?

LOVBORG.

Yes, I am.

TESMAN.

Quite right, quite right. Let me tell you, I have got hold of your new
book; but I haven't had time to read it yet.

LOVBORG.

You may spare yourself the trouble.

TESMAN.

Why so?

LOVBORG.

Because there is very little in it.

TESMAN.

Just fancy--how can you say so?

BRACK.

But it has been very much praised, I hear.

LOVBORG.

That was what I wanted; so I put nothing into the book but what every
one would agree with.

BRACK.

Very wise of you.

TESMAN.

Well but, my dear Eilert--!

LOVBORG.

For now I mean to win myself a position again--to make a fresh start.

TESMAN.

[A little embarrassed.] Ah, that is what you wish to do? Eh?

LOVBORG.

[Smiling, lays down his hat, and draws a packet wrapped in paper, from
his coat pocket.] But when this one appears, George Tesman, you will
have to read it. For this is the real book--the book I have put my true
self into.

TESMAN.

Indeed? And what is it?

LOVBORG.

It is the continuation.

TESMAN.

The continuation? Of what?

LOVBORG.

Of the book.

TESMAN.

Of the new book?

LOVBORG.

Of course.

TESMAN.

Why, my dear Eilert--does it not come down to our own days?

LOVBORG.

Yes, it does; and this one deals with the future.

TESMAN.

With the future! But, good heavens, we know nothing of the future!

LOVBORG.

No; but there is a thing or two to be said about it all the same. [Opens
the packet.] Look here--

TESMAN.

Why, that's not your handwriting.

LOVBORG.

I dictated it. [Turning over the pages.] It falls into two sections. The
first deals with the civilising forces of the future. And here is the
second--[running through the pages towards the end]--forecasting the
probable line of development.

TESMAN.

How odd now! I should never have thought of writing anything of that
sort.

HEDDA.

[At the glass door, drumming on the pane.] H'm--. I daresay not.

LOVBORG.

[Replacing the manuscript in its paper and laying the packet on the
table.] I brought it, thinking I might read you a little of it this
evening.

TESMAN.

That was very good of you, Eilert. But this evening--? [Looking back at
BRACK.] I don't see how we can manage it--

LOVBORG.

Well then, some other time. There is no hurry.

BRACK.

I must tell you, Mr. Lovborg--there is a little gathering at my house
this evening--main