Act II

The room at the Tesmans’ as in the first Act, except that the piano has been removed, and an elegant little writing table with the bookshelves put in its place. A smaller table stands near the sofa on the left. Most of the bouquets have been taken away. Mrs. Elvsted’s bouquet is upon the large table in front.⁠—It is afternoon.

Hedda, dressed to receive callers, is alone in the room. She stands by the open glass door, loading a revolver. The fellow to it lies in an open pistol case on the writing table.
Hedda Looks down the garden, and calls: So you are here again, Judge!
Brack Is heard calling from a distance. As you see, Mrs. Tesman!
Hedda Raises the pistol and points. Now I’ll shoot you, Judge Brack!
Brack Calling unseen. No, no, no! Don’t stand aiming at me!
Hedda This is what comes of sneaking in by the back way.14 She fires.
Brack Nearer. Are you out of your senses⁠—!
Hedda Dear me⁠—did I happen to hit you?
Brack Still outside. I wish you would let these pranks alone!
Hedda Come in then, Judge.
Judge Brack, dressed as though for a men’s party, enters by the glass door. He carries a light overcoat over his arm.
Brack What the deuce⁠—haven’t you tired of that sport, yet? What are you shooting at?
Hedda Oh, I am only firing in the air.
Brack Gently takes the pistol out of her hand. Allow me, madam! Looks at it. Ah⁠—I know this pistol well! Looks around. Where is the case? Ah, here it is. Lays the pistol in it, and shuts it. Now we won’t play at that game any more today.
Hedda Then what in heaven’s name would you have me do with myself?
Brack Have you had no visitors?
Hedda Closing the glass door. Not one. I suppose all our set are still out of town.
Brack And is Tesman not at home either?
Hedda At the writing table, putting the pistol case in a drawer which she shuts. No. He rushed off to his aunt’s directly after lunch; he didn’t expect you so early.
Brack H’m⁠—how stupid of me not to have thought of that!
Hedda Turning her head to look at him. Why stupid?
Brack Because if I had thought of it I should have come a little⁠—earlier.
Hedda Crossing the room. Then you would have found no one to receive you; for I have been in my room changing my dress ever since lunch.
Brack And is there no sort of little chink that we could hold a parley through?
Hedda You have forgotten to arrange one.
Brack That was another piece of stupidity.
Hedda Well, we must just settle down here⁠—and wait. Tesman is not likely to be back for some time yet.
Brack Never mind; I shall not be impatient.
Hedda seats herself in the corner of the sofa. Brack lays his overcoat over the back of the nearest chair, and sits down, but keeps his hat in his hand. A short silence. They look at each other.
Hedda Well?
Brack In the same tone. Well?
Hedda I spoke first.
Brack Bending a little forward. Come, let us have a cosy little chat, Mrs. Hedda.15
Hedda Leaning further back in the sofa. Does it not seem like a whole eternity since our last talk? Of course I don’t count those few words yesterday evening and this morning.
Brack You mean since out last confidential talk? Our last tête-à-tête?
Hedda Well yes⁠—since you put it so.
Brack Not a day passed but I have wished that you were home again.
Hedda And I have done nothing but wish the same thing.
Brack You? Really, Mrs. Hedda? And I thought you had been enjoying your tour so much!
Hedda Oh yes, you may be sure of that!
Brack But Tesman’s letters spoke of nothing but happiness.
Hedda Oh, Tesman! You see, he thinks nothing is so delightful as grubbing in libraries and making copies of old parchments, or whatever you call them.
Brack With a smile of malice. Well, that is his vocation in life⁠—or part of it at any rate.
Hedda Yes, of course; and no doubt when it’s your vocation⁠—. But I! Oh, my dear Mr. Brack, how mortally bored I have been.
Brack Sympathetically. Do you really say so? In downright earnest?
Hedda Yes, you can surely understand it⁠—! To go for six whole months without meeting a soul that knew anything of our circle, or could talk about things we were interested in.
Brack Yes, yes⁠—I too should feel that a deprivation.
Hedda And then, what I found most intolerable of all⁠—
Brack Well?
Hedda —was being everlastingly in the company of⁠—one and the same person⁠—
Brack With a nod of assent. Morning, noon, and night, yes⁠—at all possible times and seasons.
Hedda I said “everlastingly.”
Brack Just so. But I should have thought, with our excellent Tesman, one could⁠—
Hedda Tesman is⁠—a specialist, my dear Judge.
Brack Undeniable.
Hedda And specialists are not at all amusing to travel with. Not in the long run at any rate.
Brack Not even⁠—the specialist one happens to love?
Hedda Faugh⁠—don’t use that sickening word!
Brack Taken aback. What do you say, Mrs. Hedda?
Hedda Half laughing, half irritated. You should just try it! To hear of nothing but the history of civilisation, morning, noon, and night⁠—
Brack Everlastingly.
