hy did you give Eilert
the pistol? And what conclusions will people draw from the fact that you
did give it to him?

HEDDA.

[Lets her head sink.] That is true. I did not think of that.

BRACK.

Well, fortunately, there is no danger, so long as I say nothing.

HEDDA.

[Looks up at him.] So I am in your power, Judge Brack. You have me at
your beck and call, from this time forward.

BRACK.

[Whispers softly.] Dearest Hedda--believe me--I shall not abuse my
advantage.

HEDDA.

I am in your power none the less. Subject to your will and your demands.
A slave, a slave then! [Rises impetuously.] No, I cannot endure the
thought of that! Never!

BRACK.

[Looks half-mockingly at her.] People generally get used to the
inevitable.

HEDDA.

[Returns his look.] Yes, perhaps. [She crosses to the writing-table.
Suppressing an involuntary smile, she imitates TESMAN'S intonations.]
Well? Are you getting on, George? Eh?

TESMAN.

Heaven knows, dear. In any case it will be the work of months.

HEDDA.

[As before.] Fancy that! [Passes her hands softly through Mrs. Elvsted's
hair.] Doesn't it seem strange to you, Thea? Here are you sitting with
Tesman--just as you used to sit with Eilert Lovborg?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Ah, if I could only inspire your husband in the same way!

HEDDA.

Oh, that will come too--in time.

TESMAN.

Yes, do you know, Hedda--I really think I begin to feel something of the
sort. But won't you go and sit with Brack again?

HEDDA.

Is there nothing I can do to help you two?

TESMAN.

No, nothing in the world. [Turning his head.] I trust to you to keep
Hedda company, my dear Brack.

BRACK.

[With a glance at HEDDA.] With the very greatest of pleasure.

HEDDA.

Thanks. But I am tired this evening. I will go in and lie down a little
on the sofa.

TESMAN.

Yes, do dear--eh?

[HEDDA goes into the back room and draws the curtains. A short
pause. Suddenly she is heard playing a wild dance on the piano.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Starts from her chair.] Oh--what is that?

TESMAN.

[Runs to the doorway.] Why, my dearest Hedda--don't play dance-music
to-night! Just think of Aunt Rina! And of Eilert too!

HEDDA.

[Puts her head out between the curtains.] And of Aunt Julia. And of all
the rest of them.--After this, I will be quiet. [Closes the curtains
again.]

TESMAN.

[At the writing-table.] It's not good for her to see us