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. 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 deep 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 they 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
LOVBORG 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. 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! Hush!

LOVBORG.

[Repeats softly.] Hedda Gabler!

HEDDA.

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

LOVBORG.

And I must teac