Hedda Gabler

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