Part 5 (1/2)

HEDDA.

Thanks for your lovely flowers- MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh, not at all-. I would have come straight here yesterday afternoon; but I heard that you were away- TESMAN.

Have you just come to town? Eh?

MRS. ELVSTED.

I arrived yesterday, about midday. Oh, I was quite in despair when I heard that you were not at home.

HEDDA.

In despair! How so?

TESMAN.

Why, my dear Mrs. Rysing-I mean Mrs. Elvsted- HEDDA.

I hope that you are not in any trouble?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, I am. And I don't know another living creature here that I can turn to.

HEDDA.

[Laying the bouquet on the table.] Come-let us sit here on the sofa- MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh, I am too restless to sit down.

HEDDA.

Oh no, you're not. Come here.

[She draws MRS. ELVSTED down upon the sofa and sits at her side.

TESMAN.

Well? What is it, Mrs. Elvsted-?

HEDDA.

Has anything particular happened to you at home?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes-and no. Oh-I am so anxious you should not misunderstand me- HEDDA.

Then your best plan is to tell us the whole story, Mrs. Elvsted.

TESMAN.

I suppose that's what you have come for-eh?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, yes-of course it is. Well then, I must tell you-if you don't already know-that Eilert Lovborg is in town, too.

HEDDA.

Lovborg-!

TESMAN.

What! Has Eilert Lovborg come back? Fancy that, Hedda!

HEDDA.

Well well-I hear it.

MRS. ELVSTED.

He has been here a week already. Just fancy-a whole week! In this terrible town, alone! With so many temptations on all sides.

HEDDA.

But, my dear Mrs. Elvsted-how does he concern you so much?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Looks at her with a startled air, and says rapidly.] He was the children's tutor.

HEDDA.

Your children's?

MRS. ELVSTED.

My husband's. I have none.

HEDDA.

Your step-children's, then?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes.

TESMAN.