Hedda Yes yes yes! And then all this about the domestic industry of the middle ages⁠—! That’s the most disgusting part of it!
Brack Looks searchingly at her. But tell me⁠—in that case, how am I to understand your⁠—? H’m⁠—
Hedda My accepting George Tesman, you mean?
Brack Well, let us put it so.
Hedda Good heavens, do you see anything so wonderful in that?
Brack Yes and no⁠—Mrs. Hedda.
Hedda I had positively danced myself tired, my dear Judge. My day was done⁠—With a slight shudder. Oh no⁠—I won’t say that; nor think it either!
Brack You have assuredly no reason to.
Hedda Oh, reasons⁠—Watching him closely. And George 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 everyone 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 someone to make a third on our travels. Oh⁠—those railway carriage tête-à-têtes⁠—!
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 someone 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 tête-à-tête.
Brack But suppose a third person were to jump in and join the couple.
Hedda Ah⁠—that is quite another matter!
Brack A trusted, sympathetic friend⁠—
Hedda —with a fund of conversation on all sorts of lively topics⁠—
Brack —and not the least bit of a specialist!
Hedda With an audible sigh. Yes, that would be a relief indeed.
Brack Hears the front door open, and glances in that direction. The triangle is completed.
Hedda Half aloud. And on goes the train.
George Tesman, in a grey walking suit, with a soft felt hat, enters from the hall. He has a number of unbound books under his arm and in his pockets.
Tesman Goes up to the table beside the corner settee. Ouf⁠—what a load for a warm day⁠—all these books. Lays them on the table. I’m positively perspiring, Hedda. Hallo⁠—are you there already, my dear Judge? Eh? Berta didn’t tell me.
Brack Rising. I came in through the garden.
Hedda What books have you got there?
Tesman Stands looking them through. Some new books on my special subjects⁠—quite indispensable to me.
Hedda Your special subjects?
Brack Yes, books on his special subjects, Mrs. Tesman.
Brack and Hedda exchange a confidential smile.
Hedda Do you need still more books on your special subjects?
Tesman Yes, my dear Hedda, one can never have too many of them. Of course one must keep up with all that is written and published.
Hedda Yes, I suppose one must.
Tesman Searching among his books. And look here⁠—I have got hold of Eilert Lövborg’s new book too. Offering it to her. Perhaps you would like to glance through it, Hedda? Eh?
Hedda No, thank you. Or rather⁠—afterwards perhaps.
Tesman I looked into it a little on the way home.
Brack Well, what do you think of it⁠—as a specialist?
Tesman I think it shows quite remarkable soundness of judgment. He never wrote like that before. Putting the books together. Now I shall take all these into my study. I’m longing to cut the leaves⁠—! And then I must change my clothes. To Brack. I suppose we needn’t start just yet? Eh?
Brack Oh, dear no⁠—there is not the slightest hurry.
Tesman Well then, I will take my time. Is going with his books, but stops in the doorway and turns. By the by, Hedda⁠—Aunt Julia is not coming this evening.
Hedda Not coming? Is it that affair of the bonnet that keeps her away?
Tesman Oh, not at all. How could you think such a thing of Aunt Julia? Just fancy⁠—! The fact is, Aunt Rina is very ill.
Hedda She always is.
Tesman Yes, but today she is much worse than usual, poor dear.
Hedda Oh, then it’s only natural that her sister should remain with her. I must bear my disappointment.
Tesman And you can’t imagine, dear, how delighted Aunt Julia seemed to be⁠—because you had come home looking so flourishing!
Hedda Half aloud, rising. Oh, those everlasting Aunts!
Tesman What?
Hedda Going to the glass door. Nothing.
Tesman Oh, all right. He goes through the inner room, out to the right.
Brack What bonnet were you talking about?
Hedda Oh, it was a little episode with Miss Tesman this morning. She had laid down her bonnet on the chair there⁠—Looks at him and smiles.⁠—and I pretended to think it was the servant’s.
Brack Shaking his head. Now my dear Mrs. Hedda, how could you do such a thing? To the excellent old lady, too!
Hedda Nervously crossing the room. Well, you see⁠—these impulses come over me all of a sudden; and I cannot resist them. Throws herself down in the easy chair by the stove. Oh, I don’t know how to explain it.
Brack Behind the easy chair. You are not really happy⁠—that is at the bottom of it.
Hedda Looking straight before her. I know of no reason why I should be⁠—happy. Perhaps you can give me one?
Brack Well⁠—amongst other things, because you have got exactly the home you had set your heart on.
Hedda Looks up at him and laughs. Do you too believe in that legend?
Brack Is there nothing in it, then?
Hedda Oh yes, there is something in it.
Brack Well?
Hedda There is this in it, that I made use of Tesman to see me home from evening parties last summer⁠—
Brack I, unfortunately, had to go quite a different way.
