes, that I will. And there’s one thing more you could do that would delight her heart.

HEDDA.

What is it?

TESMAN.

If you could only prevail on yourself to say _du_[15] to her. For my sake, Hedda? Eh?

HEDDA.

No no, Tesman—you really mustn’t ask that of me. I have told you so already. I shall try to call her “Aunt”; and you must be satisfied with that.

TESMAN.

Well well. Only I think now that you belong to the family, you——

HEDDA.

H’m—I can’t in the least see why——

[_She goes up towards the middle doorway._

TESMAN.

[_After a pause._] Is there anything the matter with you, Hedda? Eh?

HEDDA.

I’m only looking at my old piano. It doesn’t go at all well with all the other things.

TESMAN.

The first time I draw my salary, we’ll see about exchanging it.

HEDDA.

No, no—no exchanging. I don’t want to part with it. Suppose we put it there in the inner room, and then get another here in its place. When it’s convenient, I mean.

TESMAN.

[_A little taken aback._] Yes—of course we could do that.

HEDDA.

[_Takes up the bouquet from the piano._] These flowers were not here last night when we arrived.

TESMAN.

Aunt Julia must have brought them for you.

HEDDA.

[_Examining the bouquet._] A visiting-card. [_Takes it out and reads_:] “Shall return later in the day.” Can you guess whose card it is?

TESMAN.

No. Whose? Eh?

HEDDA.

The name is “Mrs. Elvsted.”

TESMAN.

Is it really? Sheriff Elvsted’s wife? Miss Rysing that was.

HEDDA.

Exactly. The girl with the irritating hair, that she was always showing off. An old flame of yours I’ve been told.

TESMAN.

[_Laughing._] Oh, that didn’t last long; and it was before I knew you, Hedda. But fancy her being in town!

HEDDA.

It’s odd that she should call upon us. I have scarcely seen her since we left school.

TESMAN.

I haven’t seen her either for—heaven knows how long. I wonder how she can endure to live in such an out-of-the way hole—eh?

HEDDA.

[_After a moment’s thought, says suddenly._] Tell me, Tesman—isn’t it somewhere near there that he—that—Eilert Lövborg is living?

TESMAN.

Yes, he is somewhere in that part of the country.

_BERTA enters by the hall door._

BERTA.

That lady, ma’am, that brought some flowers a little while ago, is here again. [_Pointing._] The flowers you have in your hand, ma’am.

HEDDA.

Ah, is she? Well, please show her in.

BERTA _opens the door for_ MRS. ELVSTED, _and goes out herself._—MRS.
ELVSTED _is a woman of fragile figure, with pretty, soft features.
Her eyes are light blue, large, round, and somewhat prominent, with
a startled, inquiring expression. Her hair is remarkably light,
almost flaxen, and unusually abundant and wavy. She is a couple of
years younger than_ HEDDA. _She wears a dark visiting dress,
tasteful, but not quite in the latest fashion._

HEDDA.

[_Receives her warmly._] How do you do, my dear Mrs. Elvsted? It’s delightful to see you again.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Nervously, struggling for self-control._] Yes, it’s a very long time since we met.

TESMAN.

[_Gives her his hand._] And we too—eh?

HEDDA.

Thanks for your lovely flowers——

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh, not at all——. I would have come straight here yesterday afternoon; but I heard that you were away——

TESMAN.

Have you just come to town? Eh?

MRS. ELVSTED.

I arrived yesterday, about midday. Oh, I was quite in despair when I heard that you were not at home.

HEDDA.

In despair! How so?

TESMAN.

Why, my dear Mrs. Rysing—I mean Mrs. Elvsted——

HEDDA.

I hope that you are not in any trouble?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, I am. And I don’t know another living creature here that I can turn to.

HEDDA.

[_Laying the bouquet on the table._] Come—let us sit here on the sofa——

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh, I am too restless to sit down.

HEDDA.

Oh no, you’re not. Come here.

[_She draws MRS. ELVSTED down upon the sofa and sits at her
side._

TESMAN.

Well? What is it, Mrs. Elvsted——?

HEDDA.

Has anything particular happened to you at home?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes—and no. Oh—I am so anxious you should not misunderstand me——

HEDDA.

Then your best plan is to tell us the whole story, Mrs. Elvsted.

TESMAN.

I suppose that’s what you have come for—eh?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, yes—of course it is. Well then, I must tell you—if you don’t already know—that Eilert Lövborg is in town, too.

HEDDA.

Lövborg——!

TESMAN.

