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. ] I told you so, Miss. Remember how late the steamboat got in last night. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Well well--let them have their sleep out. ::: I declare there isn't a bit of room left. :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" So you've got a new mistress now, my dear Berta.

] And do you think it wasn't hard for me, too, Miss? (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. ::: :::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! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, I shall manage to train her. And of course, you know, I shall take most of it upon myself. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Well, but there's another thing, Miss. ::: :::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? --But by-the-bye, Berta--while I think of it: in future you mustn't say Master George. You must say Dr.

::: :::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Yes, the young mistress spoke of that too--last night--the moment they set foot in the house. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Well well, he's clever enough for anything, he is. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BERTA" You don't say so! ] But bless me, Berta--why have you done this? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BERTA" The mistress told me to. ::: :::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. ] Aunt Julia! ] Come all this way--so early!

::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, I suppose you got home all right from the pier? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, quite safely, thank goodness. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" We were so sorry we couldn't give you a seat in the carriage. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No thank you, Berta--you needn't. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Fancy, Auntie--I had the whole of that portmanteau chock full of copies of the documents. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, that I haven't. But do take off your bonnet, Auntie. Look here! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" On Hedda's account? [They seat themselves. ] What a delight it is to have you again, as large as life, before my very eyes, George! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And it's a delight for me, too, to see you again, Aunt Julia! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And what about Aunt Rina?

::: :::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! --And that you should be the one to carry off Hedda Gabler --the beautiful Hedda Gabler! ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, I don't know of anything except what I have told you in my letters. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, yes, you did. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh yes, a professor-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Indeed, I may say I am certain of it. ] Yes, of course I do. ] But we were talking about your journey.

::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" No no, I suppose not. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, you may be sure I have. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I'm delighted! Quite delighted! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why of course you are quite right, Aunt Julia! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, quite so, my dear boy. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I am specially pleased on Hedda's account. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" But the expense, my dear George! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" How much do you think? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Security? You? ] What! ] Have you gone out of your senses, Auntie? ::: :::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. ::: :::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--! ] 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! ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Have you heard anything of Eilert? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What! Eilert Lovborg! ::: :::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! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" However, it may be some time before the book is ready. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, collecting and arranging--no one can beat you at that. ] Oh yes, yes, Aunt Julia! Hedda--she is the best part of it all! ::: 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. ] Good morning, my dear Hedda! ] Good morning, dear Miss Tesman! So early a call! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh yes, thanks. ] Passably! Come, that's good, Hedda! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Fortunately. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No no, not that! Tesman, please draw the curtains.

::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, fresh air we certainly must have, with all these stacks of flowers--. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" No, thank you. --I must be getting home again. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, yes, I'll be sure to tell her. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What is it, Auntie? --Have you really saved them for me, Aunt Julia! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" My old morning-shoes! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Indeed. ] Only think--ill as she was, Aunt Rina embroidered these for me. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, dear, what puts that in your head? ] Look there! ] Yes, indeed it's mine. ] My parasol--? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" A new bonnet and a new parasol! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, isn't it? Eh? But Auntie, take a good look at Hedda before you go! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, my dear boy, there's nothing new in that.

] Yes, but have you noticed what splendid condition she is in? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Of course you don't notice it so much now that she has that dress on. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" So you insist; but I'm quite certain you are not. ] Oh--! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No you won't, will you, Auntie? [She goes out by the hall door. TESMAN accompanies her. The door remains half open. [In the meantime, HEDDA walks about the room, raising her arms and clenching her hands as if in desperation. ] I am only looking at the leaves. ::: :::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? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I scarcely know her, you see. ::: :::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!

::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, that I will. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" If you could only prevail on yourself to say _du_(3) to her. For my sake, Hedda? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, no, Tesman--you really mustn't ask that of me. I have told you so already. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well well. ] Is there anything the matter with you, Hedda? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I'm only looking at my old piano. ::: :::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. [Takes it out and reads:] "Shall return later in the day." ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No. Whose? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" The name is "Mrs. " ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Is it really? Sheriff Elvsted's wife? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Exactly. The girl with the irritating hair, that she was always showing off.

