LOVBORG.
[In a tone of indignation.] Hedda Gabler married? And married to — George Tesman!
HEDDA.
Yes — so the world goes.
LOVBORG.
Oh, Hedda, Hedda — how could you(9) throw yourself away!
HEDDA.
[Looks sharply at him.] What? I can't allow this!
LOVBORG.
What do you mean? [TESMAN comes into the room and goes towards the sofa.
HEDDA.
[Hears him coming and says in an indifferent tone.] And this is a view from the Val d'Ampezzo, Mr. Lovborg. Just look at these peaks! [Looks affectionately up at TESMAN.] What's the name of these curious peaks, dear?
TESMAN.
Let me see. Oh, those are the Dolomites.
HEDDA.
Yes, that's it! — Those are the Dolomites, Mr. Lovborg.
TESMAN.
Hedda, dear, — I only wanted to ask whether I shouldn't bring you a little punch after all? For yourself at any rate — eh?
HEDDA.
Yes, do, please; and perhaps a few biscuits.
TESMAN.
No cigarettes?
HEDDA.
No.
TESMAN.
Very well. [He goes into the inner room and out to the right. BRACK sits in the inner room, and keeps an eye from time to time on HEDDA and LOVBORG.
LOVBORG.
[Softly, as before.] Answer me, Hedda — how could you go and do this?
HEDDA.
[Apparently absorbed in the album.] If you continue to say du to me I won't talk to you.
LOVBORG.
May I not say du even when we are alone?
HEDDA.
No. You may think it; but you mustn't say it.
LOVBORG.
Ah, I understand. It is an offence against George Tesman, whom you(10) — love.
HEDDA.
[Glances at him and smiles.] Love? What an idea!
LOVBORG.
You don't love him then!
HEDDA.
But I won't hear of any sort of unfaithfulness! Remember that.
LOVBORG.
Hedda — answer me one thing — -
HEDDA.
Hush! [TESMAN enters with a small tray from the inner room.
TESMAN.
Here you are! Isn't this tempting? [He puts the tray on the table.
HEDDA.
Why do you bring it yourself?
