at! Eilert Lovborg! Recently--eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, so they say. Heaven knows whether it can be worth anything! Ah,
when your new book appears--that will be another story, George! What is
it to be about?

TESMAN.

It will deal with the domestic industries of Brabant during the Middle
Ages.

MISS TESMAN.

Fancy--to be able to write on such a subject as that!

TESMAN.

However, it may be some time before the book is ready. I have all these
collections to arrange first, you see.

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, collecting and arranging--no one can beat you at that. There you
are my poor brother's own son.

TESMAN.

I am looking forward eagerly to setting to work at it; especially now
that I have my own delightful home to work in.

MISS TESMAN.

And, most of all, now that you have got the wife of your heart, my dear
George.

TESMAN.

[Embracing her.] Oh yes, yes, Aunt Julia! Hedda--she is the best part of
it all! I believe I hear her coming--eh?

HEDDA enters from the left through the inner room. Her face
and figure show refinement and distinction. Her complexion
is pale and opaque. Her steel-grey eyes express a cold,
unruffled repose. Her hair is of an agreeable brown, but
not particularly abundant. She is dressed in a tasteful,
somewhat loose-fitting morning gown.

MISS TESMAN.

[Going to meet HEDDA.] Good morning, my dear Hedda! Good morning, and a
hearty welcome!

HEDDA.

[Holds out her hand.] Good morning, dear Miss Tesman! So early a call!
That is kind of you.

MISS TESMAN.

[With some embarrassment.] Well--has the bride slept well in her new
home?

HEDDA.

Oh yes, thanks. Passably.

TESMAN.

[Laughing.] Passably! Come, that's good, Hedda! You were sleeping like a
stone when I got up.

HEDDA.

Fortunately. Of course one has always to accustom one's self to new
surroundings, Miss Tesman--little by little. [Looking towards the left.]
Oh, there the servant has gone and opened the veranda door, and let in a
whole flood of sunshine.

MISS TESMAN.

[Going towards the door.] Well, then we will shut it.

HEDDA.

No no, not that! Tesman, please draw the curtains. That will give a
softer light.

TESMAN.

[At the door.] All right--all right.--There now, Hedda, now you have
both shade and fresh air.

HEDDA.

Yes, fresh air we certainly must have, with all these stacks of
flowers--. But--won't you sit down, Miss Tesman?

MIS