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of his chair.] My dear Tesman--and you too, Mrs. Tesman--I think I
ought not to keep you in the dark about something that--that---
TESMAN.
That concerns Eilert---?
BRACK.
Both you and him.
TESMAN.
Well, my dear Judge, out with it.
BRACK.
You must be prepared to find your appointment deferred longer than
you desired or expected.
TESMAN.
[Jumping up uneasily.] Is there some hitch about it? Eh?
BRACK.
The nomination may perhaps be made conditional on the result of a
competition---
TESMAN.
Competition! Think of that, Hedda!
HEDDA.
[Leans further back in the chair.] Aha--aha!
TESMAN.
But who can my competitor be? Surely not---?
BRACK.
Yes, precisely--Eilert Lovborg.
TESMAN.
[Clasping his hands.] No, no--it's quite impossible! Eh?
BRACK.
H'm--that is what it may come to, all the same.
TESMAN.
Well but, Judge Brack--it would show the most incredible lack of
consideration for me. [Gesticulates with his arms.] For--just
think--I'm a married man! We have married on the strength of these
prospects, Hedda and I; and run deep into debt; and borrowed money
from Aunt Julia too. Good heavens, they had as good as promised me
the appointment. Eh?
BRACK.
Well, well, well--no doubt you will get it in the end; only after a
contest.
HEDDA.
[Immovable in her arm-chair.] Fancy, Tesman, there will be a sort of
sporting interest in that.
TESMAN.
Why, my dearest Hedda, how can you be so indifferent about it?
HEDDA.
[As before.] I am not at all indifferent. I am most eager to see
who wins.
BRACK.
In any case, Mrs. Tesman, it is best that you should know how matters
stand. I mean--before you set about the little purchases I hear you
are threatening.
HEDDA.
This can make no difference.
BRACK.
Indeed! Then I have no more to say. Good-bye! [To TESMAN.] I shall
look in on my way back from my afternoon walk, and take you home with
me.
TESMAN.
Oh yes, yes--your news has quite upset me.
HEDDA.
[Reclining, holds out her hand.] Good-bye, Judge; and be sure you
call in the afternoon.
BRACK.
Many thanks. Good-bye, good-bye!
TESMAN.
[Accompanying him to the door.] Good-bye my dear Judge! You must
really excuse me--- [JUDGE BRACK goes out by the hall door.
TESMAN.
[Crosses the room.] Oh Hedda--one should never rush into adventures.
Eh?
HEDDA.
[Looks at him, smiling.] Do you do that?
TESMAN.
Yes, dear--there is no denying--it was adventurous to go and marry
and set up house upon mere expectations.
HEDDA.
Perhaps you are right there.
TESMAN.
Well--at all events, we have our delightful home, Hedda! Fancy, the
home we both dreamed of--the home we were in love with, I may almost
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