] Oh, that didn't last long; and it was before I met you, Hedda. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" It's odd that she should call upon us. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I haven't see her either for--heaven knows how long. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Ah, is she? Well, please show her in. BERTA opens the door for MRS. --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. ] How do you do, my dear Mrs. Elvsted? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::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? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS.

ELVSTED" I arrived yesterday, about midday. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" In despair! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, my dear Mrs. Rysing--I mean Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, I am. ] Come--let us sit here on the sofa-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh no, you're not. [She draws MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well? What is it, Mrs. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes--of course it is. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What! Has Eilert Lovborg come back? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" He has been here a week already. Just fancy--a whole week! In this terrible town, alone! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But, my dear Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS.

::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" My husband's. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Then was he--I don't know how to express it--was he--regular enough in his habits to be fit for the post? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Has it indeed? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Perfectly irreproachable, I assure you! In every respect. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why did he not remain where he was? With you and your husband? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::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? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Isn't that good news, Hedda? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS.

::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, not yet. I have had the greatest difficulty in finding out his address. ] Do you know, it seems to me a little odd of your husband--h'm-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Of my husband! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh no, no--my husband has no time. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] 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. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" With the greatest of pleasure, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I assure you I shall do all I possibly can for Eilert. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] You ought to write to him, Tesman.

::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, perhaps it would be the right thing to do, Hedda? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And the sooner the better. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I'll write this moment. --Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Good, good. ] By-the-bye,--my slippers? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Be sure you write him a cordial, friendly letter. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, how could you think I would? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Goes up to MRS. ] There! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] But there is nothing more, Mrs. Tesman! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh yes, but there is. There is a great deal more--I can see that. [She forces MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] But, my dear Mrs. --Well? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS.

::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But to me, dear--? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, but you were in the class above me. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, dreadfully. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. --And since then, too--we have drifted so far--far apart from each other. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, not at all! I can remember quite distinctly. [Draws the footstool closer to MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Oh, how good and kind you are! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" There, there, there! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. (5) ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Why, of course! ] So you are not accustomed to goodness and kindness, Thea? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS.

ELVSTED" Oh, if I only had a home! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I don't quite remember--was it not as housekeeper that you first went to Mr. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" I really went as governess. But his wife--his late wife--was an invalid,--and rarely left her room. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh those five years--! Or at all events the last two or three of them! ] De? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes, I will try--. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Eilert Lovborg? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Scarcely at all. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, he came to us every day. --And your husband--? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What sort of a man is your husband, Thea?

I mean--you know--in everyday life. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I should think he must be altogether too old for you. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Yes, that is true, too. Everything about him is repellent to me! We have not a thought in common. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But is he not fond of you all the same? ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] It cannot be otherwise--not with him. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] For Eilert Lovborg? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Did I? ] No--I may just as well make a clean breast of it at once! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" What! ::: :::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! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" So I put together some of my things--what I needed most--as quietly as possible. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] And what are your plans now? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" I don't know yet. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh it grew up gradually. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" He gave up his old habits. Not because I asked him to, for I never dared do that. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" So he says himself, at any rate. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, not exactly lessons. But he talked to me--talked about such an infinity of things. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes!

::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Comrades! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" I don't know. Some one he knew in his--in his past. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Oh nonsense! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] And now just fancy, Hedda--I hear that this singing-woman--that she is in town again! ] Hush! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Oh yes--yes! For heaven's sake--! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" That's right. And now Mrs. Elvsted is just going. :::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Judge Brack wishes to know if Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, ask Judge Brack to come in. [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. ::: :::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. [Mutual salutations. MRS. ::: :::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.

