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TESMAN.
However, it may be some time before the book is ready. I have all
these collections to arrange first, you see.
MISS TESMAN.
Yes, collecting and arranging--no one can beat you at that. There
you are my poor brother's own son.
TESMAN.
I am looking forward eagerly to setting to work at it; especially now
that I have my own delightful home to work in.
MISS TESMAN.
And, most of all, now that you have got the wife of your heart, my
dear George.
TESMAN.
[Embracing her.] Oh yes, yes, Aunt Julia! Hedda--she is the best
part of it all! I believe I hear her coming--eh?
HEDDA enters from the left through the inner room. Her face
and figure show refinement and distinction. Her complexion
is pale and opaque. Her steel-grey eyes express a cold,
unruffled repose. Her hair is of an agreeable brown, but
not particularly abundant. She is dressed in a tasteful,
somewhat loose-fitting morning gown.
MISS TESMAN.
[Going to meet HEDDA.] Good morning, my dear Hedda! Good morning,
and a hearty welcome!
HEDDA.
[Holds out her hand.] Good morning, dear Miss Tesman! So early a
call! That is kind of you.
MISS TESMAN.
[With some embarrassment.] Well--has the bride slept well in her
new home?
HEDDA.
Oh yes, thanks. Passably.
TESMAN.
[Laughing.] Passably! Come, that's good, Hedda! You were sleeping
like a stone when I got up.
HEDDA.
Fortunately. Of course one has always to accustom one's self to new
surroundings, Miss Tesman--little by little. [Looking towards the
left.] Oh, there the servant has gone and opened the veranda door,
and let in a whole flood of sunshine.
MISS TESMAN.
[Going towards the door.] Well, then we will shut it.
HEDDA.
No no, not that! Tesman, please draw the curtains. That will give a
softer light.
TESMAN.
[At the door.] All right--all right.--There now, Hedda, now you have
both shade and fresh air.
HEDDA.
Yes, fresh air we certainly must have, with all these stacks of
flowers---. But--won't you sit down, Miss Tesman?
MISS TESMAN.
No, thank you. Now that I have seen that everything is all right
here--thank heaven!--I must be getting home again. My sister is
lying longing for me, poor thing.
TESMAN.
Give her my very best love, Auntie; and say I shall look in and see
her later in the day.
MISS TESMAN.
Yes, yes, I'll be sure to tell her. But by-the-bye, George--[Feeling
in her dress pocket]--I had almost forgotten--I have something for
you here.
TESMAN.
What is it, Auntie? Eh?
MISS TESMAN.
[Produces a flat parcel wrapped in newspaper and hands it to him.]
Look here, my dear boy.
TESMAN.
[Opening the parcel.] Well, I declare!--Have you really saved them
for me, Aunt Julia! Hedda! isn't this touching--eh?
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