Hedda Gabler Part 19

I don't say so. But that was how Judge Brack understood it.

LOVBORG.

Well, let him.

HEDDA.

Then you are not going with them?

LOVBORG.

I will stay here with you and Thea.

MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes, Hedda-how can you doubt that?

HEDDA.

[Smiles and nods approvingly to LOVBORG.] Firm as a rock! Faithful to your principles, now and for ever! Ah, that is how a man should be! [Turns to MRS. ELVSTED and caresses her.] Well now, what did I tell you, when you came to us this morning in such a state of distraction- LOVBORG.

[Surprised.] Distraction!

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Terrified.] Hedda-oh Hedda-!

HEDDA.

You can see for yourself! You haven't the slightest reason to be in such mortal terror- [Interrupting herself.] There! Now we can all three enjoy ourselves!

LOVBORG.

[Who has given a start.] Ah-what is all this, Mrs. Tesman?

MRS. ELVSTED.

Oh my G.o.d, Hedda! What are you saying? What are you doing?

HEDDA.

Don't get excited! That horrid Judge Brack is sitting watching you.

LOVBORG.

So she was in mortal terror! On my account!

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Softly and piteously.] Oh, Hedda-now you have ruined everything!

LOVBORG.

[Looks fixedly at her for a moment. His face is distorted.] So that was my comrade's frank confidence in me?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Imploringly.] Oh, my dearest friend-only let me tell you- LOVBORG.

[Takes one of the gla.s.ses of punch, raises it to his lips, and says in a low, husky voice.] Your health, Thea!

[He empties the gla.s.s, puts it down, and takes the second.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Softly.] Oh, Hedda, Hedda-how could you do this?

HEDDA.

I do it? I? Are you crazy?

LOVBORG.

Here's to your health too, Mrs. Tesman. Thanks for the truth. Hurrah for the truth!

[He empties the gla.s.s and is about to re-fill it.

HEDDA.

[Lays her hand on his arm.] Come, come-no more for the present. Remember you are going out to supper.

MRS. ELVSTED.

No, no, no!

HEDDA.

Hush! They are sitting watching you.

LOVBORG.

[Putting down the gla.s.s.] Now, Thea-tell me the truth- MRS. ELVSTED.

Yes.

LOVBORG.

Did your husband know that you had come after me?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Wringing her hands.] Oh, Hedda-do you hear what his is asking?

LOVBORG.

Was it arranged between you and him that you were to come to town and look after me? Perhaps it was the Sheriff himself that urged you to come? Aha, my dear-no doubt he wanted my help in his office! Or was it at the card-table that he missed me?

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Softly, in agony.] Oh, Lovborg, Lovborg-!

LOVBORG.

[Seizes a gla.s.s and is on the point of filling it.] Here's a gla.s.s for the old Sheriff too!

HEDDA.

[Preventing him.] No more just now. Remember, you have to read your ma.n.u.script to Tesman.

LOVBORG.

[Calmly, putting down the gla.s.s.] It was stupid of me all this. Thea-to take it in this way, I mean. Don't be angry with me, my dear, dear comrade. You shall see-both you and the others-that if I was fallen once-now I have risen again! Thanks to you, Thea.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Radiant with joy.] Oh, heaven be praised-!

[BRACK has in the meantime looked at his watch. He and TESMAN rise and come into the drawing-room.

BRACK.

[Takes his hat and overcoat.] Well, Mrs. Tesman, our time has come.

HEDDA.

I suppose it has.

LOVBORG.

[Rising.] Mine too, Judge Brack.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Softly and imploringly.] Oh, Lovborg, don't do it!

HEDDA.

[Pinching her arm.] They can hear you!

MRS. ELVSTED.

[With a suppressed shriek.] Ow!

LOVBORG.

[To BRACK.] You were good enough to invite me.

JUDGE BRACK.

Well, are you coming after all?

LOVBORG.

Yes, many thanks.

BRACK.

I'm delighted- LOVBORG.

[To TESMAN, putting the parcel of MS. in his pocket.] I should like to show you one or two things before I send it to the printers.

TESMAN.

Fancy-that will be delightful. But, Hedda dear, how is Mrs. Elvsted to get home? Eh?

HEDDA.

Oh, that can be managed somehow.

LOVBORG.

[Looking towards the ladies.] Mrs. Elvsted? Of course, I'll come again and fetch her. [Approaching.] At ten or thereabouts, Mrs. Tesman? Will that do?

HEDDA.

Certainly. That will do capitally.

TESMAN.

Well, then, that's all right. But you must not expect me so early, Hedda.

HEDDA.

Oh, you may stop as long-as long as ever you please.

MRS. ELVSTED.

[Trying to conceal her anxiety.] Well then, Mr. Lovborg-I shall remain here until you come.