::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But we won't trouble you about these things. --Shan't we sit down? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Indeed? ] I suppose it's the serious ## part of the frolic that is coming now. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But that would never have done, you know! Think of Hedda, my dear fellow! You, who know her so well--! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Have you heard anything definite? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Indeed! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Really? What was her name? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Aha--Sheriff Elvsted's wife? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Fancy--isn't that good news! A man of such extraordinary talents--. ::: :::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?

::: :::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? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" At one time, yes! ] 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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" But my dear fellow, you are booked for my bachelor's party this evening. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What makes you think that? ] My dear Tesman--and you too, Mrs. ] Is there some hitch about it? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" The nomination may perhaps be made conditional on the result of a competition-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Competition! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But who can my competitor be? ] No, no--it's quite impossible!

] 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. ] I am not at all indifferent. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" In any case, Mrs. Tesman, it is best that you should know how matters stand. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Indeed! Then I have no more to say. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Many thanks. ] Good-bye my dear Judge! ] Oh Hedda--one should never rush into adventures. ::: :::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. ::: :::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? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, no, unfortunately.

] Oh thank heaven for that! What is it, Hedda. ::: :::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! :::

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. --It is afternoon. HEDDA, dressed to receive callers, is alone in the room. She stands by the open glass door, loading a revolver. ] As you see, Mrs. ] No, no, no! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Come in then, Judge. JUDGE BRACK, dressed as though for a men's party, enters by the glass door. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" What the deuce--haven't you tired of that sport, yet? ] Where is the case? ] Not one. ] No. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well, we must just settle down here--and wait. ::: :::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. ] Come, let us have a cosy little chat, Mrs. ] Does it not seem like a whole eternity since our last talk? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" You mean since our last confidential talk? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" You? Really, Mrs. Hedda? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, Tesman! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, of course; and no doubt when it's your vocation--. But _I_! Oh, my dear Mr. ] Do you really say so? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, you can surely understand it--! " ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Just so. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And specialists are not at all amusing to travel with. ] What do you say, Mrs. ] You should just try it! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes yes yes! And then all this about the domestic industry of the middle ages--!

] But tell me--in that case, how am I to understand your--? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes and no--Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I had positively danced myself tired, my dear Judge. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Ridiculous? ] 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. ] Frankly--of the mistress first of all; but of course of the master too, in the second place. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I have many a time longed for some one to make a third on our travels. ] Not by a long--long way. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, then the passengers jump out and move about a little, Mrs. ] I won't have it. ] And on goes the train. GEORGE TESMAN, in a grey walking-suit, with a soft felt hat, enters from the hall. ] I'm positively perspiring, Hedda.

Hallo--are you there already, my dear Judge? Eh? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, books on his special subjects, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, my dear Hedda, one can never have too many of them. ] Perhaps you would like to glance through it, Hedda? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, thank you. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I think it shows quite remarkable soundness of judgment. ] Now I shall take all these into my study. I'm longing to cut the leaves--! ] I suppose we needn't start just yet? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Not coming? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, not at all. How could you think such a thing of Aunt Julia? Just fancy--! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, then it's only natural that her sister should remain with her. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, it was a little episode with Miss Tesman this morning. ] Now my dear Mrs. Hedda, how could you do such a thing?

] I know of no reason why I should be-- happy. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" That's true. ] Oh fie, Mrs. Hedda! ] You took pity? H'm-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I really did. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Unfortunately that too often happens, Mrs. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" This is exquisite! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" But now? ] No, I think it must be a legacy from the late Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, there is an odour of mortality about it. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Why should not you, too, find some sort of vocation in life, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Heaven knows what sort of a vocation that could be.

::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Who can tell? ] Tesman? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Why--what satisfaction could you find in that? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" H'm--you see, my dear Mrs. ] Yes, there we have it! ] That is what makes life so pitiable! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, you may call it so. ] Oh, you're thinking of the annoyances about this wretched professorship! But that must be Tesman's own affair. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No, no, I daresay not. ] A new responsibility, Mrs. ] Be quiet! ] I have no turn for anything of the sort, Judge Brack. ] Boring myself to death. ] Yes, as I thought! ] Come, come, come, Mrs. Hedda! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Hedda, has no message come from Eilert Lovborg? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, I am almost sure of it. ::: :::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.

