Hedda Gabler

A spacious, handsome, and tastefully furnished drawing room, decorated in dark colours. In the back, a wide doorway with curtains drawn back, leading into a smaller room decorated in the same style as the drawing-room. In the right-hand wall of the front room, a folding door leading out to the hall. In the opposite wall, on the left, a glass door, also with curtains drawn back. Through the panes can be seen ## part of a verandah outside, and trees covered with autumn foliage. An oval table, with a cover on it, and surrounded by chairs, stands well forward. In front, by the wall on the right, a wide stove of dark porcelain, a high-backed arm-chair, a cushioned foot-rest, and two footstools. A settee, with a small round table in front of it, fills the upper right-hand corner. In front, on the left, a little way from the wall, a sofa. Further back than the glass door, a piano.

-- Against the back wall of the inner room a sofa, with a table, and one or two chairs. Over the sofa hangs the portrait of a handsome elderly man in a General's uniform. --A number of bouquets are arranged about the drawing-room, in vases and glasses. Others lie upon the tables. --Morning light. The sun shines in through the glass door. MISS JULIANA TESMAN, with her bonnet on a carrying a parasol, comes in from the hall, followed by BERTA, who carries a bouquet wrapped in paper. MISS TESMAN is a comely and pleasant- looking lady of about sixty-five. She is nicely but simply dressed in a grey walking-costume. BERTA is a middle-aged woman of plain and rather countrified appearance.

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Stops close to the door, listens, and says softly:] Upon my word, I don't believe they are stirring yet! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [Also softly.] I told you so, Miss. Remember how late the steamboat got in last night. And then, when they got home!--good Lord, what a lot the young mistress had to unpack before she could get to bed. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Well well--let them have their sleep out. But let us see that they get a good breath of the fresh morning air when they do appear. [She goes to the glass door and throws it open. :::

**BERTA:**

:::stage Beside the table, at a loss what to do with the bouquet in her hand. :::

I declare there isn't a bit of room left. I think I'll put it down here, Miss. [She places it on the piano.

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" So you've got a new mistress now, my dear Berta. Heaven knows it was a wrench to me to part with you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [On the point of weeping.] And do you think it wasn't hard for me, too, Miss? After all the blessed years I've been with you and Miss Rina.(1) :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" We must make the best of it, Berta. There was nothing else to be done. George can't do without you, you see-he absolutely can't. He has had you to look after him ever since he was a little boy. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Ah but, Miss Julia, I can't help thinking of Miss Rina lying helpless at home there, poor thing. And with only that new girl too! She'll never learn to take proper care of an invalid. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, I shall manage to train her. And of course, you know, I shall take most of it upon myself. You needn't be uneasy about my poor sister, my dear Berta. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Well, but there's another thing, Miss. I'm so mortally afraid I shan't be able to suit the young mistress. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh well--just at first there may be one or two things-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Most like she'll be terrible grand in her ways. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Well, you can't wonder at that--General Gabler's daughter! Think of the sort of life she was accustomed to in her father's time. Don't you remember how we used to see her riding down the road along with the General? In that long black habit--and with feathers in her hat? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Yes, indeed--I remember well enough!--But, good Lord, I should never have dreamt in those days that she and Master George would make a match of it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Nor I.--But by-the-bye, Berta--while I think of it: in future you mustn't say Master George. You must say Dr. Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Yes, the young mistress spoke of that too--last night--the moment they set foot in the house. Is it true then, Miss? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, indeed it is. Only think, Berta--some foreign university has made him a doctor--while he has been abroad, you understand. I hadn't heard a word about it, until he told me himself upon the pier. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Well well, he's clever enough for anything, he is. But I didn't think he'd have gone in for doctoring people. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" No no, it's not that sort of doctor he is. [Nods significantly.] But let me tell you, we may have to call him something still grander before long. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" You don't say so! What can that be, Miss? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Smiling.] H'm--wouldn't you like to know! [With emotion.] Ah, dear dear--if my poor brother could only look up from his grave now, and see what his little boy has grown into! [Looks around.] But bless me, Berta--why have you done this? Taken the chintz covers off all the furniture. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" The mistress told me to. She can't abide covers on the chairs, she says. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Are they going to make this their everyday sitting-room then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Yes, that's what I understood--from the mistress. Master George--the doctor--he said nothing. GEORGE TESMAN comes from the right into the inner room, humming to himself, and carrying an unstrapped empty portmanteau. He is a middle-sized, young-looking man of thirty-three, rather stout, with a round, open, cheerful face, fair hair and beard. He wears spectacles, and is somewhat carelessly dressed in comfortable indoor clothes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Good morning, good morning, George. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [In the doorway between the rooms.] Aunt Julia! Dear Aunt Julia! [Goes up to her and shakes hands warmly.] Come all this way--so early! Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Why, of course I had to come and see how you were getting on. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" In spite of your having had no proper night's rest? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, that makes no difference to me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, I suppose you got home all right from the pier? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, quite safely, thank goodness. Judge Brack was good enough to see me right to my door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" We were so sorry we couldn't give you a seat in the carriage. But you saw what a pile of boxes Hedda had to bring with her. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, she had certainly plenty of boxes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [To TESMAN.] Shall I go in and see if there's anything I can do for the mistress? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No thank you, Berta--you needn't. She said she would ring if she wanted anything. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [Going towards the right.] Very well. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But look here--take this portmanteau with you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [Taking it.] I'll put it in the attic. [She goes out by the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Fancy, Auntie--I had the whole of that portmanteau chock full of copies of the documents. You wouldn't believe how much I have picked up from all the archives I have been examining--curious old details that no one has had any idea of-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, you don't seem to have wasted your time on your wedding trip, George. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, that I haven't. But do take off your bonnet, Auntie. Look here! Let me untie the strings--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [While he does so.] Well well--this is just as if you were still at home with us. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [With the bonnet in his hand, looks at it from all sides.] Why, what a gorgeous bonnet you've been investing in! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" I bought it on Hedda's account. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" On Hedda's account? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, so that Hedda needn't be ashamed of me if we happened to go out together. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh yes, I know you will always keep a place in your heart for your old aunts. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And what about Aunt Rina? No improvement--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Patting her back.] There there there--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" And then this fine long wedding-tour you have had! More than five-- nearly six months-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" As to our journey? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, yes, you did. But what I mean is--haven't you any--any-- expectations--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Expectations? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Why you know, George--I'm your old auntie! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, of course I have expectations. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Ah! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I have every expectation of being a professor one of these days. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh yes, a professor-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Indeed, I may say I am certain of it. But my dear Auntie--you know all about that already! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, you see--my handsome travelling-scholarship went a good way. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" But I can't understand how you can have made it go far enough for two. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, that's not easy to understand--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" And especially travelling with a lady--they tell me that makes it ever so much more expensive. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, you may be sure I have. I have been afoot ever since daylight. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" And what do you think of it all? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Laughing.] Oh my dear George, I daresay you may find some use for them--in the course of time. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why of course you are quite right, Aunt Julia! You mean as my library increases--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, quite so, my dear boy. It was your library I was thinking of. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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.(2) :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, it was lucky that this very house should come into the market, just after you had started. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, Aunt Julia, the luck was on our side, wasn't it--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" But the expense, my dear George! You will find it very expensive, all this. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Looks at her, a little cast down.] Yes, I suppose I shall, Aunt! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, frightfully! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" How much do you think? In round numbers?--Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, I can't even guess until all the accounts come in. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, fortunately, Judge Brack has secured the most favourable terms for me, so he said in a letter to Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, don't be uneasy, my dear boy.--Besides, I have given security for the furniture and all the carpets. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Security? You? My dear Aunt Julia--what sort of security could you give? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" I have given a mortgage on our annuity. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Jumps up.] What! On your--and Aunt Rina's annuity! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, I knew of no other plan, you see. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, that may be all very well. But nevertheless-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh Auntie--will you never be tired of making sacrifices for me! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, it is really marvellous how every thing has turned out for the best. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Have you heard anything of Eilert? Since I went away, I mean. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Only that he is said to have published a new book. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What! Eilert Lovborg! Recently--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" It will deal with the domestic industries of Brabant during the Middle Ages. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Fancy--to be able to write on such a subject as that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" However, it may be some time before the book is ready. I have all these collections to arrange first, you see. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, collecting and arranging--no one can beat you at that. There you are my poor brother's own son. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I am looking forward eagerly to setting to work at it; especially now that I have my own delightful home to work in. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" And, most of all, now that you have got the wife of your heart, my dear George. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Embracing her.] Oh yes, yes, Aunt Julia! Hedda--she is the best part of it all! I believe I hear her coming--eh? :::

HEDDA enters from the left through the inner room. 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 brown, but not particularly abundant. She is dressed in a tasteful, somewhat loose-fitting morning gown.

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Going to meet HEDDA.] Good morning, my dear Hedda! Good morning, and a hearty welcome! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Holds out her hand.] Good morning, dear Miss Tesman! So early a call! That is kind of you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [With some embarrassment.] Well--has the bride slept well in her new home? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh yes, thanks. Passably. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Laughing.] Passably! Come, that's good, Hedda! You were sleeping like a stone when I got up. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Going towards the door.] Well, then we will shut it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No no, not that! Tesman, please draw the curtains. That will give a softer light. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [At the door.] All right--all right.--There now, Hedda, now you have both shade and fresh air. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, fresh air we certainly must have, with all these stacks of flowers--. But--won't you sit down, Miss Tesman? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Give her my very best love, Auntie; and say I shall look in and see her later in the day. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What is it, Auntie? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Produces a flat parcel wrapped in newspaper and hands it to him.] Look here, my dear boy. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Opening the parcel.] Well, I declare!--Have you really saved them for me, Aunt Julia! Hedda! isn't this touching--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Beside the whatnot on the right.] Well, what is it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" My old morning-shoes! My slippers. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Indeed. I remember you often spoke of them while we were abroad. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, I missed them terribly. [Goes up to her.] Now you shall see them, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Going towards the stove.] Thanks, I really don't care about it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [At the table.] Scarcely for me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Of course not for Hedda, George. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, but now that she belongs to the family, I thought-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Interrupting.] We shall never get on with this servant, Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Not get on with Berta? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, dear, what puts that in your head? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Pointing.] Look there! She has left her old bonnet lying about on a chair. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [In consternation, drops the slippers on the floor.] Why, Hedda-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Just fancy, if any one should come in and see it! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But Hedda--that's Aunt Julia's bonnet. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Is it! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Taking up the bonnet.] Yes, indeed it's mine. And, what's more, it's not old, Madam Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I really did not look closely at it, Miss Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Trying on the bonnet.] Let me tell you it's the first time I have worn it--the very first time. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And a very nice bonnet it is too--quite a beauty! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" A new bonnet and a new parasol! Only think, Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Very handsome indeed. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, isn't it? Eh? But Auntie, take a good look at Hedda before you go! See how handsome she is! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, my dear boy, there's nothing new in that. Hedda was always lovely. [She nods and goes toward the right. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Following.] Yes, but have you noticed what splendid condition she is in? How she has filled out on the journey? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Crossing the room.] Oh, do be quiet--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Who has stopped and turned.] Filled out? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Of course you don't notice it so much now that she has that dress on. But I, who can see-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [At the glass door, impatiently.] Oh, you can't see anything. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" It must be the mountain air in the Tyrol-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Curtly, interrupting.] I am exactly as I was when I started. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" So you insist; but I'm quite certain you are not. Don't you agree with me, Auntie? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Gently freeing herself.] Oh--! Let me go. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [In quiet emotion.] I shall not let a day pass without coming to see you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No you won't, will you, Auntie? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Picks up the slippers from the floor.] What are you looking at, Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Once more calm and mistress of herself.] I am only looking at the leaves. They are so yellow--so withered. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Wraps up the slippers and lays them on the table.] Well, you see, we are well into September now. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Again restless.] Yes, to think of it!--already in--in September. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Don't you think Aunt Julia's manner was strange, dear? Almost solemn? Can you imagine what was the matter with her? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I scarcely know her, you see. Is she not often like that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, not as she was to-day. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Leaving the glass door.] Do you think she was annoyed about the bonnet? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, scarcely at all. Perhaps a little, just at the moment-- :::

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

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well you may be sure Aunt Julia won't do it again. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" In any case, I shall manage to make my peace with her. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, my dear, good Hedda, if you only would. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" When you call this afternoon, you might invite her to spend the evening here. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, that I will. And there's one thing more you could do that would delight her heart. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What is it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" If you could only prevail on yourself to say _du_(3) to her. For my sake, Hedda? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well well. Only I think now that you belong to the family, you-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" H'm--I can't in the least see why-- [She goes up towards the middle doorway. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [After a pause.] Is there anything the matter with you, Hedda? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I'm only looking at my old piano. It doesn't go at all well with all the other things. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" The first time I draw my salary, we'll see about exchanging it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [A little taken aback.] Yes--of course we could do that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Takes up the bouquet from the piano.] These flowers were not here last night when we arrived. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Aunt Julia must have brought them for you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No. Whose? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" The name is "Mrs. Elvsted." :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Is it really? Sheriff Elvsted's wife? Miss Rysing that was. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Exactly. The girl with the irritating hair, that she was always showing off. An old flame of yours I've been told. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Laughing.] Oh, that didn't last long; and it was before I met you, Hedda. But fancy her being in town! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" It's odd that she should call upon us. I have scarcely seen her since we left school. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I haven't see her either for--heaven knows how long. I wonder how she can endure to live in such an out-of-the way hole--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [After a moment's thought, says suddenly.] Tell me, Tesman--isn't it somewhere near there that he--that--Eilert Lovborg is living? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, he is somewhere in that part of the country. :::

BERTA enters by the hall door.

