BRACK.
Yes, yes — I too should feel that a deprivation.
HEDDA.
And then, what I found most intolerable of all — -
BRACK.
Well?
HEDDA.
— -was being everlastingly in the company of — one and the same person —
BRACK.
[With a nod of assent.] Morning, noon, and night, yes — at all possible times and seasons.
HEDDA.
I said "everlastingly."
BRACK.
Just so. But I should have thought, with our excellent Tesman, one could — -
HEDDA.
Tesman is — a specialist, my dear Judge.
BRACK.
Undeniable.
HEDDA.
And specialists are not at all amusing to travel with. Not in the long run at any rate.
BRACK.
Not even — the specialist one happens to love?
HEDDA.
Faugh — don't use that sickening word!
BRACK.
[Taken aback.] What do you say, Mrs. Hedda?
HEDDA.
[Half laughing, half irritated.] You should just try it! To hear of nothing but the history of civilisation, morning, noon, and night — -
BRACK.
Everlastingly.
HEDDA.
Yes yes yes! And then all this about the domestic industry of the middle ages — -! That's the most disgusting part of it!
BRACK.
[Looks searchingly at her.] But tell me — in that case, how am I to understand your — -? H'm — -
HEDDA.
My accepting George Tesman, you mean?
BRACK.
Well, let us put it so.
HEDDA.
Good heavens, do you see anything so wonderful in that?
BRACK.
Yes and no — Mrs. Hedda.
HEDDA.
I had positively danced myself tired, my dear Judge. My day was done — - [With a slight shudder.] Oh no — I won't say that; nor think it either!
BRACK.
You have assuredly no reason to.
HEDDA.
Oh, reasons — - [Watching him closely.] And George Tesman — after all, you must admit that he is correctness itself.
