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?
TESMAN.
[Filling the glasses.] Because I think it's such fun to wait upon you,
Hedda.
HEDDA.
But you have poured out two glasses. Mr. Lovborg said he wouldn't have
any--
TESMAN.
No, but Mrs. Elvsted will soon be here, won't she?
HEDDA.
Yes, by-the-bye--Mrs. Elvsted--
TESMAN.
Had you forgotten her? Eh?
HEDDA.
We were so absorbed in these photographs. [Shows him a picture.] Do you
remember this little village?
TESMAN.
Oh, it's that one just below the Brenner Pass. It was there we passed
the night--
HEDDA.
--and met that lively party of tourists.
TESMAN.
Yes, that was the place. Fancy--if we could only have had you with us,
Eilert! Eh?
[He returns to the inner room and sits beside BRACK.
LOVBORG.
Answer me one thing, Hedda--
HEDDA.
Well?
LOVBORG.
Was there no love in your friendship for me either? Not a spark--not a
tinge of love in it?
HEDDA.
I wonder if there was? To me it seems as though we were two good
comrades--two thoroughly intimate friends. [Smilingly.] You especially
were frankness itself.
LOVBORG.
It was you that made me so.
HEDDA.
As I look back upon it all, I think there was really something
beautiful, something fascinating--something daring--in--in that secret
intimacy--that comradeship which no living creature so much as dreamed
of.
LOVBORG.
Yes, yes, Hedda! Was there not?--When I used to come to your father's
in the afternoon--and the General sat over at the window reading his
papers--with his back towards us--
HEDDA.
And we two on the corner sofa--
LOVBORG.
Always with the same illustrated paper before us--
HEDDA.
For want of an album, yes.
LOVBORG.
Yes, Hedda, and when I made my confessions to you--told you about
myself, things that at that time no one else knew! There I would sit
and tell you of my escapades--my days and nights of devilment. Oh,
Hedda--what was the power in you that forced me to confess these things?
HEDDA.
Do you think it was any power in me?
LOVBORG.
How else can I explain it? And all those--those roundabout questions you
used to put to me--
HEDDA.
Which you understood so particularly well--
LOVBORG.
How could you sit and question me like that? Question me quite
frankly--
HEDDA.
In roundabout terms, please observe.
LOVBORG.
Yes, but frankly nevertheless. Cross-question me about--all that sort of
thing?
HEDDA.
And how could you answer, Mr. Lovborg?
LOVBORG.
Yes, that is just what I can't understand--in looking back upon it. But
tell me now, Hedda--was there not love at the bottom of our friendship?
On your side, did you not feel as though you might purge my stains
away--if I made you my confessor? Was it not so?
HEDDA.
No, not quite.
LOVBORG.
What was you motive, then?
HEDDA.
Do think it quite incomprehensible that a young girl--when it can be
done--without any one knowing--
LOVBORG.
Well?
HEDDA.
--should be glad to have a peep, now and then, into a world which--?
LOVBORG.
Which--?
HEDDA.
--which she is forbidden to know anything about?
LOVBORG.
So that was it?
HEDDA.
Partly. Partly--I almost think.
LOVBORG.
Comradeship in the thirst for life. But why should not that, at any
rate, have continued?
HEDDA.
The fault was yours.
LOVBORG.
It was you that broke with me.
HEDDA.
Yes, when our friendship threatened to develop into something more
serious. Shame upon you, Eilert Lovborg! How could you think of wronging
your--your frank comrade.
LOVBORG.
[Clenches his hands.] Oh, why did you not carry out your threat? Why did
you not shoot me down?
HEDDA.
Because I have such a dread of scandal.
LOVBORG.
Yes, Hedda, you are a coward at heart.
HEDDA.
A terrible coward. [Changing her tone.] But it was a lucky thing for
you. And now you have found ample consolation at the Elvsteds'.
LOVBORG.
I know what Thea has confided to you.
HEDDA.
And perhaps you have confided to her something about us?
LOVBORG.
Not a word. She is too stupid to understand anything of that sort.
HEDDA.
Stupid?
LOVBORG.
She is stupid about matters of that sort.
HEDDA.
And I am cowardly. [Bends over towards him, without looking him in the
face, and says more softly:] But now I will confide something to you.
LOVBORG.
[Eagerly.] Well?
HEDDA.
The fact that I dared not shoot you down--
LOVBORG.
Yes!
HEDDA.
--that was not my arrant cowardice--that evening.
LOVBORG.