::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" We have plenty of time yet. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Then meanwhile we can keep Hedda company, and see what happens. ] And at the worst Mr. ] Oh, allow me, Mrs. ] But, Hedda dear--do you think it would quite do for him to remain here with you? Eh? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, but Mrs. Elvsted is coming. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, you know, Mrs. Tesman, how you used to gird at my little bachelor parties. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But no doubt Mr. Lovborg's principles are strict enough now. ] 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.

] Will you too shake hands with me, Mrs. ] I am glad to see you, Mr. ] And now you must make yourself entirely at home, Eilert! --For I hear you are going to settle in town again? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Quite right, quite right. ] Ah, that is what you wish to do? ] But when this one appears, George Tesman, you will have to read it. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Indeed? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" The continuation? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" With the future! ] It falls into two sections. The first deals with the civilising forces of the future. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" How odd now! ] H'm--. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" That was very good of you, Eilert. ] I don't see how we can manage it-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Well then, some other time. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I must tell you, Mr. ::: :::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. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, think of that, Eilert,--why shouldn't you? ] But, Tesman, if Mr. Lovborg would really rather not! I am sure Mr. ] With you, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And with Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Did you? Well, she is coming this evening. So you see you are almost bound to remain, Mr. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" That's true. Many thanks, Mrs. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" That is my intention.

::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh no, not in the least! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Will you wait? Yes but--yes but--are you not going to compete with me? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, bless me--then Aunt Julia was right after all! Oh yes--I knew it! Hedda! ] Our way? [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. ] And you, Judge Brack--what do you say to this? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, I say that a moral victory--h'm--may be all very fine-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, certainly. ] 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. ] A stirrup-cup? ::: :::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. ] No, thank you. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I will keep Mr. [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. ] Do you care to look at some photographs, Mr. Lovborg? [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. ] Do you see this range of mountains, Mr. Lovborg? It's the Ortler group. Tesman has written the name underneath. ] Ah! ] Yes, you must. And I think you ought to practise in time. ] Hedda Gabler married? ] What? ] And this is a view from the Val d'Ampezzo, Mr. Lovborg. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Let me see. --Those are the Dolomites, Mr.

::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Hedda, dear,--I only wanted to ask whether I shouldn't bring you a little punch after all? [He goes into the inner room and out to the right. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Ah, I understand. ] Love? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But I won't hear of any sort of unfaithfulness! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Here you are! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But you have poured out two glasses. Mr. Lovborg said he wouldn't have any-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, but Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, by-the-bye--Mrs. Elvsted-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Had you forgotten her? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, it's that one just below the Brenner Pass. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, that was the place. Fancy--if we could only have had you with us, Eilert! ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Was there no love in your friendship for me either?

::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I wonder if there was? ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, yes, Hedda! ::: :::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. ::: :::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? ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, but frankly nevertheless. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And how could you answer, Mr. ::: :::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? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Partly. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Comradeship in the thirst for life. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, when our friendship threatened to develop into something more serious. Shame upon you, Eilert Lovborg! ] Oh, why did you not carry out your threat? ] But it was a lucky thing for you. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Not a word. ] Oh, Hedda! Hedda Gabler! Now I begin to see a hidden reason beneath our comradeship! You(11) and I--! ] Take care! [Twilight has begun to fall. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Closes the album with a bang and calls smilingly:] Ah, at last! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS" ELVSTED enters from the hall. She is in evening dress. [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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, not at all. Leave those two alone. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Mr. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, thank you, my little Thea! Not there! You'll be good enough to come over here to me. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. [She goes round the table and seats herself on the sofa on HEDDA'S right. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Well-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Oh, how happy I am, Hedda! ] Ah!