Hedda That’s true. I know you were going a different way last summer.
Brack Laughing. Oh fie, Mrs. Hedda! Well, then⁠—you and Tesman⁠—?
Hedda Well, we happened to pass here one evening; Tesman, poor fellow, was writhing in the agony of having to find conversation; so I took pity on the learned man⁠—
Brack Smiles doubtfully. You took pity? H’m⁠—
Hedda Yes, I really did. And so⁠—to help him out of his torment⁠—I happened to say, in pure thoughtlessness, that I should like to live in this villa.
Brack No more than that?
Hedda Not that evening.
Brack But afterwards?
Hedda Yes, my thoughtlessness had consequences, my dear Judge.
Brack Unfortunately that too often happens, Mrs. Hedda.
Hedda Thanks! So you see it was this enthusiasm for Secretary Falk’s villa that first constituted a bond of sympathy between George Tesman and me. From that came our engagement and our marriage, and our wedding journey, and all the rest of it. Well, well, my dear Judge⁠—as you make your bed so you must lie, I could almost say.
Brack This is exquisite! And you really cared not a rap about it all the time?
Hedda No, heaven knows I didn’t.
Brack But now? Now that we have made it so homelike for you?
Hedda Uh⁠—the rooms all seem to smell of lavender and dried rose leaves.⁠—But perhaps it’s Aunt Julia that has brought that scent with her.
Brack Laughing. No, I think it must be a legacy from the late Mrs. Secretary Falk.
Hedda Yes, there is an odour of mortality about it. It reminds me of a bouquet⁠—the day after the ball. Clasps her hands behind her head, leans back in her chair and looks at him. Oh, my dear Judge⁠—you cannot imagine how horribly I shall bore myself here.
Brack Why should not you, too, find some sort of vocation in life, Mrs. Hedda?
Hedda A vocation⁠—that should attract me?
Brack If possible, of course.
Hedda Heaven knows what sort of a vocation that could be. I often wonder whether⁠—Breaking off. But that would never do either.
Brack Who can tell? Let me hear what it is.
Hedda Whether I might not get Tesman to go into politics, I mean.
Brack Laughing. Tesman? No really now, political life is not the thing for him⁠—not at all in his line.
Hedda No, I daresay not.⁠—But if I could get him into it all the same?
Brack Why⁠—what satisfaction could you find in that? If he is not fitted for that sort of thing, why should you want to drive him into it?
Hedda Because I am bored, I tell you! After a pause. So you think it quite out of the question that Tesman should ever get into the ministry?
Brack H’m⁠—you see, my dear Mrs. Hedda⁠—to get into the ministry, he would have to be a tolerably rich man.
Hedda Rising impatiently. Yes, there we have it! It is this genteel poverty I have managed to drop into⁠—! Crosses the room. That is what makes life so pitiable! So utterly ludicrous!⁠—For that’s what it is.
Brack Now I should say the fault lay elsewhere.
Hedda Where, then?
Brack You have never gone through any really stimulating experience.
Hedda Anything serious, you mean?
Brack Yes, you may call it so. But now you may perhaps have one in store.
Hedda Tossing her head. Oh, you’re thinking of the annoyances about this wretched professorship! But that must be Tesman’s own affair. I assure you I shall not waste a thought upon it.
Brack No, no, I daresay not. But suppose now that what people call⁠—in elegant language⁠—a solemn responsibility were to come upon you? Smiling. A new responsibility, Mrs. Hedda?
Hedda Angrily. Be quiet! Nothing of that sort will ever happen!
Brack Warily. We will speak of this again a year hence⁠—at the very outside.
Hedda Curtly. I have no turn for anything of the sort, Judge Brack. No responsibilities for me!
Brack Are you so unlike the generality of women as to have no turn for duties which⁠—?
Hedda Beside the glass door. Oh, be quiet, I tell you!⁠—I often think there is only one thing in the world I have any turn for.
Brack Drawing near to her. And what is that, if I may ask?
Hedda Stands looking out. Boring myself to death. Now you know it. Turns, looks towards the inner room, and laughs. Yes, as I thought! Here comes the Professor.
Brack Softly, in a tone of warning. Come, come, come, Mrs. Hedda!
George Tesman, dressed for the party, with his gloves and hat in his hand, enters from the right through the inner room.
Tesman Hedda, has no message come from Eilert Lövborg? Eh?
Hedda No.
Tesman Then you’ll see he’ll be here presently.
Brack Do you really think he will come?
Tesman Yes, I am almost sure of it. For what you were telling us this morning must have been a mere floating rumour.
Brack You think so?
Tesman At any rate, Aunt Julia said she did not believe for a moment that he would ever stand in my way again. Fancy that!
Brack Well then, that’s all right.
Tesman Placing his hat and gloves on a chair on the right. Yes, but you must really let me wait for him as long as possible.