[Looks at her a moment, understands, and whispers passionately.] Oh,
Hedda! Hedda Gabler! Now I begin to see a hidden reason beneath our
comradeship! You(11) and I--! After all, then, it was your craving for
life--
HEDDA.
[Softly, with a sharp glance.] Take care! Believe nothing of the sort!
[Twilight has begun to fall. The hall door is opened from
without by BERTA.
HEDDA.
[Closes the album with a bang and calls smilingly:] Ah, at last! My
darling Thea,--come along!
MRS. ELVSTED enters from the hall. She is in evening dress.
The door is closed behind her.
HEDDA.
[On the sofa, stretches out her arms towards her.] My sweet Thea--you
can't think how I have been longing for you!
[MRS. ELVSTED, in passing, exchanges slight salutations with
the gentlemen in the inner room, then goes up to the table
and gives HEDDA her hand. EILERT LOVBORG has risen. He and
MRS. ELVSTED greet each other with a silent nod.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Ought I to go in and talk to your husband for a moment?
HEDDA.
Oh, not at all. Leave those two alone. They will soon be going.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Are they going out?
HEDDA.
Yes, to a supper-party.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Quickly, to LOVBORG.] Not you?
LOVBORG.
No.
HEDDA.
Mr. Lovborg remains with us.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Takes a chair and is about to seat herself at his side.] Oh, how nice
it is here!
HEDDA.
No, thank you, my little Thea! Not there! You'll be good enough to come
over here to me. I will sit between you.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, just as you please.
[She goes round the table and seats herself on the sofa on
HEDDA'S right. LOVBORG re-seats himself on his chair.
LOVBORG.
[After a short pause, to HEDDA.] Is not she lovely to look at?
HEDDA.
[Lightly stroking her hair.] Only to look at!
LOVBORG.
Yes. For we two--she and I--we are two real comrades. We have absolute
faith in each other; so we can sit and talk with perfect frankness--
HEDDA.
Not round about, Mr. Lovborg?
LOVBORG.
Well--
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Softly clinging close to HEDDA.] Oh, how happy I am, Hedda! For only
think, he says I have inspired him too.
HEDDA.
[Looks at her with a smile.] Ah! Does he say that, dear?
LOVBORG.
And then she is so brave, Mrs. Tesman!
MRS. ELVSTED.
Good heavens--am I brave?
LOVBORG.
Exceedingly--where your comrade is concerned.
HEDDA.
Ah, yes--courage! If one only had that!
LOVBORG.
What then? What do you mean?
HEDDA.
Then life would perhaps be liveable, after all. [With a sudden change
of tone.] But now, my dearest Thea, you really must have a glass of cold
punch.
MRS. ELVSTED.
No, thanks--I never take anything of that kind.
HEDDA.
Well then, you, Mr. Lovborg.
LOVBORG.
Nor I, thank you.
MRS. ELVSTED.
No, he doesn't either.
HEDDA.
[Looks fixedly at him.] But if I say you shall?
LOVBORG.
It would be of no use.
HEDDA.
[Laughing.] Then I, poor creature, have no sort of power over you?
LOVBORG.
Not in that respect.
HEDDA.
But seriously, I think you ought to--for your own sake.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Why, Hedda--!
LOVBORG.
How so?
HEDDA.
Or rather on account of other people.
LOVBORG.
Indeed?
HEDDA.
Otherwise people might be apt to suspect that--in your heart of
hearts--you did not feel quite secure--quite confident in yourself.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Softly.] Oh please, Hedda--!
LOVBORG.
People may suspect what they like--for the present.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Joyfully.] Yes, let them!
HEDDA.
I saw it plainly in Judge Brack's face a moment ago.
LOVBORG.
What did you see?
HEDDA.
His contemptuous smile, when you dared not go with them into the inner
room.
LOVBORG.
Dared not? Of course I preferred to stop here and talk to you.
MRS. ELVSTED.
What could be more natural, Hedda?
HEDDA.
But the Judge could not guess that. And I say, too, the way he smiled
and glanced at Tesman when you dared not accept his invitation to this
wretched little supper-party of his.
LOVBORG.
Dared not! Do you say I dared not?
HEDDA.
_I_ don't say so. But that was how Judge Brack understood it.
LOVBORG.
Well, let him.
HEDDA.
Then you are not going with them?
LOVBORG.
I will stay here with you and Thea.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, Hedda--how can you doubt that?
HEDDA.
[Smiles and nods approvingly to LOVBORG.] Firm as a rock! Faithful to
your principles, now and for ever! Ah, that is how a man should be!