What! Has Eilert Lövborg come back? Fancy that, Hedda!

HEDDA.

Well well—I hear it.

MRS. ELVSTED.

He has been here a week already. Just fancy—a whole week! In this terrible town, alone! With so many temptations on all sides.

HEDDA.

But, my dear Mrs. Elvsted—how does he concern you so much?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Looks at her with a startled air, and says rapidly._] He was the children’s tutor.

HEDDA.

Your children’s?

MRS. ELVSTED.

My husband’s. I have none.

HEDDA.

Your step-children’s, then?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes.

TESMAN.

[_Somewhat hesitatingly._] Then was he—I don’t know how to express it—was he—regular enough in his habits to be fit for the post? Eh?

MRS. ELVSTED.

For the last two years his conduct has been irreproachable.

TESMAN.

Has it indeed? Fancy that, Hedda!

HEDDA.

I hear it.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Perfectly irreproachable, I assure you! In every respect. But all the same—now that I know he is here—in this great town—and with a large sum of money in his hands—I can’t help being in mortal fear for him.

TESMAN.

Why did he not remain where he was? With you and your husband? Eh?

MRS. ELVSTED.

After his book was published he was too restless and unsettled to remain with us.

TESMAN.

Yes, by-the-bye, Aunt Julia told me he had published a new book.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, a big book, dealing with the march of civilisation—in broad outline, as it were. It came out about a fortnight ago. And since it has sold so well, and been so much read—and made such a sensation——

TESMAN.

Has it indeed? It must be something he has had lying by since his better days.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Long ago, you mean?

TESMAN.

Yes.

MRS. ELVSTED.

No, he has written it all since he has been with us—within the last year.

TESMAN.

Isn’t that good news, Hedda? Think of that!

MRS. ELVSTED.

Ah yes, if only it would last!

HEDDA.

Have you seen him here in town?

MRS. ELVSTED.

No, not yet. I have had the greatest difficulty in finding out his address. But this morning I discovered it at last.

HEDDA.

[_Looks searchingly at her._] Do you know, it seems to me a little odd of your husband—h’m——

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Starting nervously._] Of my husband! What?

HEDDA.

That he should send you to town on such an errand—that he does not come himself and look after his friend.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh no, no—my husband has no time. And besides, I—I had some shopping to do.

HEDDA.

[_With a slight smile._] Ah, that is a different matter.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Rising quickly and uneasily._] And now I beg and implore you, Mr. Tesman—receive Eilert Lövborg kindly if he comes to you! And that he is sure to do. You see you were such great friends in the old days. And then you are interested in the same studies—the same branch of science—so far as I can understand.

TESMAN.

We used to be, at any rate.

MRS. ELVSTED.

That is why I beg so earnestly that you—you too—will keep a sharp eye upon him. Oh, you will promise me that, Mr. Tesman—won’t you?

TESMAN.

With the greatest of pleasure, Mrs. Rysing——

HEDDA.

Elvsted.

TESMAN.

I assure you I shall do all I possibly can for Eilert. You may rely upon me.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh, how very, very kind of you! [_Presses his hands._] Thanks, thanks, thanks! _[Frightened._] You see, my husband is so very fond of him!

HEDDA.

[_Rising._] You ought to write to him, Tesman. Perhaps he may not care to come to you of his own accord.

TESMAN.

Well, perhaps it would be the right thing to do, Hedda? Eh?

HEDDA.

And the sooner the better. Why not at once?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Imploringly._] Oh, if you only would!

TESMAN.

I’ll write this moment. Have you his address, Mrs.—Mrs. Elvsted.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes. [_Takes a slip of paper from her pocket, and hands it to him._] Here it is.

TESMAN.

Good, good. Then I’ll go in——[_Looks about him._] By-the-bye,—my slippers? Oh, here.

[_Takes the packet, and is about to go._

HEDDA.

Be sure you write him a cordial, friendly letter. And a good long one too.

TESMAN.

Yes, I will.

MRS. ELVSTED.

But please, please don’t say a word to show that I have suggested it.

TESMAN.

No, how could you think I would? Eh?

[_He goes out to the right, through the inner room._

HEDDA.

[_Goes up to MRS. ELVSTED, smiles, and says in a low voice._] There! We have killed two birds with one stone.

MRS. ELVSTED.

What do you mean?

HEDDA.

Could you not see that I wanted him to go?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, to write the letter——

HEDDA.

And that I might speak to you alone.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Confused._] About the same thing?

HEDDA.

