present we shall have to get on without society, Hedda--only to invite
Aunt Julia now and then.--Oh, I intended you to lead such an utterly
different life, dear--!

HEDDA.

Of course I cannot have my man in livery just yet.

TESMAN.

Oh, no, unfortunately. It would be out of the question for us to keep a
footman, you know.

HEDDA.

And the saddle-horse I was to have had--

TESMAN.

[Aghast.] The saddle-horse!

HEDDA.

--I suppose I must not think of that now.

TESMAN.

Good heavens, no!--that's as clear as daylight!

HEDDA.

[Goes up the room.] Well, I shall have one thing at least to kill time
with in the meanwhile.

TESMAN.

[Beaming.] Oh thank heaven for that! What is it, Hedda. Eh?

HEDDA.

[In the middle doorway, looks at him with covert scorn.] My pistols,
George.

TESMAN.

[In alarm.] Your pistols!

HEDDA.

[With cold eyes.] General Gabler's pistols.

[She goes out through the inner room, to the left.

TESMAN.

[Rushes up to the middle doorway and calls after her:] No, for heaven's
sake, Hedda darling--don't touch those dangerous things! For my sake
Hedda! Eh?

ACT SECOND.

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 book-shelves 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.(7) [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-