[Turns to MRS. ELVSTED and caresses her.] Well now, what did I tell you,
when you came to us this morning in such a state of distraction--
LOVBORG.
[Surprised.] Distraction!
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Terrified.] Hedda--oh Hedda--!
HEDDA.
You can see for yourself! You haven't the slightest reason to be in such
mortal terror-- [Interrupting herself.] There! Now we can all three
enjoy ourselves!
LOVBORG.
[Who has given a start.] Ah--what is all this, Mrs. Tesman?
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh my God, Hedda! What are you saying? What are you doing?
HEDDA.
Don't get excited! That horrid Judge Brack is sitting watching you.
LOVBORG.
So she was in mortal terror! On my account!
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Softly and piteously.] Oh, Hedda--now you have ruined everything!
LOVBORG.
[Looks fixedly at her for a moment. His face is distorted.] So that was
my comrade's frank confidence in me?
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Imploringly.] Oh, my dearest friend--only let me tell you--
LOVBORG.
[Takes one of the glasses of punch, raises it to his lips, and says in a
low, husky voice.] Your health, Thea!
[He empties the glass, puts it down, and takes the second.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Softly.] Oh, Hedda, Hedda--how could you do this?
HEDDA.
_I_ do it? _I_? Are you crazy?
LOVBORG.
Here's to your health too, Mrs. Tesman. Thanks for the truth. Hurrah for
the truth!
[He empties the glass and is about to re-fill it.
HEDDA.
[Lays her hand on his arm.] Come, come--no more for the present.
Remember you are going out to supper.
MRS. ELVSTED.
No, no, no!
HEDDA.
Hush! They are sitting watching you.
LOVBORG.
[Putting down the glass.] Now, Thea--tell me the truth--
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes.
LOVBORG.
Did your husband know that you had come after me?
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Wringing her hands.] Oh, Hedda--do you hear what he is asking?
LOVBORG.
Was it arranged between you and him that you were to come to town and
look after me? Perhaps it was the Sheriff himself that urged you to
come? Aha, my dear--no doubt he wanted my help in his office! Or was it
at the card-table that he missed me?
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Softly, in agony.] Oh, Lovborg, Lovborg--!
LOVBORG.
[Seizes a glass and is on the point of filling it.] Here's a glass for
the old Sheriff too!
HEDDA.
[Preventing him.] No more just now. Remember, you have to read your
manuscript to Tesman.
LOVBORG.
[Calmly, putting down the glass.] It was stupid of me all this. Thea--to
take it in this way, I mean. Don't be angry with me, my dear, dear
comrade. You shall see--both you and the others--that if I was fallen
once--now I have risen again! Thanks to you, Thea.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Radiant with joy.] Oh, heaven be praised--!
[BRACK has in the meantime looked at his watch. He and TESMAN
rise and come into the drawing-room.
BRACK.
[Takes his hat and overcoat.] Well, Mrs. Tesman, our time has come.
HEDDA.
I suppose it has.
LOVBORG.
[Rising.] Mine too, Judge Brack.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Softly and imploringly.] Oh, Lovborg, don't do it!
HEDDA.
[Pinching her arm.] They can hear you!
MRS. ELVSTED.
[With a suppressed shriek.] Ow!
LOVBORG.
[To BRACK.] You were good enough to invite me.
JUDGE BRACK.
Well, are you coming after all?
LOVBORG.
Yes, many thanks.
BRACK.
I'm delighted--
LOVBORG.
[To TESMAN, putting the parcel of MS. in his pocket.] I should like to
show you one or two things before I send it to the printers.
TESMAN.
Fancy--that will be delightful. But, Hedda dear, how is Mrs. Elvsted to
get home? Eh?
HEDDA.
Oh, that can be managed somehow.
LOVBORG.
[Looking towards the ladies.] Mrs. Elvsted? Of course, I'll come again
and fetch her. [Approaching.] At ten or thereabouts, Mrs. Tesman? Will
that do?
HEDDA.
Certainly. That will do capitally.
TESMAN.
Well, then, that's all right. But you must not expect me so early,
Hedda.
HEDDA.
Oh, you may stop as long--as long as ever you please.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Trying to conceal her anxiety.] Well then, Mr. Lovborg--I shall remain
here until you come.
LOVBORG.
[With his hat in his hand.] Pray do, Mrs. Elvsted.
BRACK.
And now off goes the excursion train, gentlemen! I hope we shall have a
lively time, as a certain fair lady puts it.
HEDDA.
Ah, if only the fair lady could be present unseen--!
BRACK.
Why unseen?
HEDDA.
