TESMAN.
Why, my dearest Hedda, how can you be so indifferent about it?
HEDDA.
[As before.] I am not at all indifferent. I am most eager to see who wins.
BRACK.
In any case, Mrs. Tesman, it is best that you should know how matters stand. I mean — before you set about the little purchases I hear you are threatening.
HEDDA.
This can make no difference.
BRACK.
Indeed! Then I have no more to say. Good-bye! [To TESMAN.] I shall look in on my way back from my afternoon walk, and take you home with me.
TESMAN.
Oh yes, yes — your news has quite upset me.
HEDDA.
[Reclining, holds out her hand.] Good-bye, Judge; and be sure you call in the afternoon.
BRACK.
Many thanks. Good-bye, good-bye!
TESMAN.
[Accompanying him to the door.] Good-bye my dear Judge! You must really excuse me — - [JUDGE BRACK goes out by the hall door.
TESMAN.
[Crosses the room.] Oh Hedda — one should never rush into adventures. Eh?
HEDDA.
[Looks at him, smiling.] Do you do that?
TESMAN.
Yes, dear — there is no denying — it was adventurous to go and marry and set up house upon mere expectations.
HEDDA.
Perhaps you are right there.
TESMAN.
Well — at all events, we have our delightful home, Hedda! Fancy, the home we both dreamed of — the home we were in love with, I may almost say. Eh?
HEDDA.
[Rising slowly and wearily.] It was part of our compact that we were to go into society — to keep open house.
TESMAN.
Yes, if you only knew how I had been looking forward to it! Fancy — to see you as hostess — in a select circle! Eh? Well, well, well — for the present we shall have to get on without society, Hedda — only to invite Aunt Julia now and then. — Oh, I intended you to lead such an utterly different life, dear — -!
HEDDA.
Of course I cannot have my man in livery just yet.
TESMAN.
Oh, no, unfortunately. It would be out of the question for us to keep a footman, you know.
HEDDA.
And the saddle-horse I was to have had — -
TESMAN.
[Aghast.] The saddle-horse!
HEDDA.
— -I suppose I must not think of that now.
TESMAN.
Good heavens, no! — that's as clear as daylight!
HEDDA.
[Goes up the room.] Well, I shall have one thing at least to kill time with in the meanwhile.
TESMAN.
[Beaming.] Oh thank heaven for that! What is it, Hedda. Eh?
HEDDA.
[In the middle doorway, looks at him with covert scorn.] My pistols, George.
TESMAN.
[In alarm.] Your pistols!
HEDDA.
[With cold eyes.] General Gabler's pistols. [She goes out through the inner room, to the left.
TESMAN.
[Rushes up to the middle doorway and calls after her:] No, for heaven's sake, Hedda darling — don't touch those dangerous things! For my sake Hedda! Eh?
