HEDDA.
[Holds out her hand for the packet.] No — don't give it to him! Not in such a hurry, I mean. Let me read it first.
TESMAN.
No, my dearest Hedda, I mustn't, I really mustn't.
HEDDA.
You must not?
TESMAN.
No — for you can imagine what a state of despair he will be in when he wakens and misses the manuscript. He has no copy of it, you must know! He told me so.
HEDDA.
[Looking searchingly at him.] Can such a thing not be reproduced? Written over again?
TESMAN.
No, I don't think that would be possible. For the inspiration, you see — -
HEDDA.
Yes, yes — I suppose it depends on that — -[Lightly.] But, by-the-bye — here is a letter for you.
TESMAN.
Fancy — -!
HEDDA.
[Handing it to him.] It came early this morning.
TESMAN.
It's from Aunt Julia! What can it be? [He lays the packet on the other footstool, opens the letter, runs his eye through it, and jumps up.] Oh, Hedda — she says that poor Aunt Rina is dying!
HEDDA.
Well, we were prepared for that.
TESMAN.
And that if I want to see her again, I must make haste. I'll run in to them at once.
HEDDA.
[Suppressing a smile.] Will you run?
TESMAN.
Oh, my dearest Hedda — if you could only make up your mind to come with me! Just think!
HEDDA.
[Rises and says wearily, repelling the idea.] No, no don't ask me. I will not look upon sickness and death. I loathe all sorts of ugliness.
TESMAN.
Well, well, then — -! [Bustling around.] My hat — -? My overcoat — -? Oh, in the hall — -. I do hope I mayn't come too late, Hedda! Eh?
HEDDA.
Oh, if you run — - [BERTA appears at the hall door.
BERTA.
Judge Brack is at the door, and wishes to know if he may come in.
TESMAN.
At this time! No, I can't possibly see him.
HEDDA.
But I can. [To BERTA.] Ask Judge Brack to come in. [BERTA goes out.
HEDDA.
[Quickly, whispering.] The parcel, Tesman! [She snatches it up from the stool.
TESMAN.
Yes, give it to me!
