BRACK.
His correctness and respectability are beyond all question.
HEDDA.
And I don't see anything absolutely ridiculous about him. — Do you?
BRACK.
Ridiculous? N — no — I shouldn't exactly say so — -
HEDDA.
Well — and his powers of research, at all events, are untiring. — I see no reason why he should not one day come to the front, after all.
BRACK.
[Looks at her hesitatingly.] I thought that you, like every one else, expected him to attain the highest distinction.
HEDDA.
[With an expression of fatigue.] Yes, so I did. — And then, since he was bent, at all hazards, on being allowed to provide for me — I really don't know why I should not have accepted his offer?
BRACK.
No — if you look at it in that light — -
HEDDA.
It was more than my other adorers were prepared to do for me, my dear Judge.
BRACK.
[Laughing.] Well, I can't answer for all the rest; but as for myself, you know quite well that I have always entertained a — a certain respect for the marriage tie — for marriage as an institution, Mrs. Hedda.
HEDDA.
[Jestingly.] Oh, I assure you I have never cherished any hopes with respect to you.
BRACK.
All I require is a pleasant and intimate interior, where I can make myself useful in every way, and am free to come and go as — as a trusted friend — -
HEDDA.
Of the master of the house, do you mean?
BRACK.
[Bowing.] Frankly — of the mistress first of all; but of course of the master too, in the second place. Such a triangular friendship — if I may call it so — is really a great convenience for all the parties, let me tell you.
HEDDA.
Yes, I have many a time longed for some one to make a third on our travels. Oh — those railway-carriage tete-a-tetes — -!
BRACK.
Fortunately your wedding journey is over now.
HEDDA.
[Shaking her head.] Not by a long — long way. I have only arrived at a station on the line.
BRACK.
Well, then the passengers jump out and move about a little, Mrs. Hedda.
HEDDA.
I never jump out.
BRACK.
Really?
HEDDA.
No — because there is always some one standing by to — -
BRACK.
[Laughing.] To look at your ankles, do you mean?
HEDDA.
Precisely.
