HEDDA.
[Beside the whatnot on the right.] Well, what is it?
TESMAN.
My old morning-shoes! My slippers.
HEDDA.
Indeed. I remember you often spoke of them while we were abroad.
TESMAN.
Yes, I missed them terribly. [Goes up to her.] Now you shall see them, Hedda!
HEDDA.
[Going towards the stove.] Thanks, I really don't care about it.
TESMAN.
[Following her.] Only think — ill as she was, Aunt Rina embroidered these for me. Oh you can't think how many associations cling to them.
HEDDA.
[At the table.] Scarcely for me.
MISS TESMAN.
Of course not for Hedda, George.
TESMAN.
Well, but now that she belongs to the family, I thought — -
HEDDA.
[Interrupting.] We shall never get on with this servant, Tesman.
MISS TESMAN.
Not get on with Berta?
TESMAN.
Why, dear, what puts that in your head? Eh?
HEDDA.
[Pointing.] Look there! She has left her old bonnet lying about on a chair.
TESMAN.
[In consternation, drops the slippers on the floor.] Why, Hedda — -
HEDDA.
Just fancy, if any one should come in and see it!
TESMAN.
But Hedda — that's Aunt Julia's bonnet.
HEDDA.
Is it!
MISS TESMAN.
[Taking up the bonnet.] Yes, indeed it's mine. And, what's more, it's not old, Madam Hedda.
HEDDA.
I really did not look closely at it, Miss Tesman.
MISS TESMAN.
[Trying on the bonnet.] Let me tell you it's the first time I have worn it — the very first time.
TESMAN.
And a very nice bonnet it is too — quite a beauty!
MISS TESMAN.
Oh, it's no such great things, George. [Looks around her.] My parasol — -? Ah, here. [Takes it.] For this is mine too — [mutters] — not Berta's.
TESMAN.
A new bonnet and a new parasol! Only think, Hedda.
HEDDA.
Very handsome indeed.
TESMAN.
Yes, isn't it? Eh? But Auntie, take a good look at Hedda before you go! See how handsome she is!
MISS TESMAN.
Oh, my dear boy, there's nothing new in that. Hedda was always lovely. [She nods and goes toward the right.