Precisely.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Apprehensively._] But there is nothing more Mrs. Tesman! Absolutely nothing!

HEDDA.

Oh yes, but there is. There is a great deal more—I can see that. Sit here—and we’ll have a cosy, confidential chat.

[_She forces_ MRS. ELVSTED _to sit in the easy-chair beside
the stove, and seats herself on one of the footstools._

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Anxiously, looking at her watch._] But, my dear Mrs. Tesman—I was really on the point of going.

HEDDA.

Oh, you can’t be in such a hurry.—Well? Now tell me something about your life at home.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh, that is just what I care least to speak about.

HEDDA.

But to me, dear——? Why, weren’t we schoolfellows?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, but you were in the class above me. Oh, how dreadfully afraid of you I was then!

HEDDA.

Afraid of me?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, dreadfully. For when we met on the stairs you used always to pull my hair.

HEDDA.

Did I, really?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, and once you said you would burn it off my head.

HEDDA.

Oh that was all nonsense, of course.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, but I was so silly in those days.—And since then, too—we have drifted so far—far apart from each other. Our circles have been so entirely different.

HEDDA.

Well then, we must try to drift together again. Now listen! At school we said _du_[16] to each other; and we called each other by our Christian names——

MRS. ELVSTED.

No, I am sure you must be mistaken.

HEDDA.

No, not at all! I can remember quite distinctly. So now we are going to renew our old friendship. [_Draws the footstool closer to MRS. ELVSTED._] There now! [_Kisses her cheek._] You must say _du_ to me and call me Hedda.

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.

HEDDA.

[_Looks at her for a moment._] I almost suspected as much.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Gazing helplessly before her._] Yes—yes—yes.

HEDDA.

I don’t quite remember—was it not as housekeeper that you first went to Mr. Elvsted’s?

MRS. ELVSTED.

I really went as governess. But his wife—his late wife—was an invalid,—and rarely left her room. So I had to look after the housekeeping as well.

HEDDA.

And then—at last—you became mistress of the house.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Sadly._] Yes, I did.

HEDDA.

Let me see—about how long ago was that?

MRS. ELVSTED.

My marriage?

HEDDA.

Yes.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Five years ago.

HEDDA.

To be sure; it must be that.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh those five years——! Or at all events the last two or three of them! Oh, if you[18] could only imagine——

HEDDA.

[_Giving her a little slap on the hand._] _De?_ Fie, Thea!

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, yes, I will try——Well, if—you could only imagine and understand——

HEDDA.

[_Lightly._] Eilert Lövborg has been in your neighbourhood about three years, hasn’t he?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Looks at her doubtfully._] Eilert Lövborg? Yes—he has.

HEDDA.

Had you known him before, in town here?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Scarcely at all. I mean—I knew him by name of course.

HEDDA.

But you saw a good deal of him in the country?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, he came to us every day. You see, he gave the children lessons; for in the long run I couldn’t manage it all myself.

HEDDA.

No, that’s clear.—And your husband——? I suppose he is often away from home?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes. Being sheriff, you know, he has to travel about a good deal in his district.

HEDDA.

[_Leaning against the arm of the chair._] Thea—my poor, sweet Thea—now you must tell me everything—exactly as it stands.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Well then, you must question me.

HEDDA.

What sort of a man is your husband, Thea? I mean—you know—in everyday life. Is he kind to you?

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.

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, 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.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_With a little nervous twitch._] Did I? Yes, I suppose I did. [_Vehemently, but not loudly._] No—I may just as well make a clean breast of it at once! For it must all come out in any case.

HEDDA.

Why, my dear Thea——?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Well, to make a long story short: My husband did not know that I was coming.

HEDDA.

What! Your husband didn’t know it!

MRS. ELVSTED.

No, of course not. For that matter, he was away from home himself—he was travelling. Oh, I could bear it no longer, Hedda! I couldn’t indeed—so utterly alone as I should have been in future.

HEDDA.

Well? And then?

MRS. ELVSTED.

So I put together some of my things—what I needed most—as quietly as possible. And then I left the house.

HEDDA.

Without a word?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes—and took the train straight to town.

HEDDA.

Why, my dear, good Thea—to think of you daring to do it!

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Rises and moves about the room._] What else could I possibly do?

HEDDA.

But what do you think your husband will say when you go home again?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_At the table, looks at her._] Back to _him_?

HEDDA.

Of course.

MRS. ELVSTED.

I shall never go back to him again.

HEDDA.

[_Rising and going towards her._] Then you have left your home—for good and all?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes. There was nothing else to be done.

