h myself never to say Hedda Gabler again--never, as long
as I live.

HEDDA.

[Still turning over the pages.] Yes, you must. And I think you ought to
practise in time. The sooner the better, I should say.

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?

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.