::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" And then she is so brave, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Ah, yes--courage! ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" What then? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well then, you, Mr. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Dared not? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" But the Judge could not guess that. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Dared not! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" _I_ don't say so. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Firm as a rock! Faithful to your principles, now and for ever! [Turns to MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You can see for yourself! ] There! ] Ah--what is all this, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh my God, Hedda! What are you saying?

::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Don't get excited! ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" So she was in mortal terror! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" [Looks fixedly at her for a moment. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. _I_? ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Here's to your health too, Mrs. Tesman. Thanks for the truth. ] Come, come--no more for the present. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Hush! ] Now, Thea--tell me the truth-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::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! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] No more just now. ] 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! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. [BRACK has in the meantime looked at his watch. ] Well, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Fancy--that will be delightful. But, Hedda dear, how is Mrs. Elvsted to get home? ] Mrs. Elvsted? ] At ten or thereabouts, Mrs. Tesman? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Certainly. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, then, that's all right. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Well then, Mr. ] Pray do, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" And now off goes the excursion train, gentlemen! ] Come, you're a nice one Hedda! ] About ten o'clock, then, [BRACK, LOVBORG, and TESMAN go out by the hall door. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And then, you see--then he will have regained control over himself. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] You may doubt him as long as you please; _I_ believe in him. And now we will try-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, I have. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Do you think that is worth the trouble? Oh, if you could only understand how poor I am. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Let me go! Let me go! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Very well. We are coming ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, no, no! I would rather go home alone! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Nonsense! First you shall have a cup of tea, you little stupid. [She drags MRS. :::

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. :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" [After a pause, suddenly sits up in her chair, and listens eagerly. --Oh God--oh God--not yet! BERTA slips cautiously in by the hall door. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] A letter! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BERTA" No, it's for Dr. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BERTA" It was Miss Tesman's servant that brought it. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] I think I had better put out the lamp. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, put it out. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, broad day!

::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BERTA" Yes, when I saw that a certain person had come back to town--and that he went off with them. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Don't speak so loud. You will waken Mrs. ] No, no--let her sleep, poor thing. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Oh, we're here--! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Think of our watching and waiting here till four in the morning-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh yes; I believe I have slept pretty well. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Not for a moment. ] There there there! There's nothing to be so alarmed about. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Well, what do you think?

::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of course he has gone to his Aunts' and slept there. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, he can't be with them for a letter has just come for him from Miss Tesman. ] Why yes, it's addressed in Aunt Julia's hand. Well then, he has remained at Judge Brack's. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Well then, you must do as I tell you. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, rely upon me. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. [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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes; you must put some more wood in the stove. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Then go to the 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. ] Good heavens--are you up so early? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And I never doubted you were still sound asleep! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Don't speak so loud. Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Has Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Have you been anxious about me? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, I should never think of being anxious. ::: :::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! ] Well? ] 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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes yes; I don't care about that-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I must make a confession to you, Hedda. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" I felt jealous of Eilert for having had it in him to write such a book. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Vine-leaves? No, I saw nothing of the sort. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, he didn't; but I can't help thinking he meant Mrs. Elvsted. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But now comes the strange part of it, Hedda; or, I should rather say, the melancholy part of it.

::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Well, as we were getting near town, you see, I happened to drop a little behind the others. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And then, as I hurried after them--what do you think I found by the wayside? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" You mustn't speak of it to a soul, Hedda! Do you hear! ::: :::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! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, far from it! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Indeed! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, so it would appear.

::: :::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? ] No--don't give it to him! Not in such a hurry, I mean. ::: :::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! ] Can such a thing not be reproduced? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No, I don't think that would be possible. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" It's from Aunt Julia! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" And that if I want to see her again, I must make haste. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, my dearest Hedda--if you could only make up your mind to come with me! ] No, no don't ask me. I will not look upon sickness and death. ] My hat--? My overcoat--? Oh, in the hall--.

I do hope I mayn't come too late, Hedda! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" At this time! [She goes to the writing-table and places it in the bookcase. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, I must rush of to my aunts'. ::: :::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! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I assure you I have not had my clothes off, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No, as you may see. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, some tiresome story. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I have heard about that coffee-party already. ] George Tesman is really an ingenuous creature, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, heaven knows he is. [She seats herself to the left of the table.

