Part 16 (1/2)

TESMAN.

[At the same time.] And you, Judge Brack-what do you say to this? Eh?

BRACK.

Well, I say that a moral victory-h'm-may be all very fine- TESMAN.

Yes, certainly. But all the same- HEDDA.

[Looking at TESMAN with a cold smile.] You stand there looking as if you were thunderstruck- TESMAN.

Yes-so I am-I almost think- BRACK.

Don't you see, Mrs. Tesman, a thunderstorm has just pa.s.sed over?

HEDDA.

[Pointing towards the room.] Will you not take a gla.s.s of cold punch, gentlemen?

BRACK.

[Looking at his watch.] A stirrup-cup? Yes, it wouldn't come amiss.

TESMAN.

A capital idea, Hedda! Just the thing! Now that the weight has been taken off my mind- HEDDA.

Will you not join them, Mr. Lovborg?

LOVBORG.

[With a gesture of refusal.] No, thank you. Nothing for me.

BRACK.

Why bless me-cold punch is surely not poison.

LOVBORG.

Perhaps not for everyone.

HEDDA.

I will keep Mr. Lovborg company in the meantime.

TESMAN.

Yes, yes, Hedda dear, do.

[He and BRACK go into the inner room, seat themselves, drink punch, smoke cigarettes, and carry on a lively conversation during what follows. EILERT LOVBORG remains standing beside the stove. HEDDA goes to the writing-table.

HEDDA.

[Raising he voice a little.] Do you care to look at some photographs, Mr. Lovborg? You know Tesman and I made a tour in the Tyrol on our way home?

[She takes up an alb.u.m, and places it on the table beside the sofa, in the further corner of which she seats herself. EILERT LOVBORG approaches, stops, and looks at her. Then he takes a chair and seats himself to her left.

HEDDA.

[Opening the alb.u.m.] Do you see this range of mountains, Mr. Lovborg? It's the Ortler group. Tesman has written the name underneath. Here it is: ”The Ortler group near Meran.”

LOVBORG.

[Who has never taken his eyes off her, says softly and slowly:] Hedda-Gabler!

HEDDA.

[Glancing hastily at him.] Ah! Hus.h.!.+

LOVBORG.

[Repeats softly.] Hedda Gabler!

HEDDA.

[Looking at the alb.u.m.] That was my name in the old days-when we two knew each other.

LOVBORG.

And I must teach myself never to say Hedda Gabler again-never, as long as I live.

HEDDA.

[Still turning over the pages.] Yes, you must. And I think you ought to practise in time. The sooner the better, I should say.

LOVBORG.

[In a tone of indignation.] Hedda Gabler married? And married to- George Tesman!

HEDDA.

Yes-so the world goes.

LOVBORG.

Oh, Hedda, Hedda-how could you(9) throw yourself away!

HEDDA.

[Looks sharply at him.] What? I can't allow this!