HEDDA.
Exactly. The girl with the irritating hair, that she was always showing off. An old flame of yours I've been told.
TESMAN.
[Laughing.] Oh, that didn't last long; and it was before I met you, Hedda. But fancy her being in town!
HEDDA.
It's odd that she should call upon us. I have scarcely seen her since we left school.
TESMAN.
I haven't see her either for — heaven knows how long. I wonder how she can endure to live in such an out-of-the way hole — eh?
HEDDA.
[After a moment's thought, says suddenly.] Tell me, Tesman — isn't it somewhere near there that he — that — Eilert Lovborg is living?
TESMAN.
Yes, he is somewhere in that part of the country.
BERTA enters by the hall door.
BERTA.
That lady, ma'am, that brought some flowers a little while ago, is here again. [Pointing.] The flowers you have in your hand, ma'am.
HEDDA.
Ah, is she? Well, please show her in.
BERTA opens the door for MRS. ELVSTED, and goes out herself. — MRS. ELVSTED is a woman of fragile figure, with pretty, soft features. Her eyes are light blue, large, round, and somewhat prominent, with a startled, inquiring expression. Her hair is remarkably light, almost flaxen, and unusually abundant and wavy. She is a couple of years younger than HEDDA. She wears a dark visiting dress, tasteful, but not quite in the latest fashion.
HEDDA.
[Receives her warmly.] How do you do, my dear Mrs. Elvsted? It's delightful to see you again.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Nervously, struggling for self-control.] Yes, it's a very long time since we met.
TESMAN.
[Gives her his hand.] And we too — eh?
HEDDA.
Thanks for your lovely flowers — -
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh, not at all — -. I would have come straight here yesterday afternoon; but I heard that you were away — -
TESMAN.
Have you just come to town? Eh?
MRS. ELVSTED.
I arrived yesterday, about midday. Oh, I was quite in despair when I heard that you were not at home.
HEDDA.
In despair! How so?
TESMAN.
Why, my dear Mrs. Rysing — I mean Mrs. Elvsted — -
HEDDA.
I hope that you are not in any trouble?
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, I am. And I don't know another living creature here that I can turn to.
HEDDA.
[Laying the bouquet on the table.] Come — let us sit here on the sofa — -
