k in the chair.] Aha--aha!

TESMAN.

But who can my competitor be? Surely not--?

BRACK.

Yes, precisely--Eilert Lovborg.

TESMAN.

[Clasping his hands.] No, no--it's quite impossible! Eh?

BRACK.

H'm--that is what it may come to, all the same.

TESMAN.

Well but, Judge Brack--it would show the most incredible lack of
consideration for me. [Gesticulates with his arms.] For--just think--I'm
a married man! We have married on the strength of these prospects, Hedda
and I; and run deep into debt; and borrowed money from Aunt Julia too.
Good heavens, they had as good as promised me the appointment. Eh?

BRACK.

Well, well, well--no doubt you will get it in the end; only after a
contest.

HEDDA.

[Immovable in her arm-chair.] Fancy, Tesman, there will be a sort of
sporting interest in that.

TESMAN.

Why, my dearest Hedda, how can you be so indifferent about it?

HEDDA.

[As before.] I am not at all indifferent. I am most eager to see who
wins.

BRACK.

In any case, Mrs. Tesman, it is best that you should know how matters
stand. I mean--before you set about the little purchases I hear you are
threatening.

HEDDA.

This can make no difference.

BRACK.

Indeed! Then I have no more to say. Good-bye! [To TESMAN.] I shall look
in on my way back from my afternoon walk, and take you home with me.

TESMAN.

Oh yes, yes--your news has quite upset me.

HEDDA.

[Reclining, holds out her hand.] Good-bye, Judge; and be sure you call
in the afternoon.

BRACK.

Many thanks. Good-bye, good-bye!

TESMAN.

[Accompanying him to the door.] Good-bye my dear Judge! You must really
excuse me-- [JUDGE BRACK goes out by the hall door.

TESMAN.

[Crosses the room.] Oh Hedda--one should never rush into adventures. Eh?

HEDDA.

[Looks at him, smiling.] Do you do that?

TESMAN.

Yes, dear--there is no denying--it was adventurous to go and marry and
set up house upon mere expectations.

HEDDA.

Perhaps you are right there.

TESMAN.

Well--at all events, we have our delightful home, Hedda! Fancy, the home
we both dreamed of--the home we were in love with, I may almost say. Eh?

HEDDA.

[Rising slowly and wearily.] It was part of our compact that we were to
go into society--to keep open house.

TESMAN.

Yes, if you only knew how I had been looking forward to it! Fancy--to
see you as hostess--in a select circle! Eh? Well, well, well--for the