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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 :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" She wears a dark visiting dress, tasteful, but not quite in the latest fashion. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Receives her warmly.] How do you do, my dear Mrs. Elvsted? It's delightful to see you again. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Nervously, struggling for self-control.] Yes, it's a very long time since we met. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Gives her his hand.] And we too--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Thanks for your lovely flowers-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, not at all--. I would have come straight here yesterday afternoon; but I heard that you were away-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Have you just come to town? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" I arrived yesterday, about midday. Oh, I was quite in despair when I heard that you were not at home. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" In despair! How so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, my dear Mrs. Rysing--I mean Mrs. Elvsted-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I hope that you are not in any trouble? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, I am. And I don't know another living creature here that I can turn to. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Laying the bouquet on the table.] Come--let us sit here on the sofa-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, I am too restless to sit down. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh no, you're not. Come here. [She draws MRS. ELVSTED down upon the sofa and sits at her side. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well? What is it, Mrs. Elvsted--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Has anything particular happened to you at home? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes--and no. Oh--I am so anxious you should not misunderstand me-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Then your best plan is to tell us the whole story, Mrs. Elvsted. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I suppose that's what you have come for--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes--of course it is. Well then, I must tell you--if you don't already know--that Eilert Lovborg is in town, too. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Lovborg--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What! Has Eilert Lovborg come back? Fancy that, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well well--I hear it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But, my dear Mrs. Elvsted--how does he concern you so much? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Looks at her with a startled air, and says rapidly.] He was the children's tutor. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Your children's? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" My husband's. I have none. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Your step-children's, then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" For the last two years his conduct has been irreproachable. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Has it indeed? Fancy that, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I hear it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why did he not remain where he was? With you and your husband? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" After his book was published he was too restless and unsettled to remain with us. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, by-the-bye, Aunt Julia told me he had published a new book. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Has it indeed? It must be something he has had lying by since his better days. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Long ago, you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, he has written it all since he has been with us--within the last year. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Isn't that good news, Hedda? Think of that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Ah yes, if only it would last! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Have you seen him here in town? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, not yet. I have had the greatest difficulty in finding out his address. But this morning I discovered it at last. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks searchingly at her.] Do you know, it seems to me a little odd of your husband--h'm-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Starting nervously.] Of my husband! What? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" That he should send you to town on such an errand--that he does not come himself and look after his friend. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh no, no--my husband has no time. And besides, I--I had some shopping to do. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [With a slight smile.] Ah, that is a different matter. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Rising quickly and uneasily.] And now I beg and implore you, Mr. Tesman--receive Eilert Lovborg 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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" We used to be at any rate. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" With the greatest of pleasure, Mrs. Rysing-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Elvsted. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I assure you I shall do all I possibly can for Eilert. You may rely upon me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Rising.] You ought to write to him, Tesman. Perhaps he may not care to come to you of his own accord. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, perhaps it would be the right thing to do, Hedda? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And the sooner the better. Why not at once? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Imploringly.] Oh, if you only would! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I'll write this moment. Have you his address, Mrs.--Mrs. Elvsted. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes. [Takes a slip of paper from her pocket, and hands it to him.] Here it is. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Be sure you write him a cordial, friendly letter. And a good long one too. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, I will. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" But please, please don't say a word to show that I have suggested it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, how could you think I would? Eh? [He goes out to the right, through the inner room. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Goes up to MRS. ELVSTED, smiles, and says in a low voice.] There! We have killed two birds with one stone. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" What do you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Could you not see that I wanted him to go? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, to write the letter-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And that I might speak to you alone. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Confused.] About the same thing? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Precisely. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Apprehensively.] But there is nothing more, Mrs. Tesman! Absolutely nothing! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Anxiously, looking at her watch.] But, my dear Mrs. Tesman--I was really on the point of going. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, you can't be in such a hurry.--Well? Now tell me something about your life at home. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, that is just what I care least to speak about. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But to me, dear--? Why, weren't we schoolfellows? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, but you were in the class above me. Oh, how dreadfully afraid of you I was then! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Afraid of me? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, dreadfully. For when we met on the stairs you used always to pull my hair. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Did I, really? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, and once you said you would burn it off my head. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh that was all nonsense, of course. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well then, we must try to drift together again. Now listen. At school we said _du_(4) to each other; and we called each other by our Christian names-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, I am sure you must be mistaken. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Presses and pats her hands.] Oh, how good and kind you are! I am not used to such kindness. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" There, there, there! And I shall say _du_ to you, as in the old days, and call you my dear Thora. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" My name is Thea.(5) :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, if I only had a home! But I haven't any; I have never had a home. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks at her for a moment.] I almost suspected as much. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Gazing helplessly before her.] Yes--yes--yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I don't quite remember--was it not as housekeeper that you first went to Mr. Elvsted's? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And then--at last--you became mistress of the house. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Sadly.] Yes, I did. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Let me see--about how long ago was that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" My marriage? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Five years ago. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" To be sure; it must be that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh those five years--! Or at all events the last two or three of them! Oh, if you(6) could only imagine-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Giving her a little slap on the hand.] De? Fie, Thea! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes, I will try--. Well, if--you could only imagine and understand-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Lightly.] Eilert Lovborg has been in your neighbourhood about three years, hasn't he? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Looks at her doubtfully.] Eilert Lovborg? Yes--he has. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Had you known him before, in town here? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Scarcely at all. I mean--I knew him by name of course. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But you saw a good deal of him in the country? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, that's clear.--And your husband--? I suppose he is often away from home? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes. Being sheriff, you know, he has to travel about a good deal in his district. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Leaning against the arm of the chair.] Thea--my poor, sweet Thea--now you must tell me everything--exactly as it stands. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Well, then you must question me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What sort of a man is your husband, Thea? I mean--you know--in everyday life. Is he kind to you? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Evasively.] I am sure he means well in everything. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I should think he must be altogether too old for you. There is at least twenty years' difference between you, is there not? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But is he not fond of you all the same? In his own way? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" That is stupid of you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And for Eilert Lovborg, Thea? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Looking at her.] For Eilert Lovborg? What puts that into your head? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Why, my dear Thea--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Well, to make a long story short: My husband did not know that I was coming. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What! Your husband didn't know it! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well? And then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" So I put together some of my things--what I needed most--as quietly as possible. And then I left the house. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Without a word? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes--and took the train to town. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Why, my dear, good Thea--to think of you daring to do it! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Rises and moves about the room.] What else could I possibly do? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But what do you think your husband will say when you go home again? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [At the table, looks at her.] Back to him? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of course. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" I shall never go back to him again. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Rising and going towards her.] Then you have left your home--for good and all? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes. There was nothing else to be done. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But then--to take flight so openly. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, it's impossible to keep things of that sort secret. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But what do you think people will say of you, Thea? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [After a short silence.] And what are your plans now? What do you think of doing. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" I don't know yet. I only know this, that I must live here, where Eilert Lovborg is--if I am to live at all. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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 Lovborg come about? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh it grew up gradually. I gained a sort of influence over him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Indeed? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Concealing an involuntary smile of scorn.] Then you have reclaimed him--as the saying goes--my little Thea. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Did he give you lessons too, then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh he did, did he? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes! He never wrote anything without my assistance. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You were two good comrades, in fact? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Are you no surer of him than that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Gloomily.] A woman's shadow stands between Eilert Lovborg and me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks at her anxiously.] Who can that be? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What has he told you--about this? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" He has only once--quite vaguely--alluded to it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well! And what did he say? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" He said that when they parted, she threatened to shoot him with a pistol. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [With cold composure.] Oh nonsense! No one does that sort of thing here. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No. And that is why I think it must have been that red-haired singing-woman whom he once-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, very likely. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" For I remember they used to say of her that she carried loaded firearms. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh--then of course it must have been she. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Glancing towards the inner room.] Hush! Here comes Tesman. [Rises and whispers.] Thea--all this must remain between you and me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" There now--the epistle is finished. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" That's right. And now Mrs. Elvsted is just going. Wait a moment--I'll go with you to the garden gate. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Do you think Berta could post the letter, Hedda dear? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Takes it.] I will tell her to. :::

BERTA enters from the hall.

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Judge Brack wishes to know if Mrs. Tesman will receive him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, ask Judge Brack to come in. And look here--put this letter in the post. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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 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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="JUDGE BRACK" [With his hat in his hand, bowing.] May one venture to call so early in the day? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of course one may. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Presses his hand.] You are welcome at any time. [Introducing him.] Judge Brack--Miss Rysing-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Bowing.] Ah--delighted-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks at him and laughs.] It's nice to have a look at you by daylight, Judge! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" So you find me--altered? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" A little younger, I think. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Thank you so much. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But what do you think of Hedda--eh? Doesn't she look flourishing? She has actually-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, do leave me alone. You haven't thanked Judge Brack for all the trouble he has taken-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Oh, nonsense--it was a pleasure to me-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well,--is your wife tolerably satisfied-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Indeed! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Thanks, for a moment. [Seats himself beside the table.] There is something I wanted to speak to you about, my dear Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Indeed? Ah, I understand! [Seating himself.] I suppose it's the serious ## part of the frolic that is coming now. Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No, no--that is just the difficulty. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And then--fortunately--it can't be long before I receive my appointment. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, you see--such things are often apt to hang fire for a long time. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Have you heard anything definite? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Nothing exactly definite--. [Interrupting himself.] But by-the-bye--I have one piece of news for you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Your old friend, Eilert Lovborg, has returned to town. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I know that already. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Indeed! How did you learn it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" From that lady who went out with Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Really? What was her name? I didn't quite catch it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Mrs. Elvsted. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Aha--Sheriff Elvsted's wife? Of course--he has been living up in their regions. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And fancy--I'm delighted to hear that he is quite a reformed character. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" So they say. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And then he has published a new book--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, indeed he has. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And I hear it has made some sensation! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Quite an unusual sensation. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" That was what everybody thought. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [To BRACK, laughing with a touch of scorn.] Tesman is for ever worrying about how people are to make their living. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well you see, dear--we were talking about poor Eilert Lovborg. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Glancing at him rapidly.] Oh, indeed? [Sets herself in the arm-chair beside the stove and asks indifferently:] What is the matter with him? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Perhaps I can give you some information on that point. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Indeed! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" You must remember that his relations have a good deal of influence. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, his relations, unfortunately, have entirely washed their hands of him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" At one time they called him the hope of the family. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" At one time, yes! But he has put an end to all that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Who knows? [With a slight smile.] I hear they have reclaimed him up at Sheriff Elvsted's-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" And then this book that he has published-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" But my dear fellow, you are booked for my bachelor's party this evening. You promised on the pier last night. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Had you forgotten, Tesman? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, I had utterly forgotten. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" But it doesn't matter, for you may be sure he won't come. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What makes you think that? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" That concerns Eilert--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Both you and him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, my dear Judge, out with it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" You must be prepared to find your appointment deferred longer than you desired or expected. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Jumping up uneasily.] Is there some hitch about it? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" The nomination may perhaps be made conditional on the result of a competition-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Competition! Think of that, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Leans further back in the chair.] Aha--aha! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But who can my competitor be? Surely not--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, precisely--Eilert Lovborg. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Clasping his hands.] No, no--it's quite impossible! Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" H'm--that is what it may come to, all the same. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, well, well--no doubt you will get it in the end; only after a contest. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Immovable in her arm-chair.] Fancy, Tesman, there will be a sort of sporting interest in that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, my dearest Hedda, how can you be so indifferent about it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [As before.] I am not at all indifferent. I am most eager to see who wins. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" This can make no difference. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh yes, yes--your news has quite upset me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Reclining, holds out her hand.] Good-bye, Judge; and be sure you call in the afternoon. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Many thanks. Good-bye, good-bye! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Accompanying him to the door.] Good-bye my dear Judge! You must really excuse me-- [JUDGE BRACK goes out by the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Crosses the room.] Oh Hedda--one should never rush into adventures. Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks at him, smiling.] Do you do that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, dear--there is no denying--it was adventurous to go and marry and set up house upon mere expectations. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Perhaps you are right there. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Rising slowly and wearily.] It was part of our compact that we were to go into society--to keep open house. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of course I cannot have my man in livery just yet. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, no, unfortunately. It would be out of the question for us to keep a footman, you know. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And the saddle-horse I was to have had-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Aghast.] The saddle-horse! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" --I suppose I must not think of that now. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Good heavens, no!--that's as clear as daylight! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Goes up the room.] Well, I shall have one thing at least to kill time with in the meanwhile. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Beaming.] Oh thank heaven for that! What is it, Hedda. Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [In the middle doorway, looks at him with covert scorn.] My pistols, George. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [In alarm.] Your pistols! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [With cold eyes.] General Gabler's pistols. [She goes out through the inner room, to the left. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

The room at the TESMANS' as in the first Act, except that the piano has been removed, and an elegant little writing-table with the 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.

