Hedda Gabler

has. Tesman And I hear it has made some sensation! Brack Quite an unusual sensation. Tesman Fancy⁠—isn’t that good news! A man of such extraordinary talents⁠—. I felt so grieved to think that he had gone irretrievably to ruin. Brack That was what everybody thought. Tesman But I cannot imagine what he will take to now! How in the world will he be able to make his living? Eh? During the last words, Hedda has entered by the hall door. Hedda To Brack, laughing with a touch of scorn. Tesman is forever worrying about how people are to make their living. Tesman Well you see, dear⁠—we were talking about poor Eilert Lövborg. Hedda Glancing at him rapidly. Oh, indeed? Sets herself in the armchair beside the stove and asks indifferently: What is the matter with him? Tesman Well⁠—no doubt he has run through all his property long ago; and he can scarcely write a new book every year⁠—eh? So I really can’t see what is to become of him. Brack Perhaps I can give you some information on that point. Tesman Indeed! Brack You must remember that his relations have a good deal of influence. Tesman Oh, his relations, unfortunately, have entirely washed their hands of him. Brack At one time they called him the hope of the family. Tesman At one time, yes! But he has put an end to all that. Hedda Who knows? With a slight smile. I hear they have reclaimed him up at Sheriff Elvsted’s⁠— Brack And then this book that he has published⁠— Tesman Well well, I hope to goodness they may find something for him to do. I have just written to him. I asked him to come and see us this evening, Hedda dear. Brack But my dear fellow, you are booked for my bachelor’s party this evening. You promised on the pier last night. Hedda Had you forgotten, Tesman? Tesman Yes, I had utterly forgotten. Brack But it doesn’t matter, for you may be sure he won’t come. Tesman What makes you think that? Eh? Brack With a little hesitation, rising and resting his hands on the back of his chair. My dear Tesman⁠—and you too, Mrs. Tesman⁠—I think I ought not to keep you in the dark about something that⁠—that⁠— Tesman That concerns Eilert⁠—? Brack Both you and him. Tesman Well, my dear Judge, out with it. Brack You must be prepared to find your appointment deferred longer than you desired or expected. Tesman Jumping up uneasily. Is there some hitch about it? Eh? Brack The nomination may perhaps be made conditional on the result of a competition⁠— Tesman Competition! Think of that, Hedda! Hedda Leans further back in the chair. Aha⁠—aha! Tesman But who can my competitor be? Surely not⁠—? Brack Yes, precisely⁠—Eilert Lövborg. Tesman Clasping his hands. No, no⁠—it’s quite impossible! Eh? Brack H’m⁠—that is what it may come to, all the same. Tesman Well but, Judge Brack⁠—it would show the most incredible lack of consideration for me. Gesticulates with his arms. For⁠—just think⁠—I’m a married man! We have married on the strength of these prospects, Hedda and I; and run deep into debt; and borrowed money from Aunt Julia too. Good heavens, they had as good as promised me the appointment. Eh? Brack Well, well, well⁠—no doubt you will get it in the end; only after a contest. Hedda Immovable in her armchair. Fancy, Tesman, there will be a sort of sporting interest in that. Tesman Why, my dearest Hedda, how can you be so indifferent about it? Hedda As before. I am not at all indifferent. I am most eager to see who wins. Brack In any case, Mrs. Tesman, it is best that you should know how matters stand. I mean⁠—before you set about the little purchases I hear you are threatening. Hedda This can make no difference. Brack Indeed! Then I have no more to say. Goodbye! To Tesman. I shall look in on my way back from my afternoon walk, and take you home with me. Tesman Oh yes, yes⁠—your news has quite upset me. Hedda Reclining, holds out her hand. Goodbye, Judge; and be sure you call in the afternoon. Brack Many thanks. Goodbye, goodbye! Tesman Accompanying him to the door. Goodbye my dear Judge! You must really excuse me⁠—Judge Brack goes out by the hall door. Tesman Crosses the room. Oh Hedda⁠—one should never rush into adventures. Eh? Hedda Looks at him, smiling. Do you do that? Tesman Yes, dear⁠—there is no denying⁠—it was adventurous to go and marry and set up house upon mere expectations. Hedda Perhaps you are right there. Tesman Well⁠—at all events, we have our delightful home, Hedda! Fancy, the home we both dreamed of⁠—the home we were in love with, I may almost say. Eh? Hedda Rising slowly and wearily. It was part of our compact that we were to go into society⁠—to keep open house. Tesman Yes, if you only knew how I had been looking forward to it! Fancy⁠—to see you as hostess⁠—in a select circle! Eh? Well, well, well⁠—for the present we shall have to get on without society, Hedda⁠—only to invite Aunt Julia now and then.⁠—Oh, I intended you to lead such an utterly different life, dear⁠—! Hedda Of course I cannot have my man in livery just yet. Tesman Oh, no, unfortunately. It would be out of the question for us to keep a footman, you know. Hedda And the saddle horse I was to have had⁠— Tesman Aghast. The saddle horse! Hedda —I suppose I must not think of that now. Tesman Good heavens, no!⁠—that’s as clear as daylight! Hedda Goes up the room. Well, I shall have one thing at least to kill time with in the meanwhile. Tesman Beaming. Oh thank heaven for that! What is it, Hedda. Eh? Hedda In the middle doorway, looks at him with covert scorn. My pistols, George. Tesman In alarm. Your pistols! Hedda With cold eyes. General Gabler’s pistols. She goes out through the inner room, to the left. Tesman Rushes up to the middle doorway and calls after her: No, for heaven’s sake, Hedda darling⁠—don’t touch those dangerous things! For my sake Hedda! Eh?

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