::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Oh no, it's not at all unmentionable. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Up at the Elvsteds', yes. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, you see, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Pretty violent inspiration. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, I am sure you are an exception, Judge Brack. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Far from amicably, it appears.

::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" It came to a general scrimmage, in which the ladies as well as the gentlemen took part. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes. ::: :::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 that is what happened. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Vine-leaves, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Of course. However, I should scarcely have troubled so much about that. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Good heavens, Mrs. Hedda--we have eyes in our head. Mark my words! This Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Not a single home. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Precisely. ] Yes, that is my aim. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I am beginning to think so. ] Well well, Mrs. Hedda--perhaps you are right there. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Come come now, Judge Brack! ] Oh, not at all! ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Quite so. I have no objection to back ways. ] Oh no, when there is only one cock in the basket-- [They exchange laughing nods of farewell. He goes. [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. ] and I tell you I must and will come in! ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" You mean rather an early hour to call on you. ] Oh yes, of course! I am dragging her down with me! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I don't think so. :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Ah, Lovborg! ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, at last. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Everything is too late now. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" You will say the same when you hear-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Perhaps you would prefer to talk to her alone? ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" No, stay--you too. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS.

::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::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? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Try if you cannot, Thea. You must go home again-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] 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! ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" The manuscript--. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Oh well, of course--since you say so. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS.

::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I have torn my own life to pieces. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes, you are right. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" How could you, then--! ] Ah, the child-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] It is all over then. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, I don't know what I shall do. ] So you are not going to see her home, Mr. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" I? Through the streets? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Of course I don't know what else may have happened last night. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" To go and destroy what has filled her whole soul for months and years! ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Good. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Yes. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, no--. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" None. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, no. I have lost my faith in the vine-leaves. But beautifully nevertheless! --Good-bye! ::: :::dialogue speaker="LOVBORG" Good-bye, Mrs. Tesman. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No, wait! ] This?

] Do you recognise it? ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" And beautifully, Eilert Lovborg. [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. :::

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.

::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I have heard the news already, as you see. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Yes, he promised me he would. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Ah, Rina ought not to have left us just now. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, her end was so calm, so beautiful. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No. He wrote that he might be detained. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Oh, you must not think of it! Hedda Tesman must have no hand in such mournful work. ] Ah yes, it is the way of the world. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" You here, Aunt Julia? With Hedda? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" I was just going, my dear boy. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Mustn't--? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" Just at first, yes. But that will not last very long, I hope. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Indeed? Who do you think will take it? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MISS TESMAN" A burden! ::: :::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. ] Oh nothing. It will all come right. ] And perhaps Hedda may have something to tell you too, George. Good-bye! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, fancy that, Aunt Julia! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, it's not that alone. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" No. He wasn't at home. But afterwards I met Mrs.

::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, good heavens, he must have been completely out of his mind! ] Did you tell Mrs. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Have not got it? ] Burnt! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Don't scream so. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Burnt! Why, good God--! No, no, no! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Do you know what you have done, Hedda? It's unlawful appropriation of lost property. Fancy that! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But how could you do anything so unheard-of? What put it into your head? What possessed you? ] Hedda! Oh, is this true? But--but--I never knew you show your love like that before. ] No, no; you can ask Aunt Julia. do you really mean it!

::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Don't shout so. ] The servant! Why, how absurd you are, Hedda. It's only my old Berta! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" What is, Hedda? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Absurdity! Do you see anything absurd in my being overjoyed at the news! ::: :::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! ::: :::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? ] And yet the manuscript--the manuscript! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Why, good Lord--what makes you think that, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS.