Brack We have plenty of time yet. None of my guests will arrive before seven or half past.
Tesman Then meanwhile we can keep Hedda company, and see what happens. Eh?
Hedda Placing Brack’s hat and overcoat upon the corner settee. And at the worst Mr. Lövborg can remain here with me.
Brack Offering to take his things. Oh, allow me, Mrs. Tesman!⁠—What do you mean by “At the worst”?
Hedda If he won’t go with you and Tesman.
Tesman Looks dubiously at her. But, Hedda dear⁠—do you think it would quite do for him to remain here with you? Eh? Remember, Aunt Julia can’t come.
Hedda No, but Mrs. Elvsted is coming. We three can have a cup of tea together.
Tesman Oh yes, that will be all right.
Brack Smiling. And that would perhaps be the safest plan for him.
Hedda Why so?
Brack Well, you know, Mrs. Tesman, how you used to gird at my little bachelor parties. You declared they were adapted only for men of the strictest principles.
Hedda But no doubt Mr. Lövborg’s principles are strict enough now. A converted sinner⁠—Berta appears at the hall door.
Berta There’s a gentleman asking if you are at home, ma’am⁠—
Hedda Well, show him in.
Tesman Softly. I’m sure it is he! Fancy that!
Eilert Lövborg enters from the hall. He is slim and lean; of the same age as Tesman, but looks older and somewhat worn-out. His hair and beard are of a blackish brown, his face long and pale, but with patches of colour on the cheeks. He is dressed in a well-cut black visiting suit, quite new. He has dark gloves and a silk hat. He stops near the door, and makes a rapid bow, seeming somewhat embarrassed.
Tesman Goes up to him and shakes him warmly by the hand. Well, my dear Eilert⁠—so at last we meet again!
Eilert Lövborg Speaks in a subdued voice. Thanks for your letter, Tesman. Approaching Hedda. Will you too shake hands with me, Mrs. Tesman?
Hedda Taking his hand. I am glad to see you, Mr. Lövborg. With a motion of her hand. I don’t know whether you two gentlemen⁠—?
Lövborg Bowing slightly. Judge Brack, I think.
Brack Doing likewise. Oh yes⁠—in the old days⁠—
Tesman To Lövborg, with his hands on his shoulders. And now you must make yourself entirely at home, Eilert! Mustn’t he, Hedda?⁠—For I hear you are going to settle in town again? Eh?
Lövborg 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.
Lövborg You may spare yourself the trouble.
Tesman Why so?
Lövborg 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.
Lövborg That was what I wanted; so I put nothing into the book but what everyone would agree with.
Brack Very wise of you.
Tesman Well but, my dear Eilert⁠—!
Lövborg 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?
Lövborg 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?
Lövborg It is the continuation.
Tesman The continuation? Of what?
Lövborg Of the book.
Tesman Of the new book?
Lövborg Of course.
Tesman Why, my dear Eilert⁠—does it not come down to our own days?
Lövborg Yes, it does; and this one deals with the future.
Tesman With the future! But, good heavens, we know nothing of the future!
Lövborg 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.
Lövborg 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.
Lövborg 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—
Lövborg Well then, some other time. There is no hurry.
Brack I must tell you, Mr. Lövborg⁠—there is a little gathering at my house this evening⁠—mainly in honour of Tesman, you know⁠—
Lövborg Looking for his hat. Oh⁠—then I won’t detain you⁠—
Brack No, but listen⁠—will you not do me the favour of joining us?
Lövborg Curtly and decidedly. No, I can’t⁠—thank you very much.
Brack Oh, nonsense⁠—do! We shall be quite a select little circle. And I assure you we shall have a “lively time,” as Mrs. Hed⁠—as Mrs. Tesman says.
Lövborg I have no doubt of it. But nevertheless⁠—
Brack And then you might bring your manuscript with you, and read it to Tesman at my house. I could give you a room to yourselves.
Tesman Yes, think of that, Eilert⁠—why shouldn’t you? Eh?
Hedda Interposing. But, Tesman, if Mr. Lövborg would really rather not! I am sure Mr. Lövborg is much more inclined to remain here and have supper with me.
Lövborg Looking at her. With you, Mrs. Tesman?
Hedda And with Mrs. Elvsted.
Lövborg Ah⁠—Lightly. I saw her for a moment this morning.
Hedda Did you? Well, she is coming this evening. So you see you are almost bound to remain, Mr. Lövborg, or she will have no one to see her home.
Lövborg That’s true. Many thanks, Mrs. Tesman⁠—in that case I will remain.
Hedda Then I have one or two orders to give the servant⁠—
She goes to the hall door and rings. Berta enters. Hedda talks to her in a whisper, and points towards the inner room. Berta nods and goes out again.
Tesman At the same time, to Lövborg. Tell me, Eilert⁠—is it this new subject⁠—the future⁠—that you are going to lecture about?
