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don't know why I should not have accepted his offer?
BRACK.
No--if you look at it in that light---
HEDDA.
It was more than my other adorers were prepared to do for me, my dear
Judge.
BRACK.
[Laughing.] Well, I can't answer for all the rest; but as for
myself, you know quite well that I have always entertained a--a
certain respect for the marriage tie--for marriage as an institution,
Mrs. Hedda.
HEDDA.
[Jestingly.] Oh, I assure you I have never cherished any hopes with
respect to you.
BRACK.
All I require is a pleasant and intimate interior, where I can make
myself useful in every way, and am free to come and go as--as a
trusted friend---
HEDDA.
Of the master of the house, do you mean?
BRACK.
[Bowing.] Frankly--of the mistress first of all; but of course of
the master too, in the second place. Such a triangular friendship--
if I may call it so--is really a great convenience for all the
parties, let me tell you.
HEDDA.
Yes, I have many a time longed for some one to make a third on our
travels. Oh--those railway-carriage _tete-a-tetes_---!
BRACK.
Fortunately your wedding journey is over now.
HEDDA.
[Shaking her head.] Not by a long--long way. I have only arrived at
a station on the line.
BRACK.
Well, then the passengers jump out and move about a little, Mrs. Hedda.
HEDDA.
I never jump out.
BRACK.
Really?
HEDDA.
No--because there is always some one standing by to---
BRACK.
[Laughing.] To look at your ankles, do you mean?
HEDDA.
Precisely.
BRACK.
Well but, dear me---
HEDDA.
[With a gesture of repulsion.] I won't have it. I would rather keep
my seat where I happen to be--and continue the _tete-a-tete_.
BRACK.
But suppose a third person were to jump in and join the couple.
HEDDA.
Ah--that is quite another matter!
BRACK.
A trusted, sympathetic friend---
HEDDA.
---with a fund of conversation on all sorts of lively topics---
BRACK.
---and not the least bit of a specialist!
HEDDA.
[With an audible sigh.] Yes, that would be a relief indeed.
BRACK.
[Hears the front door open, and glances in that direction.] The
triangle is completed.
HEDDA.
[Half aloud.] And on goes the train.
GEORGE TESMAN, in a grey walking-suit, with a soft felt hat,
enters from the hall. He has a number of unbound books under
his arm and in his pockets.
TESMAN.
[Goes up to the table beside the corner settee.] Ouf--what a load
for a warm day--all these books. [Lays them on the table.] I'm
positively perspiring, Hedda. Hallo--are you there already, my dear
Judge? Eh? Berta didn't tell me.
BRACK.
[Rising.] I came in through the garden.
HEDDA.
What books have you got there?
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