Chapter 9

Brack.

What bonnet were you talking about?

Hedda.

Oh, it was a little episode with Miss Tesman this morning. She had laid down her bonnet on the chair there—[Looks at him and smiles.]—and I pretended to think it was the servant’s.

Brack.

[Shaking his head.] Now my dear Mrs. Hedda, how could you do such a thing? To that excellent old lady, too!

Hedda.

[Nervously crossing the room.] Well, you see—these impulses come over me all of a sudden; and Icannotresist them. [Throws herself down in the easy-chair by the stove.] Oh, I don’t know how to explain it.

Brack.

[Behind the easy-chair.] You are not really happy—that is at the bottom of it.

Hedda.

[Looking straight before her.] I know of no reason why I should be—happy. Perhaps you can give me one?

Brack.

Well—amongst other things, because you have got exactly the home you had set your heart on.

Hedda.

[Looks up at him and laughs.] Do you too believe in that legend?

Brack.

Is there nothing in it, then?

Hedda.

Oh yes, there issomethingin it.

Brack.

Well?

Hedda.

There isthisin it, that I made use of Tesman to see me home from evening parties last summer——

Brack.

I, unfortunately, had to go quite a different way.

Hedda.

That’s true. I know you were going a different way last summer.

Brack.

[Laughing.] Oh fie, Mrs. Hedda! Well, then—you and Tesman——?

Hedda.

Well, we happened to pass here one evening; Tesman, poor fellow, was writhing in the agony of having to find conversation; so I took pity on the learned man——

Brack.

[Smiles doubtfully.]Youtook pity? H’m——

Hedda.

Yes, I really did. And so—to help him out of his torment—I happened to say, in pure thoughtlessness, that I should like to live in this villa.

Brack.

No more than that?

Hedda.

Notthatevening.

Brack.

But afterwards?

Hedda.

Yes, my thoughtlessness had consequences, my dear Judge.

Brack.

Unfortunately that too often happens, Mrs. Hedda.

Hedda.

Thanks! So you see it was this enthusiasm for Secretary Falk’s villa that first constituted a bond of sympathy between George Tesman and me. Fromthatcame our engagement and our marriage, and our wedding journey, and all the rest of it. Well, well, my dear Judge—as you make your bed so you must lie, I could almost say.

Brack.

This is exquisite! And you really cared not a rap about it all the time?

Hedda.

No, heaven knows I didn’t.

Brack.

But now? Now that we have made it so homelike for you?

Hedda.

Uh—the rooms all seem to smell of lavender and dried rose-leaves.—But perhaps it’s Aunt Julia that has brought that scent with her.

Brack.

[Laughing.] No, I think it must be a legacy from the late Mrs. Secretary Falk.

Hedda.

Yes, there is an odour of mortality about it. It reminds me of a bouquet—the day after the ball. [Clasps her hands behind her head, leans back in her chair and looks at him.] Oh, my dear Judge—you cannot imagine how horribly I shall bore myself here.

Brack.

Why should not you, too, find some sort of vocation in life, Mrs. Hedda?

Hedda.

A vocation—that should attract me?

Brack.

If possible, of course.

Hedda.

Heaven knows what sort of a vocation that could be. I often wonder whether——[Breaking off.] But that would never do either.

Brack.

Who can tell? Let me hear what it is.

Hedda.

Whether I might not get Tesman to go into politics, I mean.

Brack.

[Laughing.] Tesman? No really now, political life is not the thing for him—not at all in his line.

Hedda.

No, I daresay not.—But if I could get him into it all the same?

Brack.

Why—what satisfaction could you find in that? If he is not fitted for that sort of thing, why should you want to drive him into it?

Hedda.

Because I am bored, I tell you! [After a pause.] So you think it quite out of the question that Tesman should ever get into the ministry?

Brack.

H’m—you see, my dear Mrs. Hedda—to get into the ministry, he would have to be a tolerably rich man.

Hedda.

[Rising impatiently.] Yes, there we have it! It is this genteel poverty I have managed to drop into——! [Crosses the room.] That is what makes life so pitiable! So utterly ludicrous!—For that’s what it is.

Brack.

NowIshould say the fault lay elsewhere.

Hedda.

Where, then?

Brack.

You have never gone through any really stimulating experience.

Hedda.

Anything serious, you mean?

Brack.

Yes, you may call it so. But now you may perhaps have one in store.

Hedda.

[Tossing her head.] Oh, you’re thinking of the annoyances about this wretched professorship! But that must be Tesman’s own affair. I assure you I shall not waste a thought upon it.

Brack.

No, no, I daresay not. But suppose now that what people call—in elegant language—a solemn responsibility were to come upon you? [Smiling.] A new responsibility, Mrs. Hedda?

Hedda.

[Angrily.] Be quiet! Nothing of that sort will ever happen!

Brack.

[Warily.] We will speak of this again a year hence—at the very outside.

Hedda.