HEDDA.

But then—to take flight so openly

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh, it’s impossible to keep things of that sort secret.

HEDDA.

But what do you think people will say of you, Thea?

MRS. ELVSTED.

They may say what they like, for aught _I_ care. [_Seats herself wearily and sadly on the sofa._] I have done nothing but what I _had_ to do.

HEDDA.

[_After a short silence._] And what are your plans now? What do you think of doing?

MRS. ELVSTED.

I don’t know yet. I only know this, that I _must_ live here, where Eilert Lövborg is—if I am to live at all.

HEDDA.

[_Takes a chair from the table, seats herself beside her, and strokes her hands._] My dear Thea—how did this—this friendship—between you and Eilert Lövborg come about?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh it grew up gradually. I gained a sort of influence over him.

HEDDA.

Indeed?

MRS. ELVSTED.

He gave up his old habits. Not because I asked him to, for I never dared do that. But of course he saw how repulsive they were to me; and so he dropped them.

HEDDA.

[_Concealing an involuntary smile of scorn._] Then you have reclaimed him—as the saying goes—my little Thea.

MRS. ELVSTED.

So he says himself, at any rate. And he, on his side, has made a real human being of me—taught me to think, and to understand so many things.

HEDDA.

Did he give _you_ lessons too, then?

MRS. ELVSTED.

No, not exactly lessons. But he talked to me—talked about such an infinity of things. And then came the lovely, happy time when I began to share in his work—when he allowed me to help him!

HEDDA.

Oh he did, did he?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes! He never wrote anything without my assistance.

HEDDA.

You were two good comrades, in fact?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Eagerly._] Comrades! Yes, fancy, Hedda—that is the very word he used!—Oh, I ought to feel perfectly happy; and yet I cannot; for I don’t know how long it will last.

HEDDA.

Are you no surer of him than that?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Gloomily._] A woman’s shadow stands between Eilert Lövborg and me.

HEDDA.

[_Looks at her anxiously._] Who can _that_ be?

MRS. ELVSTED.

I don’t know. Some one he knew in his—in his past. Some one he has never been able wholly to forget.

HEDDA.

What has he told you—about this?

MRS. ELVSTED.

He has only once—quite vaguely—alluded to it.

HEDDA.

Well! And what did he say?

MRS. ELVSTED.

He said that when they parted, she threatened to shoot him with a pistol.

HEDDA.

[_With cold composure._] Oh nonsense! No one does that sort of thing here.

MRS. ELVSTED.

No. And that is why I think it must have been that red-haired singing-woman whom he once——

HEDDA.

Yes, very likely.

MRS. ELVSTED.

For I remember they used to say of her that she carried loaded firearms.

HEDDA.

Oh—then of course it must have been she.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Wringing her hands._] And now just fancy, Hedda—I hear that this singing-woman—that she is in town again! Oh, I don’t know what to do——

HEDDA.

[_Glancing towards the inner room._] Hush! Here comes Tesman. [_Rises and whispers._] Thea—all this must remain between you and me.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[_Springing up._] Oh yes—yes! For heaven’s sake——!

GEORGE TESMAN, _with a letter in his hand, comes from the right through
the inner room._

TESMAN.

There now—the epistle is finished.

HEDDA.

That’s right. And now Mrs. Elvsted is just going. Wait a moment—I’ll go with you to the garden gate.

TESMAN.

Do you think Berta could post the letter, Hedda dear?

HEDDA.

[_Takes it._] I will tell her to.

BERTA _enters from the hall._

BERTA.

Judge Brack wishes to know if Mrs. Tesman will receive him.

HEDDA.

Yes, ask Judge Brack to come in. And look here—put this letter in the post.

BERTA.

[_Taking the letter._] Yes, ma’am.

[_She opens the door for_ JUDGE BRACK _and goes out herself._
BRACK _is a man of forty-five; thick set, but well-built and
elastic in his movements. His face is roundish with an
aristocratic profile. His hair is short, still almost black,
and carefully dressed. His eyes are lively and sparkling.
His eyebrows thick. His moustaches are also thick, with
short-cut ends. He wears a well-cut walking-suit, a little
too youthful for his age. He uses an eye-glass, which he now
and then lets drop._

JUDGE BRACK.

[_With his hat in his hand, bowing._] May one venture to call so early in the day?

HEDDA.

Of course one may.

TESMAN.

[_Presses his hand._] You are welcome at any time. [_Introducing him._] Judge Brack—Miss Rysing——

HEDDA.