In order to hear a little of your liveliness at first hand, Judge Brack.
BRACK.
[Laughing.] I should not advise the fair lady to try it.
TESMAN.
[Also laughing.] Come, you're a nice one Hedda! Fancy that!
BRACK.
Well, good-bye, good-bye, ladies.
LOVBORG.
[Bowing.] About ten o'clock, then,
[BRACK, LOVBORG, and TESMAN go out by the hall door. At the
same time, BERTA enters from the inner room with a lighted
lamp, which she places on the drawing-room table; she goes
out by the way she came.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Who has risen and is wandering restlessly about the room.] Hedda--
Hedda--what will come of all this?
HEDDA.
At ten o'clock--he will be here. I can see him already--with vine-leaves
in his hair--flushed and fearless--
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh, I hope he may.
HEDDA.
And then, you see--then he will have regained control over himself. Then
he will be a free man for all his days.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh God!--if he would only come as you see him now!
HEDDA.
He will come as I see him--so, and not otherwise! [Rises and approaches
THEA.] You may doubt him as long as you please; _I_ believe in him. And
now we will try--
MRS. ELVSTED.
You have some hidden motive in this, Hedda!
HEDDA.
Yes, I have. I want for once in my life to have power to mould a human
destiny.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Have you not the power?
HEDDA.
I have not--and have never had it.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Not your husband's?
HEDDA.
Do you think that is worth the trouble? Oh, if you could only understand
how poor I am. And fate has made you so rich! [Clasps her passionately
in her arms.] I think I must burn your hair off after all.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Let me go! Let me go! I am afraid of you, Hedda!
BERTA.
[In the middle doorway.] Tea is laid in the dining-room, ma'am.
HEDDA.
Very well. We are coming
MRS. ELVSTED.
No, no, no! I would rather go home alone! At once!
HEDDA.
Nonsense! First you shall have a cup of tea, you little stupid. And
then--at ten o'clock--Eilert Lovborg will be here--with vine-leaves in
his hair.
[She drags MRS. ELVSTED almost by force to the middle doorway.
ACT THIRD.
The room at the TESMANS'. The curtains are drawn over the
middle doorway, and also over the glass door. The lamp,
half turned down, and with a shade over it, is burning on
the table. In the stove, the door of which stands open,
there has been a fire, which is now nearly burnt out.
MRS. ELVSTED, wrapped in a large shawl, and with her feet
upon a foot-rest, sits close to the stove, sunk back in
the arm-chair. HEDDA, fully dressed, lies sleeping upon
the sofa, with a sofa-blanket over her.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[After a pause, suddenly sits up in her chair, and listens eagerly. Then
she sinks back again wearily, moaning to herself.] Not yet!--Oh God--oh
God--not yet!
BERTA slips cautiously in by the hall door. She has a letter in
her hand.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Turns and whispers eagerly.] Well--has any one come?
BERTA.
[Softly.] Yes, a girl has just brought this letter.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Quickly, holding out her hand.] A letter! Give it to me!
BERTA.
No, it's for Dr. Tesman, ma'am.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh, indeed.
BERTA.
It was Miss Tesman's servant that brought it. I'll lay it here on the
table.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, do.
BERTA.
[Laying down the letter.] I think I had better put out the lamp. It's
smoking.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, put it out. It must soon be daylight now.
BERTA.
[Putting out the lamp.] It is daylight already, ma'am.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, broad day! And no one come back yet--!
BERTA.
Lord bless you, ma'am--I guessed how it would be.
MRS. ELVSTED.
You guessed?
BERTA.
Yes, when I saw that a certain person had come back to town--and that he
went off with them. For we've heard enough about that gentleman before
now.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Don't speak so loud. You will waken Mrs. Tesman.
BERTA.
[Looks towards the sofa and sighs.] No, no--let her sleep, poor thing.
Shan't I put some wood on the fire?
MRS. ELVSTED.
Thanks, not for me.
BERTA.
Oh, very well. [She goes softly out by the hall door.
HEDDA.
[Is wakened by the shutting of the door, and looks up.] What's that--?
MRS. ELVSTED.
It was only the servant.
HEDDA.
[Looking about her.] Oh, we're here--! Yes, now I remember. [Sits erect
upon the sofa, stretches herself, and rubs her eyes.] What o'clock is
it, Thea?
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Looks at her watch.] It's past seven.
HEDDA.
When did Tesman come home?
MRS. ELVSTED.
He has not come.
HEDDA.
Not come home yet?
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Rising.] No one has come.
HEDDA.