Lövborg Yes.
Tesman They told me at the bookseller’s that you are going to deliver a course of lectures this autumn.
Lövborg That is my intention. I hope you won’t take it ill, Tesman.
Tesman Oh no, not in the least! But⁠—?
Lövborg I can quite understand that it must be very disagreeable to you.
Tesman Cast down. Oh, I can’t expect you, out of consideration for me, to⁠—
Lövborg But I shall wait till you have received your appointment.
Tesman Will you wait? Yes but⁠—yes but⁠—are you not going to compete with me? Eh?
Lövborg No; it is only the moral victory I care for.
Tesman Why, bless me⁠—then Aunt Julia was right after all! Oh yes⁠—I knew it! Hedda! Just fancy⁠—Eilert Lövborg is not going to stand in our way!
Hedda Curtly. Our way? Pray leave me out of the question.
She goes up towards the inner room, where Berta is placing a tray with decanters and glasses on the table. Hedda nods approval, and comes forward again. Berta goes out.
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 passed over?
Hedda Pointing towards the room. Will you not take a glass 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. Lövborg?
Lövborg With a gesture of refusal. No, thank you. Nothing for me.
Brack Why bless me⁠—cold punch is surely not poison.
Lövborg Perhaps not for everyone.
Hedda I will keep Mr. Lövborg 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 Lövborg 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. Lövborg? You know Tesman and I made a tour in the Tyrol on our way home?
She takes up an album, and places it on the table beside the sofa, in the further corner of which she seats herself. Eilert Lövborg approaches, stops, and looks at her. Then he takes a chair and seats himself to her left.
Hedda Opening the album. Do you see this range of mountains, Mr. Lövborg? It’s the Ortler group. Tesman has written the name underneath. Here it is: “The Ortler group near Meran.”
Lövborg Who has never taken his eyes off her, says softly and slowly: Hedda⁠—Gabler!
Hedda Glancing hastily at him. Ah! Hush!
Lövborg Repeats softly. Hedda Gabler!
Hedda Looking at the album. That was my name in the old days⁠—when we two knew each other.
Lövborg 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.
Lövborg In a tone of indignation. Hedda Gabler married? And married to⁠—George Tesman!
Hedda Yes⁠—so the world goes.
Lövborg Oh, Hedda, Hedda⁠—how could you16 throw yourself away!
Hedda Looks sharply at him. What? I can’t allow this!
Lövborg What do you mean?
Tesman comes into the room and goes towards the sofa.
Hedda Hears him coming and says in an indifferent tone. And this is a view from the Val d’Ampezzo, Mr. Lövborg. Just look at these peaks! Looks affectionately up at Tesman. What’s the name of these curious peaks, dear?
Tesman Let me see. Oh, those are the Dolomites.
Hedda Yes, that’s it!⁠—Those are the Dolomites, Mr. Lövborg.
Tesman Hedda, dear⁠—I only wanted to ask whether I shouldn’t bring you a little punch after all? For yourself at any rate⁠—eh?
Hedda Yes, do, please; and perhaps a few biscuits.
Tesman No cigarettes?
Hedda No.
Tesman Very well.
He goes into the inner room and out to the right. Brack sits in the inner room, and keeps an eye from time to time on Hedda and Lövborg.
Lövborg Softly, as before. Answer me, Hedda⁠—how could you go and do this?
Hedda Apparently absorbed in the album. If you continue to say du to me I won’t talk to you.
Lövborg May I not say du even when we are alone?
Hedda No. You may think it; but you mustn’t say it.
Lövborg Ah, I understand. It is an offence against George Tesman, whom you17⁠—love.
Hedda Glances at him and smiles. Love? What an idea!
Lövborg You don’t love him then!
Hedda But I won’t hear of any sort of unfaithfulness! Remember that.
Lövborg Hedda⁠—answer me one thing⁠—
Hedda Hush! Tesman enters with a small tray from the inner room.
Tesman Here you are! Isn’t this tempting? He puts the tray on the table.
Hedda Why do you bring it yourself?
Tesman Filling the glasses. Because I think it’s such fun to wait upon you, Hedda.
Hedda But you have poured out two glasses. Mr. Lövborg said he wouldn’t have any⁠—
Tesman No, but Mrs. Elvsted will soon be here, won’t she?
Hedda Yes, by the by⁠—Mrs. Elvsted⁠—
Tesman Had you forgotten her? Eh?
Hedda We were so absorbed in these photographs. Shows him a picture. Do you remember this little village?
Tesman Oh, it’s that one just below the Brenner Pass. It was there we passed the night⁠—
Hedda —and met that lively party of tourists.
Tesman Yes, that was the place. Fancy⁠—if we could only have had you with us, Eilert! Eh?
He returns to the inner room and sits beside Brack.
Lövborg Answer me one thing, Hedda⁠—
Hedda Well?
