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HEDDA.
I'm only looking at my old piano. It doesn't go at all well with all
the other things.
TESMAN.
The first time I draw my salary, we'll see about exchanging it.
HEDDA.
No, no--no exchanging. I don't want to part with it. Suppose we put
it there in the inner room, and then get another here in its place.
When it's convenient, I mean.
TESMAN.
[A little taken aback.] Yes--of course we could do that.
HEDDA.
[Takes up the bouquet from the piano.] These flowers were not here
last night when we arrived.
TESMAN.
Aunt Julia must have brought them for you.
HEDDA.
[Examining the bouquet.] A visiting-card. [Takes it out and reads:]
"Shall return later in the day." Can you guess whose card it is?
TESMAN.
No. Whose? Eh?
HEDDA.
The name is "Mrs. Elvsted."
TESMAN.
Is it really? Sheriff Elvsted's wife? Miss Rysing that was.
HEDDA.
Exactly. The girl with the irritating hair, that she was always
showing off. An old flame of yours I've been told.
TESMAN.
[Laughing.] Oh, that didn't last long; and it was before I met you,
Hedda. But fancy her being in town!
HEDDA.
It's odd that she should call upon us. I have scarcely seen her since
we left school.
TESMAN.
I haven't see her either for--heaven knows how long. I wonder how
she can endure to live in such an out-of-the way hole--eh?
HEDDA.
[After a moment's thought, says suddenly.] Tell me, Tesman--isn't it
somewhere near there that he--that--Eilert Lovborg is living?
TESMAN.
Yes, he is somewhere in that part of the country.
BERTA enters by the hall door.
BERTA.
That lady, ma'am, that brought some flowers a little while ago, is
here again. [Pointing.] The flowers you have in your hand, ma'am.
HEDDA.
Ah, is she? Well, please show her in.
BERTA opens the door for MRS. ELVSTED, and goes out herself.
--MRS. ELVSTED is a woman of fragile figure, with pretty,
soft features. Her eyes are light blue, large, round, and
somewhat prominent, with a startled, inquiring expression.
Her hair is remarkably light, almost flaxen, and unusually
abundant and wavy. She is a couple of years younger than
HEDDA. She wears a dark visiting dress, tasteful, but not
quite in the latest fashion.
HEDDA.
[Receives her warmly.] How do you do, my dear Mrs. Elvsted? It's
delightful to see you again.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Nervously, struggling for self-control.] Yes, it's a very long time
since we met.
TESMAN.
[Gives her his hand.] And we too--eh?
HEDDA.
Thanks for your lovely flowers---
MRS. ELVSTED.
Oh, not at all---. I would have come straight here yesterday
afternoon; but I heard that you were away---
TESMAN.
Have you just come to town? Eh?
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