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks down the garden, and calls:] So you are here again, Judge! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Is heard calling from a distance.] As you see, Mrs. Tesman! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Raises the pistol and points.] Now I'll shoot you, Judge Brack! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Calling unseen.] No, no, no! Don't stand aiming at me! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" This is what comes of sneaking in by the back way.(7) [She fires. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Nearer.] Are you out of your senses--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Dear me--did I happen to hit you? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Still outside.] I wish you would let these pranks alone! :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" What the deuce--haven't you tired of that sport, yet? What are you shooting at? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, I am only firing in the air. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Then what in heaven's name would you have me do with myself? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Have you had no visitors? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Closing the glass door.] Not one. I suppose all our set are still out of town. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" And is Tesman not at home either? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" H'm--how stupid of me not to have thought of that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Turning her head to look at him.] Why stupid? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Because if I had thought of it I should have come a little--earlier. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" And is there no sort of little chink that we could hold a parley through? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You have forgotten to arrange one. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" That was another piece of stupidity. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, we must just settle down here--and wait. Tesman is not likely to be back for some time yet. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [In the same tone.] Well? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I spoke first. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Bending a little forward.] Come, let us have a cosy little chat, Mrs. Hedda.(8) :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" You mean since our last confidential talk? Our last _tete-a-tete_? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well yes--since you put it so. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Not a day passed but I have wished that you were home again. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And I have done nothing but wish the same thing. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" You? Really, Mrs. Hedda? And I thought you had been enjoying your tour so much! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh yes, you may be sure of that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" But Tesman's letters spoke of nothing but happiness. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, Tesman! You see, he thinks nothing is so delightful as grubbing in libraries and making copies of old parchments, or whatever you call them. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [With a smile of malice.] Well, that is his vocation in life--or part of it at any rate. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Sympathetically.] Do you really say so? In downright earnest? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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 things we were interested in. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, yes--I too should feel that a deprivation. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And then, what I found most intolerable of all-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" --was being everlastingly in the company of--one and the same person-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [With a nod of assent.] Morning, noon, and night, yes--at all possible times and seasons. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I said "everlastingly." :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Just so. But I should have thought, with our excellent Tesman, one could-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Tesman is--a specialist, my dear Judge. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Undeniable. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And specialists are not at all amusing to travel with. Not in the long run at any rate. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Not even--the specialist one happens to love? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Faugh--don't use that sickening word! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Taken aback.] What do you say, Mrs. Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Half laughing, half irritated.] You should just try it! To hear of nothing but the history of civilisation, morning, noon, and night-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Everlastingly. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes yes yes! And then all this about the domestic industry of the middle ages--! That's the most disgusting part of it! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Looks searchingly at her.] But tell me--in that case, how am I to understand your--? H'm-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" My accepting George Tesman, you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, let us put it so. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Good heavens, do you see anything so wonderful in that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes and no--Mrs. Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" You have assuredly no reason to. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, reasons-- [Watching him closely.] And George Tesman--after all, you must admit that he is correctness itself. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" His correctness and respectability are beyond all question. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And I don't see anything absolutely ridiculous about him.--Do you? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Ridiculous? N--no--I shouldn't exactly say so-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Looks at her hesitatingly.] I thought that you, like every one else, expected him to attain the highest distinction. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No--if you look at it in that light-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" It was more than my other adorers were prepared to do for me, my dear Judge. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Jestingly.] Oh, I assure you I have never cherished any hopes with respect to you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="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-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of the master of the house, do you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="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 the parties, let me tell you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I have many a time longed for some one to make a third on our travels. Oh--those railway-carriage _tete-a-tetes_--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Fortunately your wedding journey is over now. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Shaking her head.] Not by a long--long way. I have only arrived at a station on the line. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, then the passengers jump out and move about a little, Mrs. Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I never jump out. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Really? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No--because there is always some one standing by to-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Laughing.] To look at your ankles, do you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Precisely. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well but, dear me-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="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 _tete-a-tete_. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" But suppose a third person were to jump in and join the couple. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Ah--that is quite another matter! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" A trusted, sympathetic friend-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" --with a fund of conversation on all sorts of lively topics-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" --and not the least bit of a specialist! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [With an audible sigh.] Yes, that would be a relief indeed. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Hears the front door open, and glances in that direction.] The triangle is completed. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Half aloud.] And on goes the train. GEORGE TESMAN, in a grey walking-suit, with a soft felt hat, enters from the hall. He has a number of unbound books under his arm and in his pockets. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Goes up to the table beside the corner settee.] Ouf--what a load for a warm day--all these books. [Lays them on the table.] I'm positively perspiring, Hedda. Hallo--are you there already, my dear Judge? Eh? Berta didn't tell me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Rising.] I came in through the garden. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What books have you got there? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Stands looking them through.] Some new books on my special subjects --quite indispensable to me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Your special subjects? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, books on his special subjects, Mrs. Tesman. [BRACK and HEDDA exchange a confidential smile. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Do you need still more books on your special subjects? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, my dear Hedda, one can never have too many of them. Of course one must keep up with all that is written and published. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I suppose one must. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Searching among his books.] And look here--I have got hold of Eilert Lovborg's new book too. [Offering it to her.] Perhaps you would like to glance through it, Hedda? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, thank you. Or rather--afterwards perhaps. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I looked into it a little on the way home. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, what do you think of it--as a specialist? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I think it shows quite remarkable soundness of judgment. He never wrote like that before. [Putting the books together.] Now I shall take all these into my study. I'm longing to cut the leaves--! And then I must change my clothes. [To BRACK.] I suppose we needn't start just yet? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Oh, dear no--there is not the slightest hurry. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well then, I will take my time. [Is going with his books, but stops in the doorway and turns.] By-the-bye, Hedda--Aunt Julia is not coming this evening. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Not coming? Is it that affair of the bonnet that keeps her away? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, not at all. How could you think such a thing of Aunt Julia? Just fancy--! The fact is, Aunt Rina is very ill. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" She always is. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, but to-day she is much worse than usual, poor dear. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, then it's only natural that her sister should remain with her. I must bear my disappointment. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And you can't imagine, dear, how delighted Aunt Julia seemed to be-- because you had come home looking so flourishing! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Half aloud, rising.] Oh, those everlasting Aunts! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Going to the glass door.] Nothing. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, all right. [He goes through the inner room, out to the right. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" What bonnet were you talking about? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, it was a little episode with Miss Tesman this morning. She had laid down her bonnet on the chair there--[Looks at him and smiles.]--and I pretended to think it was the servant's. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Shaking his head.] Now my dear Mrs. Hedda, how could you do such a thing? To the excellent old lady, too! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Nervously crossing the room.] Well, you see--these impulses come over me all of a sudden; and I cannot resist them. [Throws herself down in the easy-chair by the stove.] Oh, I don't know how to explain it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Behind the easy-chair.] You are not really happy--that is at the bottom of it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looking straight before her.] I know of no reason why I should be-- happy. Perhaps you can give me one? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well-amongst other things, because you have got exactly the home you had set your heart on. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks up at him and laughs.] Do you too believe in that legend? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Is there nothing in it, then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh yes, there is something in it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" There is this in it, that I made use of Tesman to see me home from evening parties last summer-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I, unfortunately, had to go quite a different way. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" That's true. I know you were going a different way last summer. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Laughing.] Oh fie, Mrs. Hedda! Well, then--you and Tesman--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, we happened to pass here one evening; Tesman, poor fellow, was writhing in the agony of having to find conversation; so I took pity on the learned man-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Smiles doubtfully.] You took pity? H'm-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I really did. And so--to help him out of his torment--I happened to say, in pure thoughtlessness, that I should like to live in this villa. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No more than that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Not that evening. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" But afterwards? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, my thoughtlessness had consequences, my dear Judge. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Unfortunately that too often happens, Mrs. Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Thanks! So you see it was this enthusiasm for Secretary Falk's villa that first constituted a bond of sympathy between George Tesman and me. From that came our engagement and our marriage, and our wedding journey, and all the rest of it. Well, well, my dear Judge--as you make your bed so you must lie, I could almost say. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" This is exquisite! And you really cared not a rap about it all the time? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, heaven knows I didn't. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" But now? Now that we have made it so homelike for you? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Uh--the rooms all seem to smell of lavender and dried rose-leaves.--But perhaps it's Aunt Julia that has brought that scent with her. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Laughing.] No, I think it must be a legacy from the late Mrs. Secretary Falk. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, there is an odour of mortality about it. It reminds me of a bouquet--the day after the ball. [Clasps her hands behind her head, leans back in her chair and looks at him.] Oh, my dear Judge--you cannot imagine how horribly I shall bore myself here. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Why should not you, too, find some sort of vocation in life, Mrs. Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" A vocation--that should attract me? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" If possible, of course. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Heaven knows what sort of a vocation that could be. I often wonder whether-- [Breaking off.] But that would never do either. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Who can tell? Let me hear what it is. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Whether I might not get Tesman to go into politics, I mean. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Laughing.] Tesman? No really now, political life is not the thing for him--not at all in his line. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, I daresay not.--But if I could get him into it all the same? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Why--what satisfaction could you find in that? If he is not fitted for that sort of thing, why should you want to drive him into it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Because I am bored, I tell you! [After a pause.] So you think it quite out of the question that Tesman should ever get into the ministry? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" H'm--you see, my dear Mrs. Hedda--to get into the ministry, he would have to be a tolerably rich man. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Rising impatiently.] Yes, there we have it! It is this genteel poverty I have managed to drop into--! [Crosses the room.] That is what makes life so pitiable! So utterly ludicrous!--For that's what it is. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Now _I_ should say the fault lay elsewhere. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Where, then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" You have never gone through any really stimulating experience. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Anything serious, you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, you may call it so. But now you may perhaps have one in store. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Tossing her head.] Oh, you're thinking of the annoyances about this wretched professorship! But that must be Tesman's own affair. I assure you I shall not waste a thought upon it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No, no, I daresay not. But suppose now that what people call--in elegant language--a solemn responsibility were to come upon you? [Smiling.] A new responsibility, Mrs. Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Angrily.] Be quiet! Nothing of that sort will ever happen! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Warily.] We will speak of this again a year hence--at the very outside. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Curtly.] I have no turn for anything of the sort, Judge Brack. No responsibilities for me! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Are you so unlike the generality of women as to have no turn for duties which--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Beside the glass door.] Oh, be quiet, I tell you!--I often think there is only one thing in the world I have any turn for. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Drawing near to her.] And what is that, if I may ask? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Stands looking out.] Boring myself to death. Now you know it. [Turns, looks towards the inner room, and laughs.] Yes, as I thought! Here comes the Professor. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Softly, in a tone of warning.] Come, come, come, Mrs. Hedda! GEORGE TESMAN, dressed for the party, with his gloves and hat in his hand, enters from the right through the inner room. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Hedda, has no message come from Eilert Lovborg? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Then you'll see he'll be here presently. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Do you really think he will come? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, I am almost sure of it. For what you were telling us this morning must have been a mere floating rumour. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" You think so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" At any rate, Aunt Julia said she did not believe for a moment that he would ever stand in my way again. Fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well then, that's all right. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Placing his hat and gloves on a chair on the right.] Yes, but you must really let me wait for him as long as possible. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" We have plenty of time yet. None of my guests will arrive before seven or half-past. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Then meanwhile we can keep Hedda company, and see what happens. Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Placing BRACK'S hat and overcoat upon the corner settee.] And at the worst Mr. Lovborg can remain here with me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Offering to take his things.] Oh, allow me, Mrs. Tesman!--What do you mean by "At the worst"? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" If he won't go with you and Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Looks dubiously at her.] But, Hedda dear--do you think it would quite do for him to remain here with you? Eh? Remember, Aunt Julia can't come. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, but Mrs. Elvsted is coming. We three can have a cup of tea together. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh yes, that will be all right. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Smiling.] And that would perhaps be the safest plan for him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Why so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, you know, Mrs. Tesman, how you used to gird at my little bachelor parties. You declared they were adapted only for men of the strictest principles. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But no doubt Mr. Lovborg's principles are strict enough now. A converted sinner-- [BERTA appears at the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" There's a gentleman asking if you are at home, ma'am-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, show him in. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Softly.] I'm sure it is he! Fancy that! EILERT LOVBORG enters from the hall. He is slim and lean; of the same age as TESMAN, but looks older and somewhat worn-out. His hair and beard are of a blackish brown, his face long and pale, but with patches of colour on the cheeks. He is dressed in a well-cut black visiting suit, quite new. He has dark gloves and a silk hat. He stops near the door, and makes a rapid bow, seeming somewhat embarrassed. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Goes up to him and shakes him warmly by the hand.] Well, my dear Eilert--so at last we meet again! :::

