TESMAN.
Have you been anxious about me? Eh?
HEDDA.
No, I should never think of being anxious. But I asked if you had enjoyed yourself.
TESMAN.
Oh yes, — for once in a way. Especially the beginning of the evening; for then Eilert read me part of his book. We arrived more than an hour too early — fancy that! And Brack had all sorts of arrangements to make — so Eilert read to me.
HEDDA.
[Seating herself by the table on the right.] Well? Tell me then — -
TESMAN.
[Sitting on a footstool near the stove.] Oh, Hedda, you can't conceive what a book that is going to be! I believe it is one of the most remarkable things that have ever been written. Fancy that!
HEDDA. ** Yes yes; I don't care about that — -
TESMAN.
I must make a confession to you, Hedda. When he had finished reading — a horrid feeling came over me.
HEDDA.
A horrid feeling?
TESMAN.
I felt jealous of Eilert for having had it in him to write such a book. Only think, Hedda!
HEDDA.
Yes, yes, I am thinking!
TESMAN.
And then how pitiful to think that he — with all his gifts — should be irreclaimable, after all.
HEDDA.
I suppose you mean that he has more courage than the rest?
TESMAN.
No, not at all — I mean that he is incapable of taking his pleasure in moderation.
HEDDA.
And what came of it all — in the end?
TESMAN.
Well, to tell the truth, I think it might best be described as an orgie, Hedda.
HEDDA.
Had he vine-leaves in his hair?
TESMAN.
Vine-leaves? No, I saw nothing of the sort. But he made a long, rambling speech in honour of the woman who had inspired him in his work — that was the phrase he used.
HEDDA.
Did he name her?
TESMAN.
No, he didn't; but I can't help thinking he meant Mrs. Elvsted. You may be sure he did.
HEDDA.
Well — where did you part from him?
TESMAN.
On the way to town. We broke up — the last of us at any rate — all together; and Brack came with us to get a breath of fresh air. And then, you see, we agreed to take Eilert home; for he had had far more than was good for him.
