rge Tesman--after all, you
must admit that he is correctness itself.

BRACK.

His correctness and respectability are beyond all question.

HEDDA.

And I don't see anything absolutely ridiculous about him.--Do you?

BRACK.

Ridiculous? N--no--I shouldn't exactly say so--

HEDDA.

Well--and his powers of research, at all events, are untiring.--I see no
reason why he should not one day come to the front, after all.

BRACK.

[Looks at her hesitatingly.] I thought that you, like every one else,
expected him to attain the highest distinction.

HEDDA.

[With an expression of fatigue.] Yes, so I did.--And then, since he was
bent, at all hazards, on being allowed to provide for me--I really don't
know why I should not have accepted his offer?

BRACK.

No--if you look at it in that light--

HEDDA.

It was more than my other adorers were prepared to do for me, my dear
Judge.

BRACK.

[Laughing.] Well, I can't answer for all the rest; but as for myself,
you know quite well that I have always entertained a--a certain respect
for the marriage tie--for marriage as an institution, Mrs. Hedda.

HEDDA.

[Jestingly.] Oh, I assure you I have never cherished any hopes with
respect to you.

BRACK.

All I require is a pleasant and intimate interior, where I can make
myself useful in every way, and am free to come and go as--as a trusted
friend--

HEDDA.

Of the master of the house, do you mean?

BRACK.

[Bowing.] Frankly--of the mistress first of all; but of course of the
master too, in the second place. Such a triangular friendship--if I may
call it so--is really a great convenience for all the parties, let me
tell you.

HEDDA.

Yes, I have many a time longed for some one to make a third on our
travels. Oh--those railway-carriage _tete-a-tetes_--!

BRACK.

Fortunately your wedding journey is over now.

HEDDA.

[Shaking her head.] Not by a long--long way. I have only arrived at a
station on the line.

BRACK.

Well, then the passengers jump out and move about a little, Mrs. Hedda.

HEDDA.

I never jump out.

BRACK.

Really?

HEDDA.

No--because there is always some one standing by to--

BRACK.

[Laughing.] To look at your ankles, do you mean?

HEDDA.

Precisely.

BRACK.

Well but, dear me--

HEDDA.

[With a gesture of repulsion.] I won't have it. I would rather keep my
seat where I happen to be--and continue the _tete-a-t