:::dialogue speaker="EILERT LOVBORG" [Speaks in a subdued voice.] Thanks for your letter, Tesman. [Approaching HEDDA.] Will you too shake hands with me, Mrs. Tesman? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Taking his hand.] I am glad to see you, Mr. Lovborg. [With a motion of her hand.] I don't know whether you two gentlemen--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Bowing slightly.] Judge Brack, I think. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Doing likewise.] Oh yes,--in the old days-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [To LOVBORG, with his hands on his shoulders.] And now you must make yourself entirely at home, Eilert! Mustn't he, Hedda?--For I hear you are going to settle in town again? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, I am. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Quite right, quite right. Let me tell you, I have got hold of your new ## book; but I haven't had time to read it yet. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" You may spare yourself the trouble. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Because there is very little in it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Just fancy--how can you say so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" But it has been very much praised, I hear. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" That was what I wanted; so I put nothing into the book but what every one would agree with. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Very wise of you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well but, my dear Eilert--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" For now I mean to win myself a position again--to make a fresh start. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [A little embarrassed.] Ah, that is what you wish to do? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Smiling, lays down his hat, and draws a packet wrapped in paper, from his coat pocket.] But when this one appears, George Tesman, you will have to read it. For this is the real book--the book I have put my true self into. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Indeed? And what is it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" It is the continuation. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" The continuation? Of what? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Of the book. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Of the new book? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Of course. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, my dear Eilert--does it not come down to our own days? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, it does; and this one deals with the future. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" With the future! But, good heavens, we know nothing of the future! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" No; but there is a thing or two to be said about it all the same. [Opens the packet.] Look here-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, that's not your handwriting. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I dictated it. [Turning over the pages.] It falls into two sections. The first deals with the civilising forces of the future. And here is the second--[running through the pages towards the end]--forecasting the probable line of development. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" How odd now! I should never have thought of writing anything of that sort. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [At the glass door, drumming on the pane.] H'm--. I daresay not. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Replacing the manuscript in its paper and laying the packet on the table.] I brought it, thinking I might read you a little of it this evening. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" That was very good of you, Eilert. But this evening--? [Looking back at BRACK.] I don't see how we can manage it-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Well then, some other time. There is no hurry. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I must tell you, Mr. Lovborg--there is a little gathering at my house this evening--mainly in honour of Tesman, you know-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looking for his hat.] Oh--then I won't detain you-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No, but listen--will you not do me the favour of joining us? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Curtly and decidedly.] No, I can't--thank you very much. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Oh, nonsense--do! We shall be quite a select little circle. And I assure you we shall have a "lively time," as Mrs. Hed--as Mrs. Tesman says. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I have no doubt of it. But nevertheless-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" And then you might bring your manuscript with you, and read it to Tesman at my house. I could give you a room to yourselves. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, think of that, Eilert,--why shouldn't you? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Interposing.] But, Tesman, if Mr. Lovborg would really rather not! I am sure Mr. Lovborg is much more inclined to remain here and have supper with me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looking at her.] With you, Mrs. Tesman? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And with Mrs. Elvsted. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Ah-- [Lightly.] I saw her for a moment this morning. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Did you? Well, she is coming this evening. So you see you are almost bound to remain, Mr. Lovborg, or she will have no one to see her home. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" That's true. Many thanks, Mrs. Tesman--in that case I will remain. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Then I have one or two orders to give the servant-- [She goes to the hall door and rings. BERTA enters. HEDDA talks to her in a whisper, and points towards the inner room. BERTA nods and goes out again. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [At the same time, to LOVBORG.] Tell me, Eilert--is it this new subject--the future--that you are going to lecture about? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" They told me at the bookseller's that you are going to deliver a course of lectures this autumn. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" That is my intention. I hope you won't take it ill, Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh no, not in the least! But--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I can quite understand that it must be very disagreeable to you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Cast down.] Oh, I can't expect you, out of consideration for me, to-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" But I shall wait till you have received your appointment. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Will you wait? Yes but--yes but--are you not going to compete with me? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" No; it is only the moral victory I care for. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, bless me--then Aunt Julia was right after all! Oh yes--I knew it! Hedda! Just fancy--Eilert Lovborg is not going to stand in our way! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Curtly.] Our way? Pray leave me out of the question. [She goes up towards the inner room, where BERTA is placing a tray with decanters and glasses on the table. HEDDA nods approval, and comes forward again. BERTA goes out. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [At the same time.] And you, Judge Brack--what do you say to this? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, I say that a moral victory--h'm--may be all very fine-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, certainly. But all the same-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looking at TESMAN with a cold smile.] You stand there looking as if you were thunderstruck-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes--so I am--I almost think-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Don't you see, Mrs. Tesman, a thunderstorm has just passed over? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Pointing towards the room.] Will you not take a glass of cold punch, gentlemen? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Looking at his watch.] A stirrup-cup? Yes, it wouldn't come amiss. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" A capital idea, Hedda! Just the thing! Now that the weight has been taken off my mind-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Will you not join them, Mr. Lovborg? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [With a gesture of refusal.] No, thank you. Nothing for me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Why bless me--cold punch is surely not poison. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Perhaps not for everyone. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I will keep Mr. Lovborg company in the meantime. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, yes, Hedda dear, do. [He and BRACK go into the inner room, seat themselves, drink punch, smoke cigarettes, and carry on a lively conversation during what follows. EILERT LOVBORG remains standing beside the stove. HEDDA goes to the writing-table. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Raising her voice a little.] Do you care to look at some photographs, Mr. Lovborg? You know Tesman and I made a tour in the Tyrol on our way home? [She takes up an album, and places it on the table beside the sofa, in the further corner of which she seats herself. EILERT LOVBORG approaches, stops, and looks at her. Then he takes a chair and seats himself to her left. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Opening the album.] Do you see this range of mountains, Mr. Lovborg? It's the Ortler group. Tesman has written the name underneath. Here it is: "The Ortler group near Meran." :::

**LOVBORG:**

:::stage Who has never taken his eyes off her, says softly and slowly: :::

Hedda--Gabler!