[Curtly.] I have no turn for anything of the sort, Judge Brack. No responsibilities for me!

Brack.

Are you so unlike the generality of women as to have no turn for duties which——?

Hedda.

[Beside the glass door.] Oh, be quiet, I tell you!—I often think there is only one thing in the world I have any turn for.

Brack.

[Drawing near to her.] And what is that, if I may ask?

Hedda.

[Stands looking out.] Boring myself to death. Now you know it. [Turns, looks towards the inner room, and laughs.] Yes, as I thought! Here comes the Professor.

Brack.

[Softly, in a tone of warning.] Come, come, come, Mrs. Hedda!

George Tesman,dressed for the party, with his gloves and hat in his hand, enters from the right through the inner room.

Tesman.

Hedda, has no message come from Eilert Lövborg? Eh?

Hedda.

No.

Tesman.

Then you’ll see he’ll be here presently.

Brack.

Do you really think he will come?

Tesman.

Yes, I am almost sure of it. For what you were telling us this morning must have been a mere floating rumour.

Brack.

You think so?

Tesman.

At any rate, Aunt Julia said she did not believe for a moment that he would ever stand in my way again. Fancy that!

Brack.

Well then, that’s all right.

Tesman.

[Placing his hat and gloves on a chair on the right.] Yes, but you must really let me wait for him as long as possible.

Brack.

We have plenty of time yet. None of my guests will arrive before seven or half-past.

Tesman.

Then meanwhile we can keep Hedda company, and see what happens. Eh?

Hedda.

[PlacingBrack’shat and overcoat upon the corner settee.] And at the worst Mr. Lövborg can remain here with me.

Brack.

[Offering to take his things.] Oh, allow me, Mrs. Tesman!—What do you mean by ”At the worst“?

Hedda.

If he won’t go with you and Tesman.

Tesman.

[Looks dubiously at her.] But, Hedda dear—do you think it would quite do for him to remain with you? Eh? Remember, Aunt Julia can’t come.

Hedda.

No, but Mrs. Elvsted is coming. We three can have a cup of tea together.

Tesman.

Oh yes,thatwill be all right.

Brack.

[Smiling.] And that would perhaps be the safest plan for him.

Hedda.

Why so?

Brack.

Well, you know, Mrs. Tesman, how you used to gird at my little bachelor parties. You declared they were adapted only for men of the strictest principles.

Hedda.

But no doubt Mr. Lövborg’s principles are strict enough now. A converted sinner——

[Bertaappears at the hall door.

Berta.

There’s a gentleman asking if you are at home, ma’am——

Hedda.

Well, show him in.

Tesman.

[Softly.] I’m sure it is he! Fancy that!

Eilert Lövborgenters from the hall. He is slim and lean; of the same age asTesman,but looks older and somewhat worn-out. His hair and beard are of a blackish brown, his face long and pale, but with patches of colour on the cheekbones. He is dressed in a well-cut black visiting suit, quite new. He has dark gloves and a silk hat. He stops near the door, and makes a rapid bow, seeming somewhat embarrassed.

Tesman.

[Goes up to him and shakes him warmly by the hand.] Well, my dear Eilert—so at last we meet again!

Eilert Lövborg.

[Speaks in a subdued voice.] Thanks for your letter, Tesman. [ApproachingHedda.] Will you too shake hands with me, Mrs. Tesman?

Hedda.

[Taking his hand.] I am glad to see you, Mr. Lövborg. [With a motion of her hand.] I don’t know whether you two gentlemen——?

Lövborg.

[Bowing slightly.] Judge Brack, I think.

Brack.

[Doing likewise.] Oh yes,—in the old days——

Tesman.

[To Lövborg, with his hands on his shoulders.] And now you must make yourself entirely at home, Eilert! Musn’t he, Hedda?—For I hear you are going to settle in town again? Eh?

Lövborg.

Yes, I am.

Tesman.

Quite right, quite right. Let me tell you, I have got hold of your new book; but I haven’t had time to read it yet.

Lövborg.

You may spare yourself the trouble.

Tesman.

Why so?

Lövborg.

Because there is very little in it.

Tesman.

Just fancy—how can you say so?

Brack.

But it has been very much praised, I hear.

Lövborg.

That was what I wanted; so I put nothing into the book but what every one would agree with.

Brack.

Very wise of you.

Tesman.

Well but, my dear Eilert——!

Lövborg.

For now I mean to win myself a position again—to make a fresh start.

Tesman.

[A little embarrassed.] Ah, that is what you wish to do? Eh?

Lövborg.

[Smiling, lays down his hat, and draws a packet, wrapped in paper, from his coat pocket.] But when this one appears, George Tesman, you will have to read it. Forthisis the real book—the book I have put my true self into.

Tesman.

Indeed? And what is it?

Lövborg.

It is the continuation.

Tesman.

The continuation? Of what?

Lövborg.

Of the book.

Tesman.

Of the new book?