Oh——!

BRACK.

[_Bowing._] Ah—delighted——

HEDDA.

[_Looks at him and laughs._] It’s nice to have a look at you by daylight, Judge!

BRACK.

Do you find me—altered?

HEDDA.

A little younger, I think.

BRACK.

Thank you so much.

TESMAN.

But what do you think of Hedda—eh? Doesn’t she look flourishing? She has actually——

HEDDA.

Oh, do leave me alone. You haven’t thanked Judge Brack for all the trouble he has taken——

BRACK.

Oh, nonsense—it was a pleasure to me——

HEDDA.

Yes, you are a friend indeed. But here stands Thea all impatience to be off—so _au revoir_ Judge. I shall be back again presently.

[_Mutual salutations. MRS. ELVSTED and HEDDA go out by the
hall door._

BRACK.

Well,—is your wife tolerably satisfied——

TESMAN.

Yes, we can’t thank you sufficiently. Of course she talks of a little re-arrangement here and there; and one or two things are still wanting. We shall have to buy some additional trifles.

BRACK.

Indeed!

TESMAN.

But we won’t trouble you about these things. Hedda says she herself will look after what is wanting.—Shan’t we sit down? Eh?

BRACK.

Thanks, for a moment. [_Seats himself beside the table._] There is something I wanted to speak to you about, my dear Tesman.

TESMAN.

Indeed? Ah, I understand! [_Seating himself._] I suppose it’s the serious part of the frolic that is coming now. Eh?

BRACK.

Oh, the money question is not so very pressing; though, for that matter, I wish we had gone a little more economically to work.

TESMAN.

But that would never have done, you know! Think of Hedda, my dear fellow! You, who know her so well——. I couldn’t possibly ask her to put up with a shabby style of living!

BRACK.

No, no—that is just the difficulty.

TESMAN.

And then—fortunately—it can’t be long before I receive my appointment.

BRACK.

Well, you see—such things are often apt to hang fire for a time.

TESMAN.

Have you heard anything definite? Eh?

BRACK.

Nothing exactly definite——. [_Interrupting himself._] But by-the-bye—I have one piece of news for you.

TESMAN.

Well?

BRACK.

Your old friend, Eilert Lövborg, has returned to town.

TESMAN.

I know that already.

BRACK.

Indeed! How did you learn it?

TESMAN.

From that lady who went out with Hedda.

BRACK.

Really? What was her name? I didn’t quite catch it.

TESMAN.

Mrs. Elvsted.

BRACK.

Aha—Sheriff Elvsted’s wife? Of course—he has been living up in their regions.

TESMAN.

And fancy—I’m delighted to hear that he is quite a reformed character!

BRACK.

So they say.

TESMAN.

And then he has published a new book—eh?

BRACK.

Yes, indeed he has.

TESMAN.

And I hear it has made some sensation!

BRACK.

Quite an unusual sensation.

TESMAN.

Fancy—isn’t that good news! A man of such extraordinary talents——. I felt so grieved to think that he had gone irretrievably to ruin.

BRACK.

That was what everybody thought.

TESMAN.

But I cannot imagine what he will take to now! How in the world will he be able to make his living? Eh?

[_During the last words,_ HEDDA _has entered by the hall
door._

HEDDA.

[_To BRACK, laughing with a touch of scorn._] Tesman is for ever worrying about how people are to make their living.

TESMAN.

Well you see, dear—we were talking about poor Eilert Lövborg.

HEDDA.

[_Glancing at him rapidly._] Oh, indeed? [_Seats herself in the arm-chair beside the stove and asks indifferently_:] What is the matter with _him_?

TESMAN.

Well—no doubt he has run through all his property long ago; and he can scarcely write a new book every year—eh? So I really can’t see what is to become of him.

BRACK.

Perhaps I can give you some information on that point.

TESMAN.

Indeed!

BRACK.

You must remember that his relations have a good deal of influence.

TESMAN.

Oh, his relations, unfortunately, have entirely washed their hands of him.

BRACK.

At one time they called him the hope of the family.

TESMAN.

At one time, yes! But he has put an end to all that.

HEDDA.

Who knows? [_With a slight smile._] I hear they have reclaimed him up at Sheriff Elvsted’s——

BRACK.

And then this book that he has published——

TESMAN.

Well well, I hope to goodness they may find something for him to do. I have just written to him. I asked him to come and see us this evening, Hedda dear.

BRACK.

But my dear fellow, you are booked for my bachelors’ party this evening. You promised on the pier last night.