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Glancing hastily at him.] Ah! Hush! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Repeats softly.] Hedda Gabler! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looking at the album.] That was my name in the old days--when we two knew each other. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" And I must teach myself never to say Hedda Gabler again--never, as long as I live. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Still turning over the pages.] Yes, you must. And I think you ought to practise in time. The sooner the better, I should say. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [In a tone of indignation.] Hedda Gabler married? And married to-- George Tesman! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes--so the world goes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Oh, Hedda, Hedda--how could you(9) throw yourself away! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks sharply at him.] What? I can't allow this! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" What do you mean? [TESMAN comes into the room and goes towards the sofa. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Hears him coming and says in an indifferent tone.] And this is a view from the Val d'Ampezzo, Mr. Lovborg. Just look at these peaks! [Looks affectionately up at TESMAN.] What's the name of these curious peaks, dear? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Let me see. Oh, those are the Dolomites. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, that's it!--Those are the Dolomites, Mr. Lovborg. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Hedda, dear,--I only wanted to ask whether I shouldn't bring you a little punch after all? For yourself at any rate--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, do, please; and perhaps a few biscuits. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No cigarettes? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Very well. [He goes into the inner room and out to the right. BRACK sits in the inner room, and keeps an eye from time to time on HEDDA and LOVBORG. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Softly, as before.] Answer me, Hedda--how could you go and do this? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Apparently absorbed in the album.] If you continue to say _du_ to me I won't talk to you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" May I not say _du_ even when we are alone? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No. You may think it; but you mustn't say it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Ah, I understand. It is an offence against George Tesman, whom you(10)--love. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Glances at him and smiles.] Love? What an idea! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" You don't love him then! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But I won't hear of any sort of unfaithfulness! Remember that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Hedda--answer me one thing-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Hush! [TESMAN enters with a small tray from the inner room. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Here you are! Isn't this tempting? [He puts the tray on the table. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Why do you bring it yourself? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Filling the glasses.] Because I think it's such fun to wait upon you, Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But you have poured out two glasses. Mr. Lovborg said he wouldn't have any-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, but Mrs. Elvsted will soon be here, won't she? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, by-the-bye--Mrs. Elvsted-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Had you forgotten her? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" We were so absorbed in these photographs. [Shows him a picture.] Do you remember this little village? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, it's that one just below the Brenner Pass. It was there we passed the night-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" --and met that lively party of tourists. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, that was the place. Fancy--if we could only have had you with us, Eilert! Eh? [He returns to the inner room and sits beside BRACK. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Answer me one thing, Hedda-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Was there no love in your friendship for me either? Not a spark--not a tinge of love in it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I wonder if there was? To me it seems as though we were two good comrades--two thoroughly intimate friends. [Smilingly.] You especially were frankness itself. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" It was you that made me so. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" As I look back upon it all, I think there was really something beautiful, something fascinating--something daring--in--in that secret intimacy--that comradeship which no living creature so much as dreamed of. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, yes, Hedda! Was there not?--When I used to come to your father's in the afternoon--and the General sat over at the window reading his papers--with his back towards us-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And we two on the corner sofa-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Always with the same illustrated paper before us-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" For want of an album, yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, Hedda, and when I made my confessions to you--told you about myself, things that at that time no one else knew! There I would sit and tell you of my escapades--my days and nights of devilment. Oh, Hedda--what was the power in you that forced me to confess these things? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Do you think it was any power in me? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" How else can I explain it? And all those--those roundabout questions you used to put to me-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Which you understood so particularly well-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" How could you sit and question me like that? Question me quite frankly-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" In roundabout terms, please observe. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, but frankly nevertheless. Cross-question me about--all that sort of thing? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And how could you answer, Mr. Lovborg? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, that is just what I can't understand--in looking back upon it. But tell me now, Hedda--was there not love at the bottom of our friendship? On your side, did you not feel as though you might purge my stains away--if I made you my confessor? Was it not so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, not quite. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" What was you motive, then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Do think it quite incomprehensible that a young girl--when it can be done--without any one knowing-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Well? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" --should be glad to have a peep, now and then, into a world which--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Which--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" --which she is forbidden to know anything about? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" So that was it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Partly. Partly--I almost think. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Comradeship in the thirst for life. But why should not that, at any rate, have continued? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" The fault was yours. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" It was you that broke with me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, when our friendship threatened to develop into something more serious. Shame upon you, Eilert Lovborg! How could you think of wronging your--your frank comrade. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Clenches his hands.] Oh, why did you not carry out your threat? Why did you not shoot me down? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Because I have such a dread of scandal. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, Hedda, you are a coward at heart. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" A terrible coward. [Changing her tone.] But it was a lucky thing for you. And now you have found ample consolation at the Elvsteds'. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I know what Thea has confided to you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And perhaps you have confided to her something about us? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Not a word. She is too stupid to understand anything of that sort. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Stupid? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" She is stupid about matters of that sort. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And I am cowardly. [Bends over towards him, without looking him in the face, and says more softly:] But now I will confide something to you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Eagerly.] Well? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" The fact that I dared not shoot you down-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" --that was not my arrant cowardice--that evening. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looks at her a moment, understands, and whispers passionately.] Oh, Hedda! Hedda Gabler! Now I begin to see a hidden reason beneath our comradeship! You(11) and I--! After all, then, it was your craving for life-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Softly, with a sharp glance.] Take care! Believe nothing of the sort! [Twilight has begun to fall. The hall door is opened from without by BERTA. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Closes the album with a bang and calls smilingly:] Ah, at last! My darling Thea,--come along! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS" ELVSTED enters from the hall. She is in evening dress. The door is closed behind her. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [On the sofa, stretches out her arms towards her.] My sweet Thea--you can't think how I have been longing for you! [MRS. ELVSTED, in passing, exchanges slight salutations with the gentlemen in the inner room, then goes up to the table and gives HEDDA her hand. EILERT LOVBORG has risen. He and :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS" ELVSTED greet each other with a silent nod. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Ought I to go in and talk to your husband for a moment? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, not at all. Leave those two alone. They will soon be going. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Are they going out? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, to a supper-party. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Quickly, to LOVBORG.] Not you? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" No. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Mr. Lovborg remains with us. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Takes a chair and is about to seat herself at his side.] Oh, how nice it is here! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, thank you, my little Thea! Not there! You'll be good enough to come over here to me. I will sit between you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, just as you please. [She goes round the table and seats herself on the sofa on HEDDA'S right. LOVBORG re-seats himself on his chair. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [After a short pause, to HEDDA.] Is not she lovely to look at? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Lightly stroking her hair.] Only to look at! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes. For we two--she and I--we are two real comrades. We have absolute faith in each other; so we can sit and talk with perfect frankness-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Not round about, Mr. Lovborg? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Well-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Softly clinging close to HEDDA.] Oh, how happy I am, Hedda! For only think, he says I have inspired him too. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks at her with a smile.] Ah! Does he say that, dear? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" And then she is so brave, Mrs. Tesman! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Good heavens--am I brave? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Exceedingly--where your comrade is concerned. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Ah, yes--courage! If one only had that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" What then? What do you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Then life would perhaps be liveable, after all. [With a sudden change of tone.] But now, my dearest Thea, you really must have a glass of cold punch. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, thanks--I never take anything of that kind. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well then, you, Mr. Lovborg. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Nor I, thank you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, he doesn't either. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks fixedly at him.] But if I say you shall? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" It would be of no use. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Laughing.] Then I, poor creature, have no sort of power over you? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Not in that respect. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But seriously, I think you ought to--for your own sake. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Why, Hedda--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" How so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Or rather on account of other people. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Indeed? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Otherwise people might be apt to suspect that--in your heart of hearts--you did not feel quite secure--quite confident in yourself. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Softly.] Oh please, Hedda--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" People may suspect what they like--for the present. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Joyfully.] Yes, let them! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I saw it plainly in Judge Brack's face a moment ago. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" What did you see? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" His contemptuous smile, when you dared not go with them into the inner room. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Dared not? Of course I preferred to stop here and talk to you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" What could be more natural, Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But the Judge could not guess that. And I say, too, the way he smiled and glanced at Tesman when you dared not accept his invitation to this wretched little supper-party of his. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Dared not! Do you say I dared not? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" _I_ don't say so. But that was how Judge Brack understood it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Well, let him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Then you are not going with them? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I will stay here with you and Thea. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, Hedda--how can you doubt that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Smiles and nods approvingly to LOVBORG.] Firm as a rock! Faithful to your principles, now and for ever! Ah, that is how a man should be! [Turns to MRS. ELVSTED and caresses her.] Well now, what did I tell you, when you came to us this morning in such a state of distraction-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Surprised.] Distraction! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Terrified.] Hedda--oh Hedda--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You can see for yourself! You haven't the slightest reason to be in such mortal terror-- [Interrupting herself.] There! Now we can all three enjoy ourselves! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Who has given a start.] Ah--what is all this, Mrs. Tesman? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh my God, Hedda! What are you saying? What are you doing? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Don't get excited! That horrid Judge Brack is sitting watching you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" So she was in mortal terror! On my account! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Softly and piteously.] Oh, Hedda--now you have ruined everything! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looks fixedly at her for a moment. His face is distorted.] So that was my comrade's frank confidence in me? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Imploringly.] Oh, my dearest friend--only let me tell you-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Takes one of the glasses of punch, raises it to his lips, and says in a low, husky voice.] Your health, Thea! [He empties the glass, puts it down, and takes the second. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Softly.] Oh, Hedda, Hedda--how could you do this? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" _I_ do it? _I_? Are you crazy? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Here's to your health too, Mrs. Tesman. Thanks for the truth. Hurrah for the truth! [He empties the glass and is about to re-fill it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Lays her hand on his arm.] Come, come--no more for the present. Remember you are going out to supper. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, no, no! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Hush! They are sitting watching you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Putting down the glass.] Now, Thea--tell me the truth-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Did your husband know that you had come after me? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Wringing her hands.] Oh, Hedda--do you hear what he is asking? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Was it arranged between you and him that you were to come to town and look after me? Perhaps it was the Sheriff himself that urged you to come? Aha, my dear--no doubt he wanted my help in his office! Or was it at the card-table that he missed me? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Softly, in agony.] Oh, Lovborg, Lovborg--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Seizes a glass and is on the point of filling it.] Here's a glass for the old Sheriff too! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Preventing him.] No more just now. Remember, you have to read your manuscript to Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Calmly, putting down the glass.] It was stupid of me all this. Thea--to take it in this way, I mean. Don't be angry with me, my dear, dear comrade. You shall see--both you and the others--that if I was fallen once--now I have risen again! Thanks to you, Thea. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Radiant with joy.] Oh, heaven be praised--! [BRACK has in the meantime looked at his watch. He and TESMAN rise and come into the drawing-room. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Takes his hat and overcoat.] Well, Mrs. Tesman, our time has come. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I suppose it has. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Rising.] Mine too, Judge Brack. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Softly and imploringly.] Oh, Lovborg, don't do it! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Pinching her arm.] They can hear you! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [With a suppressed shriek.] Ow! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [To BRACK.] You were good enough to invite me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="JUDGE BRACK" Well, are you coming after all? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, many thanks. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I'm delighted-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [To TESMAN, putting the parcel of MS. in his pocket.] I should like to show you one or two things before I send it to the printers. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Fancy--that will be delightful. But, Hedda dear, how is Mrs. Elvsted to get home? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, that can be managed somehow. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looking towards the ladies.] Mrs. Elvsted? Of course, I'll come again and fetch her. [Approaching.] At ten or thereabouts, Mrs. Tesman? Will that do? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Certainly. That will do capitally. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, then, that's all right. But you must not expect me so early, Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, you may stop as long--as long as ever you please. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Trying to conceal her anxiety.] Well then, Mr. Lovborg--I shall remain here until you come. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [With his hat in his hand.] Pray do, Mrs. Elvsted. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" And now off goes the excursion train, gentlemen! I hope we shall have a lively time, as a certain fair lady puts it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Ah, if only the fair lady could be present unseen--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Why unseen? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" In order to hear a little of your liveliness at first hand, Judge Brack. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Laughing.] I should not advise the fair lady to try it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Also laughing.] Come, you're a nice one Hedda! Fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, good-bye, good-bye, ladies. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Bowing.] About ten o'clock, then, [BRACK, LOVBORG, and TESMAN go out by the hall door. At the same time, BERTA enters from the inner room with a lighted lamp, which she places on the drawing-room table; she goes out by the way she came. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Who has risen and is wandering restlessly about the room.] Hedda-- Hedda--what will come of all this? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" At ten o'clock--he will be here. I can see him already--with vine-leaves in his hair--flushed and fearless-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, I hope he may. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And then, you see--then he will have regained control over himself. Then he will be a free man for all his days. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh God!--if he would only come as you see him now! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" He will come as I see him--so, and not otherwise! [Rises and approaches THEA.] You may doubt him as long as you please; _I_ believe in him. And now we will try-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" You have some hidden motive in this, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I have. I want for once in my life to have power to mould a human destiny. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Have you not the power? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I have not--and have never had it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Not your husband's? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Do you think that is worth the trouble? Oh, if you could only understand how poor I am. And fate has made you so rich! [Clasps her passionately in her arms.] I think I must burn your hair off after all. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Let me go! Let me go! I am afraid of you, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [In the middle doorway.] Tea is laid in the dining-room, ma'am. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Very well. We are coming :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, no, no! I would rather go home alone! At once! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Nonsense! First you shall have a cup of tea, you little stupid. And then--at ten o'clock--Eilert Lovborg will be here--with vine-leaves in his hair. [She drags MRS. ELVSTED almost by force to the middle doorway. :::

The room at the TESMANS'. The curtains are drawn over the middle doorway, and also over the glass door. The lamp, half turned down, and with a shade over it, is burning on the table. In the stove, the door of which stands open, there has been a fire, which is now nearly burnt out.

:::dialogue speaker="MRS" ELVSTED, wrapped in a large shawl, and with her feet upon a foot-rest, sits close to the stove, sunk back in the arm-chair. HEDDA, fully dressed, lies sleeping upon the sofa, with a sofa-blanket over her. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [After a pause, suddenly sits up in her chair, and listens eagerly. Then she sinks back again wearily, moaning to herself.] Not yet!--Oh God--oh God--not yet! BERTA slips cautiously in by the hall door. She has a letter in her hand. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Turns and whispers eagerly.] Well--has any one come? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [Softly.] Yes, a girl has just brought this letter. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Quickly, holding out her hand.] A letter! Give it to me! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" No, it's for Dr. Tesman, ma'am. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, indeed. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" It was Miss Tesman's servant that brought it. I'll lay it here on the table. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, do. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [Laying down the letter.] I think I had better put out the lamp. It's smoking. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, put it out. It must soon be daylight now. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [Putting out the lamp.] It is daylight already, ma'am. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, broad day! And no one come back yet--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Lord bless you, ma'am--I guessed how it would be. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" You guessed? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Yes, when I saw that a certain person had come back to town--and that he went off with them. For we've heard enough about that gentleman before now. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Don't speak so loud. You will waken Mrs. Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" [Looks towards the sofa and sighs.] No, no--let her sleep, poor thing. Shan't I put some wood on the fire? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Thanks, not for me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Oh, very well. [She goes softly out by the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Is wakened by the shutting of the door, and looks up.] What's that--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" It was only the servant. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looking about her.] Oh, we're here--! Yes, now I remember. [Sits erect upon the sofa, stretches herself, and rubs her eyes.] What o'clock is it, Thea? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Looks at her watch.] It's past seven. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" When did Tesman come home? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" He has not come. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Not come home yet? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Rising.] No one has come. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Think of our watching and waiting here till four in the morning-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Wringing her hands.] And how I watched and waited for him! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Yawns, and says with her hand before her mouth.] Well well--we might have spared ourselves the trouble. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Did you get a little sleep? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh yes; I believe I have slept pretty well. Have you not? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Not for a moment. I couldn't, Hedda!--not to save my life. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Rises and goes towards her.] There there there! There's nothing to be so alarmed about. I understand quite well what has happened. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Well, what do you think? Won't you tell me? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Why, of course it has been a very late affair at Judge Brack's-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes--that is clear enough. But all the same-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And then, you see, Tesman hasn't cared to come home and ring us up in the middle of the night. [Laughing.] Perhaps he wasn't inclined to show himself either--immediately after a jollification. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" But in that case--where can he have gone? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of course he has gone to his Aunts' and slept there. They have his old room ready for him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, he can't be with them for a letter has just come for him from Miss Tesman. There it lies. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Indeed? [Looks at the address.] Why yes, it's addressed in Aunt Julia's hand. Well then, he has remained at Judge Brack's. And as for Eilert Lovborg--he is sitting, with vine-leaves in his hair, reading his manuscript. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, Hedda, you are just saying things you don't believe a bit. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You really are a little blockhead, Thea. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh yes, I suppose I am. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And how mortally tired you look. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, I am mortally tired. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well then, you must do as I tell you. You must go into my room and lie down for a little while. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh no, no--I shouldn't be able to sleep. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I am sure you would. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Well, but you husband is certain to come soon now; and then I want to know at once-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I shall take care to let you know when he comes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Do you promise me, Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, rely upon me. Just you go in and have a sleep in the meantime. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Thanks; then I'll try. [She goes off to the inner room. [HEDDA goes up to the glass door and draws back the curtains. The broad daylight streams into the room. Then she takes a little hand-glass from the writing-table, looks at herself in it, and arranges her hair. Next she goes to the hall door and presses the bell-button. BERTA presently appears at the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Did you want anything, ma'am? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes; you must put some more wood in the stove. I am shivering. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Bless me--I'll make up the fire at once. [She rakes the embers together and lays a piece of wood upon them; then stops and listens.] That was a ring at the front door, ma'am. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Then go to the door. I will look after the fire. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" It'll soon burn up. [She goes out by the hall door. [HEDDA kneels on the foot-rest and lays some more pieces of wood in the stove. After a short pause, GEORGE TESMAN enters from the hall. He steals on tiptoe towards the middle doorway and is about to slip through the curtains. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [At the stove, without looking up.] Good morning. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Turns.] Hedda! [Approaching her.] Good heavens--are you up so early? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I am up very early this morning. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And I never doubted you were still sound asleep! Fancy that, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Don't speak so loud. Mrs. Elvsted is resting in my room. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Has Mrs. Elvsted been here all night? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, since no one came to fetch her. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Ah, to be sure. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Closes the door of the stove and rises.] Well, did you enjoy yourselves at Judge Brack's? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Have you been anxious about me? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, I should never think of being anxious. But I asked if you had enjoyed yourself. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh yes,--for once in a way. Especially the beginning of the evening; for then Eilert read me part of his book. We arrived more than an hour too early--fancy that! And Brack had all sorts of arrangements to make--so Eilert read to me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Seating herself by the table on the right.] Well? Tell me then-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Sitting on a footstool near the stove.] Oh, Hedda, you can't conceive what a book that is going to be! I believe it is one of the most remarkable things that have ever been written. Fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes yes; I don't care about that-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I must make a confession to you, Hedda. When he had finished reading--a horrid feeling came over me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" A horrid feeling? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I felt jealous of Eilert for having had it in him to write such a book. Only think, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, yes, I am thinking! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And then how pitiful to think that he--with all his gifts--should be irreclaimable, after all. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I suppose you mean that he has more courage than the rest? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, not at all--I mean that he is incapable of taking his pleasure in moderation. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And what came of it all--in the end? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, to tell the truth, I think it might best be described as an orgie, Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Had he vine-leaves in his hair? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Vine-leaves? No, I saw nothing of the sort. But he made a long, rambling speech in honour of the woman who had inspired him in his work--that was the phrase he used. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Did he name her? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, he didn't; but I can't help thinking he meant Mrs. Elvsted. You may be sure he did. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well--where did you part from him? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" On the way to town. We broke up--the last of us at any rate--all together; and Brack came with us to get a breath of fresh air. And then, you see, we agreed to take Eilert home; for he had had far more than was good for him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I daresay. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But now comes the strange part of it, Hedda; or, I should rather say, the melancholy part of it. I declare I am almost ashamed--on Eilert's account--to tell you-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, go on--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, as we were getting near town, you see, I happened to drop a little behind the others. Only for a minute or two--fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes yes yes, but--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And then, as I hurried after them--what do you think I found by the wayside? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, how should I know! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" You mustn't speak of it to a soul, Hedda! Do you hear! Promise me, for Eilert's sake. [Draws a parcel, wrapped in paper, from his coat pocket.] Fancy, dear--I found this. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Is not that the parcel he had with him yesterday? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, it is the whole of his precious, irreplaceable manuscript! And he had gone and lost it, and knew nothing about it. Only fancy, Hedda! So deplorably-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But why did you not give him back the parcel at once? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I didn't dare to--in the state he was then in-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Did you not tell any of the others that you had found it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, far from it! You can surely understand that, for Eilert's sake, I wouldn't do that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" So no one knows that Eilert Lovborg's manuscript is in your possession? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No. And no one must know it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Then what did you say to him afterwards? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I didn't talk to him again at all; for when we got in among the streets, he and two or three of the others gave us the slip and disappeared. Fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Indeed! They must have taken him home then. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, so it would appear. And Brack, too, left us. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And what have you been doing with yourself since? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, I and some of the others went home with one of the party, a jolly fellow, and took our morning coffee with him; or perhaps I should rather call it our night coffee--eh? But now, when I have rested a little, and given Eilert, poor fellow, time to have his sleep out, I must take this back to him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Holds out her hand for the packet.] No--don't give it to him! Not in such a hurry, I mean. Let me read it first. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, my dearest Hedda, I mustn't, I really mustn't. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You must not? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No--for you can imagine what a state of despair he will be in when he wakens and misses the manuscript. He has no copy of it, you must know! He told me so. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looking searchingly at him.] Can such a thing not be reproduced? Written over again? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, I don't think that would be possible. For the inspiration, you see-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, yes--I suppose it depends on that--[Lightly.] But, by-the-bye --here is a letter for you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Fancy--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Handing it to him.] It came early this morning. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" It's from Aunt Julia! What can it be? [He lays the packet on the other footstool, opens the letter, runs his eye through it, and jumps up.] Oh, Hedda--she says that poor Aunt Rina is dying! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, we were prepared for that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And that if I want to see her again, I must make haste. I'll run in to them at once. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Suppressing a smile.] Will you run? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, my dearest Hedda--if you could only make up your mind to come with me! Just think! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Rises and says wearily, repelling the idea.] No, no don't ask me. I will not look upon sickness and death. I loathe all sorts of ugliness. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, well, then--! [Bustling around.] My hat--? My overcoat--? Oh, in the hall--. I do hope I mayn't come too late, Hedda! Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, if you run-- [BERTA appears at the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Judge Brack is at the door, and wishes to know if he may come in. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" At this time! No, I can't possibly see him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But I can. [To BERTA.] Ask Judge Brack to come in. [BERTA goes out. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Quickly, whispering.] The parcel, Tesman! [She snatches it up from the stool. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, give it to me! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, no, I will keep it till you come back. [She goes to the writing-table and places it in the bookcase. TESMAN stands in a flurry of haste, and cannot get his gloves on. :::

