at! Eilert Lovborg! Recently--eh?
MISS TESMAN.
Yes, so they say. Heaven knows whether it can be worth anything! Ah,
when your new book appears--that will be another story, George! What is
it to be about?
TESMAN.
It will deal with the domestic industries of Brabant during the Middle
Ages.
MISS TESMAN.
Fancy--to be able to write on such a subject as that!
TESMAN.
However, it may be some time before the book is ready. I have all these
collections to arrange first, you see.
MISS TESMAN.
Yes, collecting and arranging--no one can beat you at that. There you
are my poor brother's own son.
TESMAN.
I am looking forward eagerly to setting to work at it; especially now
that I have my own delightful home to work in.
MISS TESMAN.
And, most of all, now that you have got the wife of your heart, my dear
George.
TESMAN.
[Embracing her.] Oh yes, yes, Aunt Julia! Hedda--she is the best part of
it all! I believe I hear her coming--eh?
HEDDA enters from the left through the inner room. Her face
and figure show refinement and distinction. Her complexion
is pale and opaque. Her steel-grey eyes express a cold,
unruffled repose. Her hair is of an agreeable brown, but
not particularly abundant. She is dressed in a tasteful,
somewhat loose-fitting morning gown.
MISS TESMAN.
[Going to meet HEDDA.] Good morning, my dear Hedda! Good morning, and a
hearty welcome!
HEDDA.
[Holds out her hand.] Good morning, dear Miss Tesman! So early a call!
That is kind of you.
MISS TESMAN.
[With some embarrassment.] Well--has the bride slept well in her new
home?
HEDDA.
Oh yes, thanks. Passably.
TESMAN.
[Laughing.] Passably! Come, that's good, Hedda! You were sleeping like a
stone when I got up.
HEDDA.
Fortunately. Of course one has always to accustom one's self to new
surroundings, Miss Tesman--little by little. [Looking towards the left.]
Oh, there the servant has gone and opened the veranda door, and let in a
whole flood of sunshine.
MISS TESMAN.
[Going towards the door.] Well, then we will shut it.
HEDDA.
No no, not that! Tesman, please draw the curtains. That will give a
softer light.
TESMAN.
[At the door.] All right--all right.--There now, Hedda, now you have
both shade and fresh air.
HEDDA.
Yes, fresh air we certainly must have, with all these stacks of
flowers--. But--won't you sit down, Miss Tesman?
MIS
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