HEDDA.

Had you forgotten, Tesman?

TESMAN.

Yes, I had utterly forgotten.

BRACK.

But it doesn’t matter, for you may be sure he won’t come.

TESMAN.

What makes you think that? Eh?

BRACK.

[_With a little hesitation, rising and resting his hands on the back of his chair._] My dear Tesman—and you too, Mrs. Tesman—I think I ought not to keep you in the dark about something that—that——

TESMAN.

That concerns Eilert——?

BRACK.

Both you and him.

TESMAN.

Well, my dear Judge, out with it.

BRACK.

You must be prepared to find your appointment deferred longer than you desired or expected.

TESMAN.

[_Jumping up uneasily._] Is there some hitch about it? Eh?

BRACK.

The nomination may perhaps be made conditional on the result of a competition——

TESMAN.

Competition! Think of that, Hedda!

HEDDA.

[_Leans further back in the chair._] Aha—aha!

TESMAN.

But who can my competitor be? Surely not——?

BRACK.

Yes, precisely—Eilert Lövborg.

TESMAN.

[_Clasping his hands._] No, no—it’s quite inconceivable! Quite impossible! Eh?

BRACK.

H’m—that is what it may come to, all the same.

TESMAN.

Well but, Judge Brack—it would show the most incredible lack of consideration for me. [_Gesticulates with his arms._] For—just think—I’m a married man! We have married on the strength of these prospects, Hedda and I; and run deep into debt; and borrowed money from Aunt Julia too. Good heavens, they had as good as promised me the appointment. Eh?

BRACK.

Well, well, well—no doubt you will get it in the end; only after a contest.

HEDDA.

[_Immovable in her arm-chair._] Fancy, Tesman, there will be a sort of sporting interest in that.

TESMAN.

Why, my dearest Hedda, how can you be so indifferent about it?

HEDDA.

[_As before._] I am not at all indifferent. I am most eager to see who wins.

BRACK.

In any case, Mrs. Tesman, it is best that you should know how matters stand. I mean—before you set about the little purchases I hear you are threatening.

HEDDA.

This can make no difference.

BRACK.

Indeed! Then I have no more to say. Good-bye! [_To TESMAN._] I shall look in on my way back from my afternoon walk, and take you home with me.

TESMAN.

Oh yes; yes—your news has quite upset me.

HEDDA.

[_Reclining, holds out her hand._] Good-bye, Judge; and be sure you call in the afternoon.

BRACK.

Many thanks. Good-bye, good-bye!

TESMAN.

[_Accompanying him to the door._] Good-bye my dear Judge! You must really excuse me——

[_JUDGE BRACK goes out by the hall door._

TESMAN.

[_Crosses the room._] Oh Hedda—one should never rush into adventures. Eh?

HEDDA.

[_Looks at him, smiling._] Do _you_ do _that_?

TESMAN.

Yes, dear—there is no denying—it was adventurous to go and marry and set up house upon mere expectations.

HEDDA.

Perhaps you are right there.

TESMAN.

Well—at all events, we have our delightful home, Hedda! Fancy, the home we both dreamed of—the home we were in love with, I may almost say. Eh?

HEDDA.

[_Rising slowly and wearily._] It was part of our compact that we were to go into society—to keep open house.

TESMAN.

Yes, if you only knew how I had been looking forward to it! Fancy—to see you as hostess—in a select circle! Eh? Well, well, well—for the present we shall have to get on without society, Hedda—only to invite Aunt Julia now and then.—Oh, I intended you to lead such an utterly different life, dear——!

HEDDA.

Of course I cannot have my man in livery just yet.

TESMAN.

Oh no, unfortunately. It would be out of the question for us to keep a footman, you know.

HEDDA.

And the saddle-horse I was to have had——

TESMAN.

[_Aghast._] The saddle-horse!

HEDDA.

——I suppose I must not think of that now.

TESMAN.

Good heavens, no!—that’s as clear as daylight.

HEDDA.

[_Goes up the room._] Well, I shall have one thing at least to kill time with in the meanwhile.

TESMAN.

[_Beaming._] Oh thank heaven for that! What is it, Hedda? Eh?

HEDDA.

[_In the middle doorway, looks at him with covert scorn._] My pistols, George.

TESMAN.

[_In alarm._] Your pistols!

HEDDA.

[_With cold eyes._] General Gabler’s pistols.

[_She goes out through the inner room, to the left._

TESMAN.