JUDGE BRACK enters from the hall.

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Nodding to him.] You are an early bird, I must say. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, don't you think so! [To TESMAN.] Are you on the move, too? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, I must rush of to my aunts'. Fancy--the invalid one is lying at death's door, poor creature. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Dear me, is she indeed? Then on no account let me detain you. At such a critical moment-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, I must really rush-- Good-bye! Good-bye! [He hastens out by the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Approaching.] You seem to have made a particularly lively night of it at your rooms, Judge Brack. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I assure you I have not had my clothes off, Mrs. Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Not you, either? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No, as you may see. But what has Tesman been telling you of the night's adventures? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, some tiresome story. Only that they went and had coffee somewhere or other. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I have heard about that coffee-party already. Eilert Lovborg was not with them, I fancy? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, they had taken him home before that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Tesman too? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, but some of the others, he said. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Smiling.] George Tesman is really an ingenuous creature, Mrs. Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, heaven knows he is. Then is there something behind all this? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, perhaps there may be. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well then, sit down, my dear Judge, and tell your story in comfort. [She seats herself to the left of the table. BRACK sits near her, at the long side of the table. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Now then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I had special reasons for keeping track of my guests--last night. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of Eilert Lovborg among the rest, perhaps? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Frankly, yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Now you make me really curious-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Do you know where he and one or two of the others finished the night, Mrs. Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" If it is not quite unmentionable, tell me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Oh no, it's not at all unmentionable. Well, they put in an appearance at a particularly animated soiree. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of the lively kind? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Of the very liveliest-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Tell me more of this, Judge Brack-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Lovborg, as well as the others, had been invited in advance. I knew all about it. But he had declined the invitation; for now, as you know, he has become a new man. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Up at the Elvsteds', yes. But he went after all, then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, you see, Mrs. Hedda--unhappily the spirit moved him at my rooms last evening-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I hear he found inspiration. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Pretty violent inspiration. Well, I fancy that altered his purpose; for we menfolk are unfortunately not always so firm in our principles as we ought to be. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, I am sure you are an exception, Judge Brack. But as to Lovborg--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" To make a long story short--he landed at last in Mademoiselle Diana's rooms. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Mademoiselle Diana's? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" It was Mademoiselle Diana that was giving the soiree, to a select circle of her admirers and her lady friends. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Is she a red-haired woman? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Precisely. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" A sort of a--singer? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Oh yes--in her leisure moments. And moreover a mighty huntress--of men--Mrs. Hedda. You have no doubt heard of her. Eilert Lovborg was one of her most enthusiastic protectors--in the days of his glory. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And how did all this end? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Far from amicably, it appears. After a most tender meeting, they seem to have come to blows-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Lovborg and she? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes. He accused her or her friends of having robbed him. He declared that his pocket-book had disappeared--and other things as well. In short, he seems to have made a furious disturbance. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And what came of it all? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" It came to a general scrimmage, in which the ladies as well as the gentlemen took part. Fortunately the police at last appeared on the ## scene. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" The police too? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes. I fancy it will prove a costly frolic for Eilert Lovborg, crazy being that he is. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" How so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" He seems to have made a violent resistance--to have hit one of the constables on the head and torn the coat off his back. So they had to march him off to the police-station with the rest. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" How have you learnt all this? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" From the police themselves. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Gazing straight before her.] So that is what happened. Then he had no vine-leaves in his hair. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Vine-leaves, Mrs. Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Changing her tone.] But tell me now, Judge--what is your real reason for tracking out Eilert Lovborg's movements so carefully? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" In the first place, it could not be entirely indifferent to me if it should appear in the police-court that he came straight from my house. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Will the matter come into court then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Of course. However, I should scarcely have troubled so much about that. But I thought that, as a friend of the family, it was my duty to supply you and Tesman with a full account of his nocturnal exploits. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Why so, Judge Brack? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Why, because I have a shrewd suspicion that he intends to use you as a sort of blind. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, how can you think such a thing! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Good heavens, Mrs. Hedda--we have eyes in our head. Mark my words! This Mrs. Elvsted will be in no hurry to leave town again. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, even if there should be anything between them, I suppose there are plenty of other places where they could meet. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Not a single home. Henceforth, as before, every respectable house will be closed against Eilert Lovborg. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And so ought mine to be, you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes. I confess it would be more than painful to me if this personage were to be made free of your house. How superfluous, how intrusive, he would be, if he were to force his way into-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" --into the triangle? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Precisely. It would simply mean that I should find myself homeless. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks at him with a smile.] So you want to be the one cock in the basket(12)--that is your aim. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Nods slowly and lowers his voice.] Yes, that is my aim. And for that I will fight--with every weapon I can command. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Her smile vanishing.] I see you are a dangerous person--when it comes to the point. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Do you think so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I am beginning to think so. And I am exceedingly glad to think--that you have no sort of hold over me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Laughing equivocally.] Well well, Mrs. Hedda--perhaps you are right there. If I had, who knows what I might be capable of? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Come come now, Judge Brack! That sounds almost like a threat. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Rising.] Oh, not at all! The triangle, you know, ought, if possible, to be spontaneously constructed. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" There I agree with you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, now I have said all I had to say; and I had better be getting back to town. Good-bye, Mrs. Hedda. [He goes towards the glass door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Rising.] Are you going through the garden? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, it's a short cut for me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And then it is a back way, too. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Quite so. I have no objection to back ways. They may be piquant enough at times. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" When there is ball practice going on, you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [In the doorway, laughing to her.] Oh, people don't shoot their tame poultry, I fancy. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Also laughing.] Oh no, when there is only one cock in the basket-- [They exchange laughing nods of farewell. He goes. She closes the door behind him. [HEDDA, who has become quite serious, stands for a moment looking out. Presently she goes and peeps through the curtain over the middle doorway. Then she goes to the writing-table, takes LOVBORG'S packet out of the bookcase, and is on the point of looking through its contents. BERTA is heard speaking loudly in the hall. HEDDA turns and listens. Then she hastily locks up the packet in the drawer, and lays the key on the inkstand. EILERT LOVBORG, with his greatcoat on and his hat in his hand, tears open the hall door. He looks somewhat confused and irritated. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looking towards the hall.] and I tell you I must and will come in! There! [He closes the door, turns, sees HEDDA, at once regains his self- control, and bows. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [At the writing-table.] Well, Mr Lovborg, this is rather a late hour to call for Thea. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" You mean rather an early hour to call on you. Pray pardon me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" How do you know that she is still here? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" They told me at her lodgings that she had been out all night. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Going to the oval table.] Did you notice anything about the people of the house when they said that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looks inquiringly at her.] Notice anything about them? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I mean, did they seem to think it odd? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Suddenly understanding.] Oh yes, of course! I am dragging her down with me! However, I didn't notice anything.--I suppose Tesman is not up yet. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No--I think not-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" When did he come home? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Very late. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Did he tell you anything? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I gathered that you had had an exceedingly jolly evening at Judge Brack's. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Nothing more? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I don't think so. However, I was so dreadfully sleepy-- :::