ELVSTED" I heard them talking of him at my boarding-house--just as I came in. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, fancy, so I heard too! And I can bear witness that he went straight home to bed last night. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, I couldn't make out anything clearly. Either they knew nothing definite, or else--. ] We must hope--we must hope that you misunderstood them, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, no; I am sure it was of him they were talking. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, I was in such mortal terror! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" What else could I do? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No. And the people knew nothing about him. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yesterday! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, is that you, my dear Judge? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" That, too, depends on how you look at it, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] What makes you think that, Madam? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Well, I regret to say Eilert Lovborg has been taken to the hospital. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" To the hospital! ] So soon then-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] I must go to him! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" It is useless, Madam. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, at least tell me what has happened to him? ] Unfortunately you have guessed quite correctly, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Himself, then!

::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Rightly guessed again, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] When did it happen, Mr. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" But, good Lord, where did he do it? ] Where? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well then, somewhere else. I don't know exactly. I only know that he was found--. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Oh, how terrible! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" In the breast, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" How do you mean, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Absolutely mortal. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes, I feel it. The end! The end! ] Through one of the police. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" H'm, Mrs. Tesman-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Eilert Lovborg has himself made up his account with life. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" No, you must never think that was how it happened!

::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" That he did not. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, yes! In delirium! ] The manuscript? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] 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. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Look here. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" You have kept them, Mrs. Elvsted! ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ELVSTED" Yes, I have them here. I put them in my pocket when I left home. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::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! ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" You, George? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, or rather all the time I can spare. My own collections must wait in the meantime. Hedda--you understand, eh? ::: :::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. ::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. [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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Freedom, Mrs. Hedda? Well, of course, it is a release for him-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I mean for me. ] H'm--my dear Mrs. Hedda-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Oh, I know what you are going to say. ] Eilert Lovborg was more to you than perhaps you are willing to admit to yourself. ::: :::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! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" I am sorry, Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No. ] Have you concealed something? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" For poor Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Perhaps it may. ] That is impossible, Judge Brack!

::: :::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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Yes, no doubt. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Yes, there. With a pistol in his breast-pocket, discharged. ] That too! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" There is one point more, Mrs. ] Well? ] Stolen it! That is not true! ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No other explanation is possible. He must have stolen it--. Hush! TESMAN and MRS. ] Hedda, dear, it is almost impossible to see under that lamp. ] No, wait! ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Oh, you needn't trouble, Hedda. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" No no, let me clear it, I say!

I will take these things in and put them on the piano. [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. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" [Behind Mrs. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" We must manage it. I am determined. [HEDDA goes over to the stove, and seats herself on one of the footstools. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Because every other explanation ought to be impossible, Mrs. ] Of course Eilert Lovborg was here this morning. ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Try to recollect. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I had it locked up in-- ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, Mrs.

::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" Well, you need not. ] And supposing the pistol was not stolen, and the owner is discovered? ::: :::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? ::: :::dialogue speaker="BRACK" No. But you will have to answer the question: Why did you give Eilert the pistol? ] That is true. ] So I am in your power, Judge Brack. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" I am in your power none the less. Subject to your will and your demands. ] No, I cannot endure the thought of that! [She crosses to the writing-table. ] Well?

Are you getting on, George? ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Heaven knows, dear. [Passes her hands softly through Mrs. ] Doesn't it seem strange to you, Thea? ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ::: :::dialogue speaker="TESMAN" Yes, do you know, Hedda--I really think I begin to feel something of the sort. ::: :::dialogue speaker="HEDDA" Thanks. But I am tired this evening. [HEDDA goes into the back room and draws the curtains. A short pause. ::: :::dialogue speaker="MRS. ] Why, my dearest Hedda--don't play dance-music to-night! Just think of Aunt Rina! ] And of Aunt Julia. ] It's not good for her to see us at this distressing work. I'll tell you what, Mrs. ] I hear what you are saying, Tesman. ] Every blessed evening, with all the pleasure in life, Mrs. Tesman! ] 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.

::: :::dialogue speaker="ELVSTED" HEDDA lies stretched on the sofa, lifeless. Confusion and cries. ] Shot herself! Shot herself in the temple! ::: **THE END:**