Lövborg Was there no love in your friendship for me either? Not a spark⁠—not a tinge of love in it?
Hedda I wonder if there was? To me it seems as though we were two good comrades⁠—two thoroughly intimate friends. Smilingly. You especially were frankness itself.
Lövborg It was you that made me so.
Hedda As I look back upon it all, I think there was really something beautiful, something fascinating⁠—something daring⁠—in⁠—in that secret intimacy⁠—that comradeship which no living creature so much as dreamed of.
Lövborg Yes, yes, Hedda! Was there not?⁠—When I used to come to your father’s in the afternoon⁠—and the General sat over at the window reading his papers⁠—with his back towards us⁠—
Hedda And we two on the corner sofa⁠—
Lövborg Always with the same illustrated paper before us⁠—
Hedda For want of an album, yes.
Lövborg Yes, Hedda, and when I made my confessions to you⁠—told you about myself, things that at that time no one else knew! There I would sit and tell you of my escapades⁠—my days and nights of devilment. Oh, Hedda⁠—what was the power in you that forced me to confess these things?
Hedda Do you think it was any power in me?
Lövborg How else can I explain it? And all those⁠—those roundabout questions you used to put to me⁠—
Hedda Which you understood so particularly well⁠—
Lövborg How could you sit and question me like that? Question me quite frankly⁠—
Hedda In roundabout terms, please observe.
Lövborg Yes, but frankly nevertheless. Cross question me about⁠—all that sort of thing?
Hedda And how could you answer, Mr. Lövborg?
Lövborg Yes, that is just what I can’t understand⁠—in looking back upon it. But tell me now, Hedda⁠—was there not love at the bottom of our friendship? On your side, did you not feel as though you might purge my stains away⁠—if I made you my confessor? Was it not so?
Hedda No, not quite.
Lövborg What was you motive, then?
Hedda Do think it quite incomprehensible that a young girl⁠—when it can be done⁠—without anyone knowing⁠—
Lövborg Well?
Hedda —should be glad to have a peep, now and then, into a world which⁠—?
Lövborg Which⁠—?
Hedda —which she is forbidden to know anything about?
Lövborg So that was it?
Hedda Partly. Partly⁠—I almost think.
Lövborg Comradeship in the thirst for life. But why should not that, at any rate, have continued?
Hedda The fault was yours.
Lövborg It was you that broke with me.
Hedda Yes, when our friendship threatened to develop into something more serious. Shame upon you, Eilert Lövborg! How could you think of wronging your⁠—your frank comrade.
Lövborg Clenches his hands. Oh, why did you not carry out your threat? Why did you not shoot me down?
Hedda Because I have such a dread of scandal.
Lövborg Yes, Hedda, you are a coward at heart.
Hedda A terrible coward. Changing her tone. But it was a lucky thing for you. And now you have found ample consolation at the Elvsteds’.
Lövborg I know what Thea has confided to you.
Hedda And perhaps you have confided to her something about us?
Lövborg Not a word. She is too stupid to understand anything of that sort.
Hedda Stupid?
Lövborg She is stupid about matters of that sort.
Hedda And I am cowardly. Bends over towards him, without looking him in the face, and says more softly: But now I will confide something to you.
Lövborg Eagerly. Well?
Hedda The fact that I dared not shoot you down⁠—
Lövborg Yes!
Hedda —that was not my arrant cowardice⁠—that evening.
Lövborg Looks at her a moment, understands, and whispers passionately. Oh, Hedda! Hedda Gabler! Now I begin to see a hidden reason beneath our comradeship! You18 and I⁠—! After all, then, it was your craving for life⁠—
Hedda Softly, with a sharp glance. Take care! Believe nothing of the sort!
Twilight has begun to fall. The hall door is opened from without by Berta.
Hedda Closes the album with a bang and calls smilingly: Ah, at last! My darling Thea⁠—come along!
Mrs. Elvsted enters from the hall. She is in evening dress. The door is closed behind her.
Hedda On the sofa, stretches out her arms towards her. My sweet Thea⁠—you can’t think how I have been longing for you!
Mrs. Elvsted, in passing, exchanges slight salutations with the gentlemen in the inner room, then goes up to the table and gives Hedda her hand. Eilert Lövborg has risen. He and Mrs. Elvsted greet each other with a silent nod.
Mrs. Elvsted Ought I to go in and talk to your husband for a moment?
Hedda Oh, not at all. Leave those two alone. They will soon be going.
Mrs. Elvsted Are they going out?
Hedda Yes, to a supper party.
Mrs. Elvsted Quickly, to Lövborg. Not you?
Lövborg No.
Hedda Mr. Lövborg remains with us.
Mrs. Elvsted Takes a chair and is about to seat herself at his side. Oh, how nice it is here!
Hedda No, thank you, my little Thea! Not there! You’ll be good enough to come over here to me. I will sit between you.