**MRS:** ELVSTED enters through the curtains of the middle doorway.

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Going towards him.] Ah, Lovborg! At last--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, at last. And too late! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Looks anxiously at him.] What is too late? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Everything is too late now. It is all over with me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh no, no--don't say that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" You will say the same when you hear-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" I won't hear anything! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Perhaps you would prefer to talk to her alone? If so, I will leave you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" No, stay--you too. I beg you to stay. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, but I won't hear anything, I tell you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" It is not last night's adventures that I want to talk about. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" What is it then--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I want to say that now our ways must part. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" ## Part! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Involuntarily.] I knew it! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" You can be of no more service to me, Thea. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" How can you stand there and say that! No more service to you! Am I not to help you now, as before? Are we not to go on working together? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Henceforward I shall do no work. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Despairingly.] Then what am I to do with my life? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" You must try to live your life as if you had never known me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" But you know I cannot do that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Try if you cannot, Thea. You must go home again-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [In vehement protest.] Never in this world! Where you are, there will I be also! I will not let myself be driven away like this! I will remain here! I will be with you when the book appears. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Half aloud, in suspense.] Ah yes--the book! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looks at her.] My book and Thea's; for that is what it is. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, I feel that it is. And that is why I have a right to be with you when it appears! I will see with my own eyes how respect and honour pour in upon you afresh. And the happiness--the happiness--oh, I must share it with you! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Thea--our book will never appear. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Ah! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Never appear! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Can never appear. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [In agonised foreboding.] Lovborg--what have you done with the manuscript? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks anxiously at him.] Yes, the manuscript--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Where is it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" The manuscript--. Well then--I have torn the manuscript into a thousand pieces. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Shrieks.] Oh no, no--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Involuntarily.] But that's not-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looks at her.] Not true, you think? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Collecting herself.] Oh well, of course--since you say so. But it sounded so improbable-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" It is true, all the same. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Wringing her hands.] Oh God--oh God, Hedda--torn his own work to pieces! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I have torn my own life to pieces. So why should I not tear my life-work too--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" And you did this last night? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, I tell you! Tore it into a thousand pieces--and scattered them on the fiord--far out. There there is cool sea-water at any rate--let them drift upon it--drift with the current and the wind. And then presently they will sink--deeper and deeper--as I shall, Thea. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Do you know, Lovborg, that what you have done with the book--I shall think of it to my dying day as though you had killed a little child. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, you are right. It is a sort of child-murder. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" How could you, then--! Did not the child belong to me too? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Almost inaudibly.] Ah, the child-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Breathing heavily.] It is all over then. Well well, now I will go, Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But you are not going away from town? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, I don't know what I shall do. I see nothing but darkness before me. [She goes out by the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Stands waiting for a moment.] So you are not going to see her home, Mr. Lovborg? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I? Through the streets? Would you have people see her walking with me? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of course I don't know what else may have happened last night. But is it so utterly irretrievable? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" It will not end with last night--I know that perfectly well. And the thing is that now I have no taste for that sort of life either. I won't begin it anew. She has broken my courage and my power of braving life out. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looking straight before her.] So that pretty little fool has had her fingers in a man's destiny. [Looks at him.] But all the same, how could you treat her so heartlessly. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Oh, don't say that I was heartless! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" To go and destroy what has filled her whole soul for months and years! You do not call that heartless! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" To you I can tell the truth, Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" The truth? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" First promise me--give me your word--that what I now confide in you Thea shall never know. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I give you my word. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Good. Then let me tell you that what I said just now was untrue. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" About the manuscript? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes. I have not torn it to pieces--nor thrown it into the fiord. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, no--. But--where is it then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I have destroyed it none the less--utterly destroyed it, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I don't understand. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Thea said that what I had done seemed to her like a child-murder. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, so she said. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" But to kill his child--that is not the worst thing a father can do to it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Not the worst? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Suppose now, Hedda, that a man--in the small hours of the morning--came home to his child's mother after a night of riot and debauchery, and said: "Listen--I have been here and there--in this place and in that. And I have taken our child with--to this place and to that. And I have lost the child--utterly lost it. The devil knows into what hands it may have fallen--who may have had their clutches on it." :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well--but when all is said and done, you know--this was only a book-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Thea's pure soul was in that book. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, so I understand. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" And you can understand, too, that for her and me together no future is possible. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What path do you mean to take then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" None. I will only try to make an end of it all--the sooner the better. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [A step nearer him.] Eilert Lovborg--listen to me.--Will you not try to--to do it beautifully? :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Beautifully? [Smiling.] With vine-leaves in my hair, as you used to dream in the old days--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, no. I have lost my faith in the vine-leaves. But beautifully nevertheless! For once in a way!--Good-bye! You must go now--and do not come here any more. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Good-bye, Mrs. Tesman. And give George Tesman my love. [He is on the point of going. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, wait! I must give you a memento to take with you. [She goes to the writing-table and opens the drawer and the pistol-case; then returns to LOVBORG with one of the pistols. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looks at her.] This? Is this the memento? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Nodding slowly.] Do you recognise it? It was aimed at you once. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" You should have used it then. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Take it--and do you use it now. :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Puts the pistol in his breast pocket.] Thanks! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And beautifully, Eilert Lovborg. Promise me that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Good-bye, Hedda Gabler. [He goes out by the hall door. [HEDDA listens for a moment at the door. Then she goes up to the writing-table, takes out the packet of manuscript, peeps under the cover, draws a few of the sheets half out, and looks at them. Next she goes over and seats herself in the arm-chair beside the stove, with the packet in her lap. Presently she opens the stove door, and then the packet. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Throws one of the quires into the fire and whispers to herself.] Now I am burning your child, Thea!--Burning it, curly-locks! [Throwing one or two more quires into the stove.] Your child and Eilert Lovborg's. [Throws the rest in.] I am burning--I am burning your child. :::

The same rooms at the TESMANS'. It is evening. The drawing- room is in darkness. The back room is lighted by the hanging lamp over the table. The curtains over the glass door are drawn close. HEDDA, dressed in black, walks to and fro in the dark room. Then she goes into the back room and disappears for a moment to the left. She is heard to strike a few chords on the piano. Presently she comes in sight again, and returns to the drawing-room. BERTA enters from the right, through the inner room, with a lighted lamp, which she places on the table in front of the corner settee in the drawing-room. Her eyes are red with weeping, and she has black ribbons in her cap. She goes quietly and circumspectly out to the right. HEDDA goes up to the glass door, lifts the curtain a little aside, and looks out into the darkness. Shortly afterwards, MISS TESMAN, in mourning, with a bonnet and veil on, comes in from the hall.

HEDDA goes towards her and holds out her hand.

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, Hedda, here I am, in mourning and forlorn; for now my poor sister has at last found peace. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I have heard the news already, as you see. Tesman sent me a card. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, he promised me he would. But nevertheless I thought that to Hedda--here in the house of life--I ought myself to bring the tidings of death. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" That was very kind of you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Ah, Rina ought not to have left us just now. This is not the time for Hedda's house to be a house of mourning. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Changing the subject.] She died quite peacefully, did she not, Miss Tesman? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, her end was so calm, so beautiful. And then she had the unspeakable happiness of seeing George once more--and bidding him good-bye.--Has he not come home yet? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No. He wrote that he might be detained. But won't you sit down? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" No thank you, my dear, dear Hedda. I should like to, but I have so much to do. I must prepare my dear one for her rest as well as I can. She shall go to her grave looking her best. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Can I not help you in any way? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, you must not think of it! Hedda Tesman must have no hand in such mournful work. Nor let her thought dwell on it either--not at this time. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" One is not always mistress of one's thoughts-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" [Continuing.] Ah yes, it is the way of the world. At home we shall be sewing a shroud; and here there will soon be sewing too, I suppose--but of another sort, thank God! :::

GEORGE TESMAN enters by the hall door.