Lövborg.

Of course.

Tesman.

Why, my dear Eilert—does it not come down to our own days?

Lövborg.

Yes, it does; and this one deals with the future.

Tesman.

With the future! But, good heavens, we know nothing of the future!

Lövborg.

No; but there is a thing or two to be said about it all the same. [Opens the packet.] Look here——

Tesman.

Why, that’s not your handwriting.

Lövborg.

I dictated it. [Turning over the pages.] It falls into two sections. The first deals with the civilising forces of the future. And here is the second—[running through the pages towards the end]—forecasting the probable line of development.

Tesman.

How odd now! I should never have thought of writing anything of that sort.

Hedda.

[At the glass door, drumming on the pane.] H’m——. I daresay not.

Lövborg.

[Replacing the manuscript in its paper and laying the packet on the table.] I brought it, thinking I might read you a little of it this evening.

Tesman.

That was very good of you, Eilert. But this evening——? [Looking atBrack.] I don’t quite see how we can manage it——

Lövborg.

Well then, some other time. There is no hurry.

Brack.

I must tell you, Mr. Lövborg—there is a little gathering at my house this evening—mainly in honour of Tesman, you know——

Lövborg.

[Looking for his hat.] Oh—then I won’t detain you——

Brack.

No, but listen—will you not do me the favour of joining us?

Lövborg.

[Curtly and decidedly.] No, I can’t—thank you very much.

Brack.

Oh, nonsense—do! We shall be quite a select little circle. And I assure you we shall have a “lively time,” as Mrs. Hed—as Mrs. Tesman says.

Lövborg.

I have no doubt of it. But nevertheless——

Brack.

And then you might bring your manuscript with you, and read it to Tesman at my house. I could give you a room to yourselves.

Tesman.

Yes, think of that, Eilert,—why shouldn’t you? Eh?

Hedda.

[Interposing.] But, Tesman, if Mr. Lövborg would really rather not! I am sure Mr. Lövborg is much more inclined to remain here and have supper with me.

Lövborg.

[Looking at her.] With you, Mrs. Tesman?

Hedda.

And with Mrs. Elvsted.

Lövborg.

Ah——[Lightly.] I saw her for a moment this morning.

Hedda.

Did you? Well, she is coming this evening. So you see you are almost bound to remain, Mr. Lövborg, or she will have no one to see her home.

Lövborg.

That’s true. Many thanks, Mrs. Tesman—in that case I will remain.

Hedda.

Then I have one or two orders to give the servant——

[She goes to the hall door and rings.Bertaenters.Heddatalks to her in a whisper, and points towards the inner room.Bertanods and goes out again.

Tesman.

[At the same time, toLövborg.] Tell me, Eilert—is it this new subject—the future—that you are going to lecture about?

Lövborg.

Yes.

Tesman.

They told me at the bookseller’s that you are going to deliver a course of lectures this autumn.

Lövborg.

That is my intention. I hope you won’t take it ill, Tesman.

Tesman.

Oh no, not in the least! But——?

Lövborg.

I can quite understand that it must be disagreeable to you.

Tesman.

[Cast down.] Oh, I can’t expect you, out of consideration for me, to——

Lövborg.

But I shall wait till you have received your appointment.

Tesman.

Will you wait? Yes but—yes but—are you not going to compete with me? Eh?

Lövborg.

No; it is only the moral victory I care for.

Tesman.

Why, bless me—then Aunt Julia was right after all! Oh yes—I knew it! Hedda! Just fancy—Eilert Lövborg is not going to stand in our way!

Hedda.

[Curtly.]Ourway? Pray leavemeout of the question.

[She goes up towards the inner room, whereBertais placing a tray with decanters and glasses on the table.Heddanods approval, and comes forward again.Bertagoes 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 atTesmanwith a cold smile.] Youstand 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 inner 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. Lövborg?

Lövborg.

[With a gesture of refusal.] No, thank you. Nothing for me.

Brack.

Why bless me—cold punch is surely not poison.

Lövborg.

Perhaps not for every one.

Hedda.

I will keep Mr. Lövborg company in the meantime.

Tesman.

Yes, yes, Hedda dear, do.

[He andBrackgo into the inner room, seat themselves, drink punch, smoke cigarettes, and carry on a lively conversation during what follows.Eilert Lövborgremains standing beside the stove.Heddagoes to the writing-table.

Hedda.

[Raising her voice alittle!little!] Do you care to look at some photographs, Mr. Lövborg? You know Tesman and I made a tour in the 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 Lövborgapproaches, stops, and looks at her. Then he takes a chair and seats himself to her left, with his back towards the inner room.

Hedda.

[Opening the album.] Do you see this range of mountains, Mr. Lövborg? It’s the Ortler group. Tesman has written the name underneath. Here it is: “The Ortler group near Meran.”

Lövborg.

[Who has never taken his eyes off her, says softly and slowly:] Hedda—Gabler!

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