Mrs. Elvsted Yes, just as you please.
She goes round the table and seats herself on the sofa on Hedda’s right. Lövborg reseats himself on his chair.
Lövborg After a short pause, to Hedda. Is not she lovely to look at?
Hedda Lightly stroking her hair. Only to look at!
Lövborg Yes. For we two⁠—she and I⁠—we are two real comrades. We have absolute faith in each other; so we can sit and talk with perfect frankness⁠—
Hedda Not roundabout, Mr. Lövborg?
Lövborg Well⁠—
Mrs. Elvsted Softly clinging close to Hedda. Oh, how happy I am, Hedda! For only think, he says I have inspired him too.
Hedda Looks at her with a smile. Ah! Does he say that, dear?
Lövborg And then she is so brave, Mrs. Tesman!
Mrs. Elvsted Good heavens⁠—am I brave?
Lövborg Exceedingly⁠—where your comrade is concerned.
Hedda Ah, yes⁠—courage! If one only had that!
Lövborg What then? What do you mean?
Hedda Then life would perhaps be liveable, after all. With a sudden change of tone. But now, my dearest Thea, you really must have a glass of cold punch.
Mrs. Elvsted No, thanks⁠—I never take anything of that kind.
Hedda Well then, you, Mr. Lövborg.
Lövborg Nor I, thank you.
Mrs. Elvsted No, he doesn’t either.
Hedda Looks fixedly at him. But if I say you shall?
Lövborg It would be of no use.
Hedda Laughing. Then I, poor creature, have no sort of power over you?
Lövborg Not in that respect.
Hedda But seriously, I think you ought to⁠—for your own sake.
Mrs. Elvsted Why, Hedda⁠—!
Lövborg How so?
Hedda Or rather on account of other people.
Lövborg Indeed?
Hedda Otherwise people might be apt to suspect that⁠—in your heart of hearts⁠—you did not feel quite secure⁠—quite confident in yourself.
Mrs. Elvsted Softly. Oh please, Hedda⁠—!
Lövborg People may suspect what they like⁠—for the present.
Mrs. Elvsted Joyfully. Yes, let them!
Hedda I saw it plainly in Judge Brack’s face a moment ago.
Lövborg What did you see?
Hedda His contemptuous smile, when you dared not go with them into the inner room.
Lövborg Dared not? Of course I preferred to stop here and talk to you.
Mrs. Elvsted What could be more natural, Hedda?
Hedda But the Judge could not guess that. And I say, too, the way he smiled and glanced at Tesman when you dared not accept his invitation to this wretched little supper party of his.
Lövborg Dared not! Do you say I dared not?
Hedda I don’t say so. But that was how Judge Brack understood it.
Lövborg Well, let him.
Hedda Then you are not going with them?
Lövborg I will stay here with you and Thea.
Mrs. Elvsted Yes, Hedda⁠—how can you doubt that?
Hedda Smiles and nods approvingly to Lövborg. Firm as a rock! Faithful to your principles, now and forever! Ah, that is how a man should be! Turns to Mrs. Elvsted and caresses her. Well now, what did I tell you, when you came to us this morning in such a state of distraction⁠—
Lövborg Surprised. Distraction!
Mrs. Elvsted Terrified. Hedda⁠—oh Hedda⁠—!
Hedda You can see for yourself! You haven’t the slightest reason to be in such mortal terror⁠—Interrupting herself. There! Now we can all three enjoy ourselves!
Lövborg Who has given a start. Ah⁠—what is all this, Mrs. Tesman?
Mrs. Elvsted Oh my God, Hedda! What are you saying? What are you doing?
Hedda Don’t get excited! That horrid Judge Brack is sitting watching you.
Lövborg So she was in mortal terror! On my account!
Mrs. Elvsted Softly and piteously. Oh, Hedda⁠—now you have ruined everything!
Lövborg Looks fixedly at her for a moment. His face is distorted. So that was my comrade’s frank confidence in me?
Mrs. Elvsted Imploringly. Oh, my dearest friend⁠—only let me tell you⁠—
Lövborg Takes one of the glasses of punch, raises it to his lips, and says in a low, husky voice. Your health, Thea!
He empties the glass, puts it down, and takes the second.
Mrs. Elvsted Softly. Oh, Hedda, Hedda⁠—how could you do this?
Hedda I do it? I? Are you crazy?
Lövborg Here’s to your health too, Mrs. Tesman. Thanks for the truth. Hurrah for the truth!
He empties the glass and is about to refill it.
Hedda Lays her hand on his arm. Come, come⁠—no more for the present. Remember you are going out to supper.
Mrs. Elvsted No, no, no!
Hedda Hush! They are sitting watching you.
Lövborg Putting down the glass. Now, Thea⁠—tell me the truth⁠—
Mrs. Elvsted Yes.
