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HEDDA.
[Beside the whatnot on the right.] Well, what is it?
TESMAN.
My old morning-shoes! My slippers.
HEDDA.
Indeed. I remember you often spoke of them while we were abroad.
TESMAN.
Yes, I missed them terribly. [Goes up to her.] Now you shall see
them, Hedda!
HEDDA.
[Going towards the stove.] Thanks, I really don't care about it.
TESMAN.
[Following her.] Only think--ill as she was, Aunt Rina embroidered
these for me. Oh you can't think how many associations cling to them.
HEDDA.
[At the table.] Scarcely for me.
MISS TESMAN.
Of course not for Hedda, George.
TESMAN.
Well, but now that she belongs to the family, I thought---
HEDDA.
[Interrupting.] We shall never get on with this servant, Tesman.
MISS TESMAN.
Not get on with Berta?
TESMAN.
Why, dear, what puts that in your head? Eh?
HEDDA.
[Pointing.] Look there! She has left her old bonnet lying about on
a chair.
TESMAN.
[In consternation, drops the slippers on the floor.] Why, Hedda---
HEDDA.
Just fancy, if any one should come in and see it!
TESMAN.
But Hedda--that's Aunt Julia's bonnet.
HEDDA.
Is it!
MISS TESMAN.
[Taking up the bonnet.] Yes, indeed it's mine. And, what's more,
it's not old, Madam Hedda.
HEDDA.
I really did not look closely at it, Miss Tesman.
MISS TESMAN.
[Trying on the bonnet.] Let me tell you it's the first time I have
worn it--the very first time.
TESMAN.
And a very nice bonnet it is too--quite a beauty!
MISS TESMAN.
Oh, it's no such great things, George. [Looks around her.] My
parasol---? Ah, here. [Takes it.] For this is mine too--[mutters]
--not Berta's.
TESMAN.
A new bonnet and a new parasol! Only think, Hedda.
HEDDA.
Very handsome indeed.
TESMAN.
Yes, isn't it? Eh? But Auntie, take a good look at Hedda before you
go! See how handsome she is!
MISS TESMAN.
Oh, my dear boy, there's nothing new in that. Hedda was always lovely.
[She nods and goes toward the right.
TESMAN.
[Following.] Yes, but have you noticed what splendid condition she
is in? How she has filled out on the journey?
HEDDA.
[Crossing the room.] Oh, do be quiet---!
MISS TESMAN.
[Who has stopped and turned.] Filled out?
TESMAN.
Of course you don't notice it so much now that she has that dress on.
But I, who can see---
HEDDA.
[At the glass door, impatiently.] Oh, you can't see anything.
TESMAN.
It must be the mountain air in the Tyrol---
HEDDA.
[Curtly, interrupting.] I am exactly as I was when I started.
TESMAN.
So you insist; but I'm quite certain you are not. Don't you agree
with me, Auntie?
MISS TESMAN.
[Who has been gazing at her with folded hands.
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