BRACK.
Rightly guessed again, Mrs. Tesman.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[With an effort at self-control.] When did it happen, Mr. Brack?
BRACK.
This afternoon — between three and four.
TESMAN.
But, good Lord, where did he do it? Eh?
BRACK.
[With some hesitation.] Where? Well — I suppose at his lodgings.
MRS. ELVSTED.
No, that cannot be; for I was there between six and seven.
BRACK.
Well then, somewhere else. I don't know exactly. I only know that he was found — -. He had shot himself — in the breast.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh, how terrible! That he should die like that!
HEDDA.
[To BRACK.] Was it in the breast?
BRACK.
Yes — as I told you.
HEDDA.
Not in the temple?
BRACK.
In the breast, Mrs. Tesman.
HEDDA.
Well, well — the breast is a good place, too.
BRACK.
How do you mean, Mrs. Tesman?
HEDDA.
[Evasively.] Oh, nothing — nothing.
TESMAN.
And the wound is dangerous, you say — eh?
BRACK.
Absolutely mortal. The end has probably come by this time.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, yes, I feel it. The end! The end! Oh, Hedda — -!
TESMAN.
But tell me, how have you learnt all this?
BRACK.
[Curtly.] Through one of the police. A man I had some business with.
HEDDA.
[In a clear voice.] At last a deed worth doing!
TESMAN.
[Terrified.] Good heavens, Hedda! what are you saying?
HEDDA.
I say there is beauty in this.
BRACK.
H'm, Mrs. Tesman — -
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh, Hedda, how can you talk of beauty in such an act!
HEDDA.
Eilert Lovborg has himself made up his account with life. He has had the courage to do — the one right thing.
MRS. ELVSTED.
No, you must never think that was how it happened! It must have been in delirium that he did it.
TESMAN.
In despair!