Think of our watching and waiting here till four in the morning--
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Wringing her hands.] And how I watched and waited for him!
HEDDA.
[Yawns, and says with her hand before her mouth.] Well well--we might
have spared ourselves the trouble.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Did you get a little sleep?
HEDDA.
Oh yes; I believe I have slept pretty well. Have you not?
MRS. ELVSTED.
Not for a moment. I couldn't, Hedda!--not to save my life.
HEDDA.
[Rises and goes towards her.] There there there! There's nothing to be
so alarmed about. I understand quite well what has happened.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Well, what do you think? Won't you tell me?
HEDDA.
Why, of course it has been a very late affair at Judge Brack's--
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, yes--that is clear enough. But all the same--
HEDDA.
And then, you see, Tesman hasn't cared to come home and ring us up in
the middle of the night. [Laughing.] Perhaps he wasn't inclined to show
himself either--immediately after a jollification.
MRS. ELVSTED.
But in that case--where can he have gone?
HEDDA.
Of course he has gone to his Aunts' and slept there. They have his old
room ready for him.
MRS. ELVSTED.
No, he can't be with them for a letter has just come for him from Miss
Tesman. There it lies.
HEDDA.
Indeed? [Looks at the address.] Why yes, it's addressed in Aunt Julia's
hand. Well then, he has remained at Judge Brack's. And as for Eilert
Lovborg--he is sitting, with vine-leaves in his hair, reading his
manuscript.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh, Hedda, you are just saying things you don't believe a bit.
HEDDA.
You really are a little blockhead, Thea.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh yes, I suppose I am.
HEDDA.
And how mortally tired you look.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Yes, I am mortally tired.
HEDDA.
Well then, you must do as I tell you. You must go into my room and lie
down for a little while.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh no, no--I shouldn't be able to sleep.
HEDDA.
I am sure you would.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Well, but you husband is certain to come soon now; and then I want to
know at once--
HEDDA.
I shall take care to let you know when he comes.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Do you promise me, Hedda?
HEDDA.
Yes, rely upon me. Just you go in and have a sleep in the meantime.
MRS. ELVSTED.
Thanks; then I'll try. [She goes off to the inner room.
[HEDDA goes up to the glass door and draws back the curtains.
The broad daylight streams into the room. Then she takes a
little hand-glass from the writing-table, looks at herself
in it, and arranges her hair. Next she goes to the hall
door and presses the bell-button.
BERTA presently appears at the hall door.
BERTA.
Did you want anything, ma'am?
HEDDA.
Yes; you must put some more wood in the stove. I am shivering.
BERTA.
Bless me--I'll make up the fire at once. [She rakes the embers together
and lays a piece of wood upon them; then stops and listens.] That was a
ring at the front door, ma'am.
HEDDA.
Then go to the door. I will look after the fire.
BERTA.
It'll soon burn up. [She goes out by the hall door.
[HEDDA kneels on the foot-rest and lays some more pieces of
wood in the stove.
After a short pause, GEORGE TESMAN enters from the hall. He
steals on tiptoe towards the middle doorway and is about to
slip through the curtains.
HEDDA.
[At the stove, without looking up.] Good morning.
TESMAN.
[Turns.] Hedda! [Approaching her.] Good heavens--are you up so early?
Eh?
HEDDA.
Yes, I am up very early this morning.
TESMAN.
And I never doubted you were still sound asleep! Fancy that, Hedda!
HEDDA.
Don't speak so loud. Mrs. Elvsted is resting in my room.
TESMAN.
Has Mrs. Elvsted been here all night?
HEDDA.
Yes, since no one came to fetch her.
TESMAN.
Ah, to be sure.
HEDDA.
[Closes the door of the stove and rises.] Well, did you enjoy yourselves
at Judge Brack's?
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.
HEDDA.
I daresay.
TESMAN.
But now comes the strange part of it, Hedda; or, I should rather say,
the melancholy part of it. I declare I am almost ashamed--on Eilert's
account--to tell you--
HEDDA.
Oh, go on--!
TESMAN.
Well, as we were getting near town, you see, I happened to drop a little
behind the others. Only for a minute or two--fancy that!
HEDDA.
Yes yes yes, but--?
TESMAN.
And then, as I hurried after them--what do you think I found by the
wayside? Eh?
HEDDA.
Oh, how should I know!
TESMAN.
You mustn't speak of it to a soul, Hedda! Do you hear! Promise me, for
Eilert's sake. [Draws a parcel, wrapped in paper, from his coat pocket.]
Fancy, dear--I found this.
HEDDA.