[_Rushes up to the middle doorway and calls after her_:] No, for heaven’s sake, Hedda darling—don’t touch those dangerous things! For my sake, Hedda! Eh?

-----

Footnote 11:

Tesman, whose Christian name in the original is “Jörgen,” is described
as “stipendiat i kulturhistorie”—that is to say, the holder of a
scholarship for purposes of research into the History of Civilisation.

Footnote 12:

In the original “Assessor.”

ACT SECOND

_The room at the_ TESMANS’ _as in the first Act, except that the piano
has been removed, and an elegant little writing-table with
book-shelves put in its place. A smaller table stands near the
sofa on the left. Most of the bouquets have been taken away._ MRS.
ELVSTED’S _bouquet is upon the large table in front.—It is
afternoon._

HEDDA, _dressed to receive callers, is alone in the room. She stands by
the open glass door, loading a revolver. The fellow to it lies in
an open pistol-case on the writing-table._

HEDDA.

[_Looks down the garden, and calls_:] So you are here again, Judge!

BRACK.

[_Is heard calling from a distance._] As you see, Mrs. Tesman!

HEDDA.

[_Raises the pistol and points._] Now I’ll shoot you, Judge Brack!

BRACK.

[_Calling unseen._] No, no, no! Don’t stand aiming at me!

HEDDA.

This is what comes of sneaking in by the back way.[19] [_She fires._

BRACK.

[_Nearer._] Are you out of your senses——!

HEDDA.

Dear me—did I happen to hit you?

BRACK.

[_Still outside._] I wish you would let these pranks alone!

HEDDA.

Come in then, Judge.

JUDGE BRACK, _dressed as though for a men’s party, enters by the glass
door. He carries a light overcoat over his arm._

BRACK.

What the deuce—haven’t you tired of that sport, yet? What are you shooting at?

HEDDA.

Oh, I am only firing in the air.

BRACK.

[_Gently takes the pistol out of her hand._] Allow me, madam! [_Looks at it._] Ah—I know this pistol well! [_Looks around._] Where is the case? Ah, here it is. [_Lays the pistol in it, and shuts it._] Now we won’t play at that game any more to-day.

HEDDA.

Then what in heaven’s name would you have me do with myself?

BRACK.

Have you had no visitors?

HEDDA.

[_Closing the glass door._] Not one. I suppose all our set are still out of town.

BRACK.

And is Tesman not at home either?

HEDDA.

[_At the writing-table, putting the pistol-case in a drawer which she shuts._] No. He rushed off to his aunt’s directly after lunch; he didn’t expect you so early.

BRACK.

H’m—how stupid of me not to have thought of that!

HEDDA.

[_Turning her head to look at him._] Why stupid?

BRACK.

Because if I had thought of it I should have come a little—earlier.

HEDDA.

[_Crossing the room._] Then you would have found no one to receive you; for I have been in my room changing my dress ever since lunch.

BRACK.

And is there no sort of little chink that we could hold a parley through?

HEDDA.

You have forgotten to arrange one.

BRACK.

That was another piece of stupidity.

HEDDA.

Well, we must just settle down here—and wait. Tesman is not likely to be back for some time yet.

BRACK.

Never mind; I shall not be impatient.

HEDDA _seats herself in the corner of the sofa._ BRACK _lays his
overcoat over the back of the nearest chair, and sits down, but
keeps his hat in his hand. A short silence. They look at each
other._

HEDDA.

Well?

BRACK.

[_In the same tone._] Well?

HEDDA.

I spoke first.

BRACK.

[_Bending a little forward._] Come, let us have a cosy little chat, Mrs. Hedda.[20]

HEDDA.

[_Leaning further back in the sofa._] Does it not seem like a whole eternity since our last talk? Of course I don’t count those few words yesterday evening and this morning.

BRACK.

You mean since our last confidential talk? Our last _tête-à-tête_?

HEDDA.

Well yes—since you put it so.

BRACK.

Not a day has passed but I have wished that you were home again.

HEDDA.

And I have done nothing but wish the same thing.

BRACK.

You? Really, Mrs. Hedda? And I thought you had been enjoying your tour so much!

HEDDA.

Oh yes, you may be sure of that!

BRACK.

But Tesman’s letters spoke of nothing but happiness.

HEDDA.

Oh, _Tesman_! You see, he thinks nothing so delightful as grubbing in libraries and making copies of old parchments, or whatever you call them.

BRACK.

[_With a spice of malice._] Well, that is his vocation in life—or part of it at any rate.

HEDDA.

