TESMAN.
I am looking forward eagerly to setting to work at it; especially now that I have my own delightful home to work in.
MISS TESMAN.
And, most of all, now that you have got the wife of your heart, my dear George.
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.
MISS TESMAN.
[Going to meet HEDDA.] Good morning, my dear Hedda! Good morning, and a hearty welcome!
HEDDA.
[Holds out her hand.] Good morning, dear Miss Tesman! So early a call! That is kind of you.
MISS TESMAN.
[With some embarrassment.] Well — has the bride slept well in her new home?
HEDDA.
Oh yes, thanks. Passably.
TESMAN.
[Laughing.] Passably! Come, that's good, Hedda! You were sleeping like a stone when I got up.
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.
MISS TESMAN.
[Going towards the door.] Well, then we will shut it.
HEDDA.
No no, not that! Tesman, please draw the curtains. That will give a softer light.
TESMAN.
[At the door.] All right — all right. — There now, Hedda, now you have both shade and fresh air.
HEDDA.
Yes, fresh air we certainly must have, with all these stacks of flowers — -. But — won't you sit down, Miss Tesman?
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.
TESMAN.
Give her my very best love, Auntie; and say I shall look in and see her later in the day.
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.
TESMAN.
What is it, Auntie? Eh?
MISS TESMAN.
[Produces a flat parcel wrapped in newspaper and hands it to him.] Look here, my dear boy.
TESMAN. [Opening the parcel.] Well, I declare! — Have you really saved them for me, Aunt Julia! Hedda! isn't this touching — eh?