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Ah, you have come at last! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" You here, Aunt Julia? With Hedda? Fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" I was just going, my dear boy. Well, have you done all you promised? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No; I'm really afraid I have forgotten half of it. I must come to you again to-morrow. To-day my brain is all in a whirl. I can't keep my thoughts together. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Why, my dear George, you mustn't take it in this way. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Mustn't--? How do you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Even in your sorrow you must rejoice, as I do--rejoice that she is at rest. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh yes, yes--you are thinking of Aunt Rina. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You will feel lonely now, Miss Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Just at first, yes. But that will not last very long, I hope. I daresay I shall soon find an occupant for Rina's little room. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Indeed? Who do you think will take it? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, there's always some poor invalid or other in want of nursing, unfortunately. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Would you really take such a burden upon you again? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" A burden! Heaven forgive you, child--it has been no burden to me. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But suppose you had a total stranger on your hands-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, one soon makes friends with sick folk; and it's such an absolute necessity for me to have some one to live for. Well, heaven be praised, there may soon be something in this house, too, to keep an old aunt busy. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, don't trouble about anything here. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, just fancy what a nice time we three might have together, if--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" If--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Uneasily.] Oh nothing. It will all come right. Let us hope so--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Well well, I daresay you two want to talk to each other. [Smiling.] And perhaps Hedda may have something to tell you too, George. Good-bye! I must go home to Rina. [Turning at the door.] How strange it is to think that now Rina is with me and with my poor brother as well! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, fancy that, Aunt Julia! Eh? [MISS TESMAN goes out by the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Follows TESMAN coldly and searchingly with her eyes.] I almost believe your Aunt Rina's death affects you more than it does your Aunt Julia. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, it's not that alone. It's Eilert I am so terribly uneasy about. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Quickly.] Is there anything new about him? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I looked in at his rooms this afternoon, intending to tell him the manuscript was in safe keeping. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, did you find him? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No. He wasn't at home. But afterwards I met Mrs. Elvsted, and she told me that he had been here early this morning. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, directly after you had gone. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And he said that he had torn his manuscript to pieces--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, so he declared. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, good heavens, he must have been completely out of his mind! And I suppose you thought it best not to give it back to him, Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, he did not get it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But of course you told him that we had it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No. [Quickly.] Did you tell Mrs. Elvsted? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No; I thought I had better not. But you ought to have told him. Fancy, if, in desperation, he should go and do himself some injury! Let me have the manuscript, Hedda! I will take it to him at once. Where is it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Cold and immovable, leaning on the arm-chair.] I have not got it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Have not got it? What in the world do you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I have burnt it--every line of it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [With a violent movement of terror.] Burnt! Burnt Eilert's manuscript! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Don't scream so. The servant might hear you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Burnt! Why, good God--! No, no, no! It's impossible! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" It is so, nevertheless. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Do you know what you have done, Hedda? It's unlawful appropriation of lost property. Fancy that! Just ask Judge Brack, and he'll tell you what it is. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I advise you not to speak of it--either to Judge Brack or to anyone else. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But how could you do anything so unheard-of? What put it into your head? What possessed you? Answer me that--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Suppressing an almost imperceptible smile.] I did it for your sake, George. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" For my sake! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" This morning, when you told me about what he had read to you-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes yes--what then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You acknowledged that you envied him his work. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, of course I didn't mean that literally. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No matter--I could not bear the idea that any one should throw you into the shade. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [In an outburst of mingled doubt and joy.] Hedda! Oh, is this true? But--but--I never knew you show your love like that before. Fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, I may as well tell you that--just at this time-- [Impatiently breaking off.] No, no; you can ask Aunt Julia. She will tell you, fast enough. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, I almost think I understand you, Hedda! [Clasps his hands together.] Great heavens! do you really mean it! Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Don't shout so. The servant might hear. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Laughing in irrepressible glee.] The servant! Why, how absurd you are, Hedda. It's only my old Berta! Why, I'll tell Berta myself. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Clenching her hands together in desperation.] Oh, it is killing me, --it is killing me, all this! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What is, Hedda? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Coldly, controlling herself.] All this--absurdity--George. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Absurdity! Do you see anything absurd in my being overjoyed at the news! But after all--perhaps I had better not say anything to Berta. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh--why not that too? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, no, not yet! But I must certainly tell Aunt Julia. And then that you have begun to call me George too! Fancy that! Oh, Aunt Julia will be so happy--so happy! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" When she hears that I have burnt Eilert Lovborg's manuscript--for your sake? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, by-the-bye--that affair of the manuscript--of course nobody must know about that. But that you love me so much,(13) Hedda--Aunt Julia must really share my joy in that! I wonder, now, whether this sort of thing is usual in young wives? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I think you had better ask Aunt Julia that question too. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I will indeed, some time or other. [Looks uneasy and downcast again.] And yet the manuscript--the manuscript! Good God! it is terrible to think what will become of poor Eilert now. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS" ELVSTED, dressed as in the first Act, with hat and cloak, enters by the hall door. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Greets them hurriedly, and says in evident agitation.] Oh, dear Hedda, forgive my coming again. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What is the matter with you, Thea? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Something about Eilert Lovborg again--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes! I am dreadfully afraid some misfortune has happened to him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Seized her arm.] Ah,--do you think so? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, good Lord--what makes you think that, Mrs. Elvsted? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" I heard them talking of him at my boarding-house--just as I came in. Oh, the most incredible rumours are afloat about him to-day. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, fancy, so I heard too! And I can bear witness that he went straight home to bed last night. Fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, what did they say at the boarding-house? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, I couldn't make out anything clearly. Either they knew nothing definite, or else--. They stopped talking when the saw me; and I did not dare to ask. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Moving about uneasily.] We must hope--we must hope that you misunderstood them, Mrs. Elvsted. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, no; I am sure it was of him they were talking. And I heard something about the hospital or-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" The hospital? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No--surely that cannot be! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, I was in such mortal terror! I went to his lodgings and asked for him there. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You could make up your mind to that, Thea! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" What else could I do? I really could bear the suspense no longer. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But you didn't find him either--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No. And the people knew nothing about him. He hadn't been home since yesterday afternoon, they said. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yesterday! Fancy, how could they say that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, I am sure something terrible must have happened to him. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Hedda dear--how would it be if I were to go and make inquiries--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, no--don't you mix yourself up in this affair. JUDGE BRACK, with his hat in his hand, enters by the hall door, which BERTA opens, and closes behind him. He looks grave and bows in silence. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, is that you, my dear Judge? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes. It was imperative I should see you this evening. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I can see you have heard the news about Aunt Rina? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, that among other things. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Isn't it sad--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, my dear Tesman, that depends on how you look at it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Looks doubtfully at him.] Has anything else happened? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [In suspense.] Anything sad, Judge Brack? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" That, too, depends on how you look at it, Mrs. Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Unable to restrain her anxiety.] Oh! it is something about Eilert Lovborg! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [With a glance at her.] What makes you think that, Madam? Perhaps you have already heard something--? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [In confusion.] No, nothing at all, but-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, for heaven's sake, tell us! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Shrugging his shoulders.] Well, I regret to say Eilert Lovborg has been taken to the hospital. He is lying at the point of death. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Shrieks.] Oh God! oh God--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" To the hospital! And at the point of death! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Involuntarily.] So soon then-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Wailing.] And we parted in anger, Hedda! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Whispers.] Thea--Thea--be careful! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Not heeding her.] I must go to him! I must see him alive! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" It is useless, Madam. No one will be admitted. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, at least tell me what has happened to him? What is it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" You don't mean to say that he has himself-- Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I am sure he has. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Keeping his eyes fixed upon her.] Unfortunately you have guessed quite correctly, Mrs. Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, how horrible! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Himself, then! Fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Shot himself! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Rightly guessed again, Mrs. Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [With an effort at self-control.] When did it happen, Mr. Brack? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" This afternoon--between three and four. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But, good Lord, where did he do it? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [With some hesitation.] Where? Well--I suppose at his lodgings. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, that cannot be; for I was there between six and seven. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well then, somewhere else. I don't know exactly. I only know that he was found--. He had shot himself--in the breast. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, how terrible! That he should die like that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [To BRACK.] Was it in the breast? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes--as I told you. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Not in the temple? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" In the breast, Mrs. Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, well--the breast is a good place, too. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" How do you mean, Mrs. Tesman? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Evasively.] Oh, nothing--nothing. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And the wound is dangerous, you say--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Absolutely mortal. The end has probably come by this time. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes, I feel it. The end! The end! Oh, Hedda--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But tell me, how have you learnt all this? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Curtly.] Through one of the police. A man I had some business with. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [In a clear voice.] At last a deed worth doing! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Terrified.] Good heavens, Hedda! what are you saying? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I say there is beauty in this. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" H'm, Mrs. Tesman-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, Hedda, how can you talk of beauty in such an act! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Eilert Lovborg has himself made up his account with life. He has had the courage to do--the one right thing. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, you must never think that was how it happened! It must have been in delirium that he did it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" In despair! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" That he did not. I am certain of that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes! In delirium! Just as when he tore up our manuscript. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Starting.] The manuscript? Has he torn that up? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, last night. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Whispers softly.] Oh, Hedda, we shall never get over this. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" H'm, very extraordinary. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Moving about the room.] To think of Eilert going out of the world in this way! And not leaving behind him the book that would have immortalised his name-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, if only it could be put together again! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, if it only could! I don't know what I would not give-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Perhaps it can, Mr. Tesman. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What do you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Searches in the pocket of her dress.] Look here. I have kept all the loose notes he used to dictate from. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [A step forward.] Ah--! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" You have kept them, Mrs. Elvsted! Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, I have them here. I put them in my pocket when I left home. Here they still are-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, do let me see them! :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Hands him a bundle of papers.] But they are in such disorder--all mixed up. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Fancy, if we could make something out of them, after all! Perhaps if we two put our heads together-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh yes, at least let us try-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" We will manage it! We must! I will dedicate my life to this task. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You, George? Your life? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, or rather all the time I can spare. My own collections must wait in the meantime. Hedda--you understand, eh? I owe this to Eilert's memory. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Perhaps. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And so, my dear Mrs. Elvsted, we will give our whole minds to it. There is no use in brooding over what can't be undone--eh? We must try to control our grief as much as possible, and-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes, Mr. Tesman, I will do the best I can. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well then, come here. I can't rest until we have looked through the notes. Where shall we sit? Here? No, in there, in the back room. Excuse me, my dear Judge. Come with me, Mrs. Elvsted. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, if only it were possible! [TESMAN and MRS. ELVSTED go into the back room. She takes off her hat and cloak. They both sit at the table under the hanging lamp, and are soon deep in an eager examination of the papers. HEDDA crosses to the stove and sits in the arm- chair. Presently BRACK goes up to her. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [In a low voice.] Oh, what a sense of freedom it gives one, this act of Eilert Lovborg's. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Freedom, Mrs. Hedda? Well, of course, it is a release for him-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I mean for me. It gives me a sense of freedom to know that a deed of deliberate courage is still possible in this world,--a deed of spontaneous beauty. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Smiling.] H'm--my dear Mrs. Hedda-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, I know what you are going to say. For you are a kind of specialist too, like--you know! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Looking hard at her.] Eilert Lovborg was more to you than perhaps you are willing to admit to yourself. Am I wrong? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I don't answer such questions. I only know that Eilert Lovborg has had the courage to live his life after his own fashion. And then--the last great act, with its beauty! Ah! that he should have the will and the strength to turn away from the banquet of life--so early. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I am sorry, Mrs. Hedda,--but I fear I must dispel an amiable illusion. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Illusion? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Which could not have lasted long in any case. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What do you mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Eilert Lovborg did not shoot himself--voluntarily. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Not voluntarily? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No. The thing did not happen exactly as I told it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [In suspense.] Have you concealed something? What is it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" For poor Mrs. Elvsted's sake I idealised the facts a little. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What are the facts? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" First, that he is already dead. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" At the hospital? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes--without regaining consciousness. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What more have you concealed? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" This--the event did not happen at his lodgings. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, that can make no difference. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Perhaps it may. For I must tell you--Eilert Lovborg was found shot in--in Mademoiselle Diana's boudoir. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Makes a motion as if to rise, but sinks back again.] That is impossible, Judge Brack! He cannot have been there again to-day. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" He was there this afternoon. He went there, he said, to demand the return of something which they had taken from him. Talked wildly about a lost child-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Ah--so that is why-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I thought probably he meant his manuscript; but now I hear he destroyed that himself. So I suppose it must have been his pocket-book. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, no doubt. And there--there he was found? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, there. With a pistol in his breast-pocket, discharged. The ball had lodged in a vital part. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" In the breast--yes? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No--in the bowels. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks up at him with an expression of loathing.] That too! Oh, what curse is it that makes everything I touch turn ludicrous and mean? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" There is one point more, Mrs. Hedda--another disagreeable feature in the affair. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And what is that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" The pistol he carried-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Breathless.] Well? What of it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" He must have stolen it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Leaps up.] Stolen it! That is not true! He did not steal it! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No other explanation is possible. He must have stolen it--. Hush! TESMAN and MRS. ELVSTED have risen from the table in the back- room, and come into the drawing-room. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [With the papers in both his hands.] Hedda, dear, it is almost impossible to see under that lamp. Think of that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I am thinking. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Would you mind our sitting at your writing-table--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" If you like. [Quickly.] No, wait! Let me clear it first! :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, you needn't trouble, Hedda. There is plenty of room. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No no, let me clear it, I say! I will take these things in and put them on the piano. There! [She has drawn out an object, covered with sheet music, from under the bookcase, places several other pieces of music upon it, and carries the whole into the inner room, to the left. TESMAN lays the scraps of paper on the writing-table, and moves the lamp there from the corner table. He and Mrs. Elvsted sit down and proceed with their work. HEDDA returns. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Behind Mrs. Elvsted's chair, gently ruffling her hair.] Well, my sweet Thea,--how goes it with Eilert Lovborg's monument? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Looks dispiritedly up at her.] Oh, it will be terribly hard to put in order. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" We must manage it. I am determined. And arranging other people's papers is just the work for me. [HEDDA goes over to the stove, and seats herself on one of the footstools. BRACK stands over her, leaning on the arm-chair. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Whispers.] What did you say about the pistol? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Softly.] That he must have stolen it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Why stolen it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Because every other explanation ought to be impossible, Mrs. Hedda. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Indeed? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Glances at her.] Of course Eilert Lovborg was here this morning. Was he not? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Were you alone with him? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" ## Part of the time. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Did you not leave the room whilst he was here? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Try to recollect. Were you not out of the room a moment? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, perhaps just a moment--out in the hall. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" And where was your pistol-case during that time? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I had it locked up in-- :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, Mrs. Hedda? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" The case stood there on the writing-table. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Have you looked since, to see whether both the pistols are there? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, you need not. I saw the pistol found in Lovborg's pocket, and I knew it at once as the one I had seen yesterday--and before, too. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Have you it with you? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No; the police have it. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What will the police do with it? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Search till they find the owner. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Do you think they will succeed? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Bends over her and whispers.] No, Hedda Gabler--not so long as I say nothing. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks frightened at him.] And if you do not say nothing,--what then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Shrugs his shoulders.] There is always the possibility that the pistol was stolen. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Firmly.] Death rather than that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Smiling.] People say such things--but they don't do them. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Without replying.] And supposing the pistol was not stolen, and the owner is discovered? What then? :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, Hedda--then comes the scandal! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" The scandal! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, the scandal--of which you are so mortally afraid. You will, of course, be brought before the court--both you and Mademoiselle Diana. She will have to explain how the thing happened--whether it was an accidental shot or murder. Did the pistol go off as he was trying to take it out of his pocket, to threaten her with? Or did she tear the pistol out of his hand, shoot him, and push it back into his pocket? That would be quite like her; for she is an able-bodied young person, this same Mademoiselle Diana. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But _I_ have nothing to do with all this repulsive business. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No. But you will have to answer the question: Why did you give Eilert the pistol? And what conclusions will people draw from the fact that you did give it to him? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Lets her head sink.] That is true. I did not think of that. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, fortunately, there is no danger, so long as I say nothing. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Looks up at him.] So I am in your power, Judge Brack. You have me at your beck and call, from this time forward. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Whispers softly.] Dearest Hedda--believe me--I shall not abuse my advantage. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I am in your power none the less. Subject to your will and your demands. A slave, a slave then! [Rises impetuously.] No, I cannot endure the thought of that! Never! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Looks half-mockingly at her.] People generally get used to the inevitable. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Returns his look.] Yes, perhaps. [She crosses to the writing-table. Suppressing an involuntary smile, she imitates TESMAN'S intonations.] Well? Are you getting on, George? Eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Heaven knows, dear. In any case it will be the work of months. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [As before.] Fancy that! [Passes her hands softly through Mrs. Elvsted's hair.] Doesn't it seem strange to you, Thea? Here are you sitting with Tesman--just as you used to sit with Eilert Lovborg? :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Ah, if I could only inspire your husband in the same way! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, that will come too--in time. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, do you know, Hedda--I really think I begin to feel something of the sort. But won't you go and sit with Brack again? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Is there nothing I can do to help you two? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, nothing in the world. [Turning his head.] I trust to you to keep Hedda company, my dear Brack. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [With a glance at HEDDA.] With the very greatest of pleasure. :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Thanks. But I am tired this evening. I will go in and lie down a little on the sofa. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, do dear--eh? [HEDDA goes into the back room and draws the curtains. A short pause. Suddenly she is heard playing a wild dance on the piano. :::

:::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [Starts from her chair.] Oh--what is that? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Runs to the doorway.] Why, my dearest Hedda--don't play dance-music to-night! Just think of Aunt Rina! And of Eilert too! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Puts her head out between the curtains.] And of Aunt Julia. And of all the rest of them.--After this, I will be quiet. [Closes the curtains again.] :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [At the writing-table.] It's not good for her to see us at this distressing work. I'll tell you what, Mrs. Elvsted,--you shall take the empty room at Aunt Julia's, and then I will come over in the evenings, and we can sit and work there--eh? :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [In the inner room.] I hear what you are saying, Tesman. But how am _I_ to get through the evenings out here? :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Turning over the papers.] Oh, I daresay Judge Brack will be so kind as to look in now and then, even though I am out. :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [In the arm-chair, calls out gaily.] Every blessed evening, with all the pleasure in life, Mrs. Tesman! We shall get on capitally together, we two! :::

:::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Speaking loud and clear.] Yes, don't you flatter yourself we will, Judge Brack? Now that you are the one cock in the basket-- [A shot is heard within. TESMAN, MRS. ELVSTED, and BRACK leap to their feet. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, now she is playing with those pistols again. [He throws back the curtains and runs in, followed by MRS. :::

:::dialogue speaker="ELVSTED" HEDDA lies stretched on the sofa, lifeless. Confusion and cries. BERTA enters in alarm from the right. :::

:::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" [Shrieks to BRACK.] Shot herself! Shot herself in the temple! Fancy that! :::

:::dialogue speaker="BRACK" [Half-fainting in the arm-chair.] Good God!--people don't do such things. :::

**THE END:**