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.
Hedda
No, but Mrs. Elvsted is coming. We three can have a cup of tea together.
Tesman
Oh yes, that will be all right.
Brack
Smiling. And that would perhaps be the safest plan for him.
Hedda
Why so?
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.
Hedda
But no doubt Mr. Lövborg’s principles are strict enough now. A converted sinner—Berta appears at the hall door.
Berta
There’s a gentleman asking if you are at home, ma’am—
Hedda
Well, show him in.
Tesman
Softly. I’m sure it is he! Fancy that!
Eilert Lövborg 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.
Tesman
Goes up to him and shakes him warmly by the hand. Well, my dear Eilert—so at last we meet again!
Eilert Lövborg
Speaks in a subdued voice. Thanks for your letter, Tesman. Approaching Hedda. Will you too shake hands with me, Mrs. Tesman?
Hedda
Taking his hand. I am glad to see you, Mr. Lövborg. With a motion of her hand. I don’t know whether you two gentlemen—?
Lövborg
Bowing slightly. Judge Brack, I think.
Brack
Doing likewise. Oh yes—in the old days—
Tesman
To Lövborg, 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?
Lövborg
Yes, I am.
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.
Lövborg
You may spare yourself the trouble.
Tesman
Why so?
Lövborg
Because there is very little in it.
Tesman
Just fancy—how can you say so?
Brack
But it has been very much praised, I hear.
Lövborg
That was what I wanted; so I put nothing into the book but what everyone would agree with.
Brack
Very wise of you.
Tesman
Well but, my dear Eilert—!
Lövborg
For now I mean to win myself a position again—to make a fresh start.
Tesman
A little embarrassed. Ah, that is what you wish to do? Eh?
Lövborg
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.
Tesman
Indeed? And what is it?
Lövborg
It is the continuation.
Tesman
The continuation? Of what?
Lövborg
Of the book.
Tesman
Of the new book?
Lövborg
Of course.
Tesman
Why, my dear Eilert—does it not come down to our own days?
Lövborg
Yes, it does; and this one deals with the future.
Tesman
With the future! But, good heavens, we know nothing of the future!
Lövborg
No; but there is a thing or two to be said about it all the same. Opens the packet. Look here—
Tesman
Why, that’s not your handwriting.
Lövborg
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.
Tesman
How odd now! I should never have thought of writing anything of that sort.
Hedda
At the glass door, drumming on the pane. H’m—. I daresay not.
Lövborg
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.
Tesman
That was very good of you, Eilert. But this evening—? Looking back at Brack. I don’t see how we can manage it—
Lövborg
Well then, some other time. There is no hurry.
Brack
I must tell you, Mr. Lövborg—there is a little gathering at my house this evening—mainly in honour of Tesman, you know—
Lövborg
Looking for his hat. Oh—then I won’t detain you—
Brack
No, but listen—will you not do me the favour of joining us?
Lövborg
Curtly and decidedly. No, I can’t—thank you very much.
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.
Lövborg
I have no doubt of it. But nevertheless—
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.
Tesman
Yes, think of that, Eilert—why shouldn’t you? Eh?
Hedda
Interposing. But, Tesman, if Mr. Lövborg would really rather not! I am sure Mr. Lövborg is much more inclined to remain here and have supper with me.
Lövborg
Looking at her. With you, Mrs. Tesman?
Hedda
And with Mrs. Elvsted.
Lövborg
Ah—Lightly. I saw her for a moment this morning.
Hedda
Did you? Well, she is coming this evening. So you see you are almost bound to remain, Mr. Lövborg, or she will have no one to see her home.
Lövborg
That’s true. Many thanks, Mrs. Tesman—in that case I will remain.
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.
Tesman
At the same time, to Lövborg. Tell me, Eilert—is it this new subject—the future—that you are going to lecture about?
Lövborg
Yes.
Tesman
They told me at the bookseller’s that you are going to deliver a course of lectures this autumn.
Lövborg
That is my intention. I hope you won’t take it ill, Tesman.
Tesman
Oh no, not in the least! But—?
Lövborg
I can quite understand that
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