Lövborg Did your husband know that you had come after me?
Mrs. Elvsted Wringing her hands. Oh, Hedda⁠—do you hear what his is asking?
Lövborg Was it arranged between you and him that you were to come to town and look after me? Perhaps it was the Sheriff himself that urged you to come? Aha, my dear⁠—no doubt he wanted my help in his office! Or was it at the card table that he missed me?
Mrs. Elvsted Softly, in agony. Oh, Lövborg, Lövborg⁠—!
Lövborg Seizes a glass and is on the point of filling it. Here’s a glass for the old Sheriff too!
Hedda Preventing him. No more just now. Remember, you have to read your manuscript to Tesman.
Lövborg Calmly, putting down the glass. It was stupid of me all this. Thea⁠—to take it in this way, I mean. Don’t be angry with me, my dear, dear comrade. You shall see⁠—both you and the others⁠—that if I was fallen once⁠—now I have risen again! Thanks to you, Thea.
Mrs. Elvsted Radiant with joy. Oh, heaven be praised⁠—!
Brack has in the meantime looked at his watch. He and Tesman rise and come into the drawing room.
Brack Takes his hat and overcoat. Well, Mrs. Tesman, our time has come.
Hedda I suppose it has.
Lövborg Rising. Mine too, Judge Brack.
Mrs. Elvsted Softly and imploringly. Oh, Lövborg, don’t do it!
Hedda Pinching her arm. They can hear you!
Mrs. Elvsted With a suppressed shriek. Ow!
Lövborg To Brack. You were good enough to invite me.
Judge Brack Well, are you coming after all?
Lövborg Yes, many thanks.
Brack I’m delighted⁠—
Lövborg To Tesman, putting the parcel of MS. in his pocket. I should like to show you one or two things before I send it to the printers.
Tesman Fancy⁠—that will be delightful. But, Hedda dear, how is Mrs. Elvsted to get home? Eh?
Hedda Oh, that can be managed somehow.
Lövborg Looking towards the ladies. Mrs. Elvsted? Of course, I’ll come again and fetch her. Approaching. At ten or thereabouts, Mrs. Tesman? Will that do?
Hedda Certainly. That will do capitally.
Tesman Well, then, that’s all right. But you must not expect me so early, Hedda.
Hedda Oh, you may stop as long⁠—as long as ever you please.
Mrs. Elvsted Trying to conceal her anxiety. Well then, Mr. Lövborg⁠—I shall remain here until you come.
Lövborg With his hat in his hand. Pray do, Mrs. Elvsted.
Brack And now off goes the excursion train, gentlemen! I hope we shall have a lively time, as a certain fair lady puts it.
Hedda Ah, if only the fair lady could be present unseen⁠—!
Brack Why unseen?
Hedda In order to hear a little of your liveliness at first hand, Judge Brack.
Brack Laughing. I should not advise the fair lady to try it.
Tesman Also laughing. Come, you’re a nice one Hedda! Fancy that!
Brack Well, goodbye, goodbye, ladies.
Lövborg Bowing. About ten o’clock, then,
Brack, Lövborg, and Tesman go out by the hall door. At the same time, Berta enters from the inner room with a lighted lamp, which she places on the drawing room table; she goes out by the way she came.
Mrs. Elvsted Who has risen and is wandering restlessly about the room. Hedda⁠—Hedda⁠—what will come of all this?
Hedda At ten o’clock⁠—he will be here. I can see him already⁠—with vine leaves in his hair⁠—flushed and fearless⁠—
Mrs. Elvsted Oh, I hope he may.
Hedda And then, you see⁠—then he will have regained control over himself. Then he will be a free man for all his days.
Mrs. Elvsted Oh God!⁠—if he would only come as you see him now!
Hedda He will come as I see him⁠—so, and not otherwise! Rises and approaches Thea. You may doubt him as long as you please; I believe in him. And now we will try⁠—
Mrs. Elvsted You have some hidden motive in this, Hedda!
Hedda Yes, I have. I want for once in my life to have power to mould a human destiny.
Mrs. Elvsted Have you not the power?
Hedda I have not⁠—and have never had it.
Mrs. Elvsted Not your husband’s?
Hedda Do you think that is worth the trouble? Oh, if you could only understand how poor I am. And fate has made you so rich! Clasps her passionately in her arms. I think I must burn your hair off after all.
Mrs. Elvsted Let me go! Let me go! I am afraid of you, Hedda!
Berta In the middle doorway. Tea is laid in the dining room, ma’am.
Hedda Very well. We are coming
Mrs. Elvsted No, no, no! I would rather go home alone! At once!
Hedda Nonsense! First you shall have a cup of tea, you little stupid. And then⁠—at ten o’clock⁠—Eilert Lövborg will be here⁠—with vine leaves in his hair.
She drags Mrs. Elvsted almost by force to the middle doorway.