Yes, of course; and no doubt when it’s your vocation——. But _I_! Oh, my dear Mr. Brack, how mortally bored I have been.

BRACK.

[_Sympathetically._] Do you really say so? In downright earnest?

HEDDA.

Yes, you can surely understand it——! To go for six whole months without meeting a soul that knew anything of our circle, or could talk about the things we are interested in.

BRACK.

Yes, yes—I too should feel that a deprivation.

HEDDA.

And then, what I found most intolerable of all——

BRACK.

Well?

HEDDA.

——was being everlastingly in the company of—one and the same person——

BRACK.

[_With a nod of assent._] Morning, noon, and night, yes—at all possible times and seasons.

HEDDA.

I said “everlastingly.”

BRACK.

Just so. But I should have thought, with our excellent Tesman, one could——

HEDDA.

Tesman is—a specialist, my dear Judge.

BRACK.

Undeniably.

HEDDA.

And specialists are not at all amusing to travel with. Not in the long run at any rate.

BRACK.

Not even—the specialist one happens to _love_?

HEDDA.

Faugh—don’t use that sickening word!

BRACK.

[_Taken aback._] What do you say, Mrs. Hedda?

HEDDA.

[_Half laughing, half irritated._] You should just try it! To hear of nothing but the history of civilisation, morning, noon, and night——

BRACK.

Everlastingly.

HEDDA.

Yes, yes, yes! And then all this about the domestic industry of the middle ages——! That’s the most disgusting part of it!

BRACK.

[_Looks searchingly at her._] But tell me—in that case, how am I to understand your——? H’m——

HEDDA.

My accepting George Tesman, you mean?

BRACK.

Well, let us put it so.

HEDDA.

Good heavens, do you see anything so wonderful in that?

BRACK.

Yes and no—Mrs. Hedda.

HEDDA.

I had positively danced myself tired, my dear Judge. My day was done—— [_With a slight shudder._] Oh no—I won’t say that; nor think it either!

BRACK.

You have assuredly no reason to.

HEDDA.

Oh, reasons—— [_Watching him closely._] And George Tesman—after all, you must admit that he is correctness itself.

BRACK.

His correctness and respectability are beyond all question.

HEDDA.

And I don’t see anything absolutely ridiculous about him.—Do you?

BRACK.

Ridiculous? N—no—I shouldn’t exactly say so——

HEDDA.

Well—and his powers of research, at all events, are untiring.—I see no reason why he should not one day come to the front, after all.

BRACK.

[_Looks at her hesitatingly._] I thought that you, like every one else, expected him to attain the highest distinction.

HEDDA.

[_With an expression of fatigue._] Yes, so I did.—And then, since he was bent, at all hazards, on being allowed to provide for me—I really don’t know why I should not have accepted his offer?

BRACK.

No—if you look at it in _that_ light——

HEDDA.

It was more than my other adorers were prepared to do for me, my dear Judge.

BRACK.

[_Laughing._] Well, I can’t answer for all the rest; but as for myself, you know quite well that I have always entertained a—a certain respect for the marriage tie—for marriage as an institution, Mrs. Hedda.

HEDDA.

[_Jestingly._] Oh, I assure you I have never cherished any hopes with respect to you.

BRACK.

All I require is a pleasant and intimate interior, where I can make myself useful in every way, and am free to come and go as—as a trusted friend——

HEDDA.

Of the master of the house, do you mean?

BRACK.

[_Bowing._] Frankly—of the mistress first of all; but of course of the master too, in the second place. Such a triangular friendship—if I may call it so—is really a great convenience for all parties, let me tell you.

HEDDA.

Yes, I have many a time longed for some one to make a third on our travels. Oh—those railway-carriage _tête-à-têtes_——!

BRACK.

Fortunately your wedding journey is over now.

HEDDA.

[_Shaking her head._] Not by a long—long way. I have only arrived at a station on the line.

BRACK.

Well, then the passengers jump out and move about a little, Mrs. Hedda.

HEDDA.

I never jump out.

BRACK.

Really?

HEDDA.

No—because there is always some one standing by to——

BRACK.

[_Laughing._] To look at your ankles, do you mean?

HEDDA.

Precisely.

BRACK.

Well but, dear me——

HEDDA.

[_With a gesture of repulsion._] I won’t have it. I would rather keep my seat where I happen to be—and continue the _tête-à-tête_.

BRACK.

But suppose a third person were to jump in and join the couple.

HEDDA.

Ah—that is quite another matter.

BRACK.

A trusted, sympathetic friend——

HEDDA.