ACT SECOND.
The room at the TESMANS' as in the first Act, except that the piano has been removed, and an elegant little writing-table with the book-shelves put in its place. A smaller table stands near the sofa on the left. Most of the bouquets have been taken away. MRS. ELVSTED'S bouquet is upon the large table in front. — It is afternoon.
HEDDA, dressed to receive callers, is alone in the room. She stands by the open glass door, loading a revolver. The fellow to it lies in an open pistol-case on the writing- table.
HEDDA.
[Looks down the garden, and calls:] So you are here again, Judge!
BRACK.
[Is heard calling from a distance.] As you see, Mrs. Tesman!
HEDDA.
[Raises the pistol and points.] Now I'll shoot you, Judge Brack!
BRACK.
[Calling unseen.] No, no, no! Don't stand aiming at me!
HEDDA.
This is what comes of sneaking in by the back way.(7) [She fires.
BRACK.
[Nearer.] Are you out of your senses — -!
HEDDA.
Dear me — did I happen to hit you?
BRACK.
[Still outside.] I wish you would let these pranks alone!
HEDDA.
Come in then, Judge.
JUDGE BRACK, dressed as though for a men's party, enters by the glass door. He carries a light overcoat over his arm.
BRACK.
What the deuce — haven't you tired of that sport, yet? What are you shooting at?
HEDDA.
Oh, I am only firing in the air.
BRACK.
[Gently takes the pistol out of her hand.] Allow me, madam! [Looks at it.] Ah — I know this pistol well! [Looks around.] Where is the case? Ah, here it is. [Lays the pistol in it, and shuts it.] Now we won't play at that game any more to-day.
HEDDA.
Then what in heaven's name would you have me do with myself?
BRACK.
Have you had no visitors?
HEDDA.
[Closing the glass door.] Not one. I suppose all our set are still out of town.
BRACK.
And is Tesman not at home either?
HEDDA.
[At the writing-table, putting the pistol-case in a drawer which she shuts.] No. He rushed off to his aunt's directly after lunch; he didn't expect you so early.
BRACK.
H'm — how stupid of me not to have thought of that!
HEDDA.
[Turning her head to look at him.] Why stupid?
BRACK.
Because if I had thought of it I should have come a little — earlier.
HEDDA.
[Crossing the room.] Then you would have found no one to receive you; for I have been in my room changing my dress ever since lunch.
