AN.

But I cannot imagine what he will take to now! How in the world will he
be able to make his living? Eh?

[During the last words, HEDDA has entered by the hall door.

HEDDA.

[To BRACK, laughing with a touch of scorn.] Tesman is for ever worrying
about how people are to make their living.

TESMAN.

Well you see, dear--we were talking about poor Eilert Lovborg.

HEDDA.

[Glancing at him rapidly.] Oh, indeed? [Sets herself in the arm-chair
beside the stove and asks indifferently:] What is the matter with him?

TESMAN.

Well--no doubt he has run through all his property long ago; and he can
scarcely write a new book every year--eh? So I really can't see what is
to become of him.

BRACK.

Perhaps I can give you some information on that point.

TESMAN.

Indeed!

BRACK.

You must remember that his relations have a good deal of influence.

TESMAN.

Oh, his relations, unfortunately, have entirely washed their hands of
him.

BRACK.

At one time they called him the hope of the family.

TESMAN.

At one time, yes! But he has put an end to all that.

HEDDA.

Who knows? [With a slight smile.] I hear they have reclaimed him up at
Sheriff Elvsted's--

BRACK.

And then this book that he has published--

TESMAN.

Well well, I hope to goodness they may find something for him to do. I
have just written to him. I asked him to come and see us this evening,
Hedda dear.

BRACK.

But my dear fellow, you are booked for my bachelor's party this evening.
You promised on the pier last night.

HEDDA.

Had you forgotten, Tesman?

TESMAN.

Yes, I had utterly forgotten.

BRACK.

But it doesn't matter, for you may be sure he won't come.

TESMAN.

What makes you think that? Eh?

BRACK.

[With a little hesitation, rising and resting his hands on the back of
his chair.] My dear Tesman--and you too, Mrs. Tesman--I think I ought
not to keep you in the dark about something that--that--

TESMAN.

That concerns Eilert--?

BRACK.

Both you and him.

TESMAN.

Well, my dear Judge, out with it.

BRACK.

You must be prepared to find your appointment deferred longer than you
desired or expected.

TESMAN.

[Jumping up uneasily.] Is there some hitch about it? Eh?

BRACK.

The nomination may perhaps be made conditional on the result of a
competition--

TESMAN.

Competition! Think of that, Hedda!

HEDDA.

[Leans further bac