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She will have to explain how the thing happened--whether it was an
accidental shot or murder. Did the pistol go off as he was trying to
take it out of his pocket, to threaten her with? Or did she tear the
pistol out of his hand, shoot him, and push it back into his pocket?
That would be quite like her; for she is an able-bodied young person,
this same Mademoiselle Diana.
HEDDA.
But _I_ have nothing to do with all this repulsive business.
BRACK.
No. But you will have to answer the question: Why did you give Eilert
the pistol? And what conclusions will people draw from the fact that
you did give it to him?
HEDDA.
[Lets her head sink.] That is true. I did not think of that.
BRACK.
Well, fortunately, there is no danger, so long as I say nothing.
HEDDA.
[Looks up at him.] So I am in your power, Judge Brack. You have me
at your beck and call, from this time forward.
BRACK.
[Whispers softly.] Dearest Hedda--believe me--I shall not abuse my
advantage.
HEDDA.
I am in your power none the less. Subject to your will and your
demands. A slave, a slave then! [Rises impetuously.] No, I cannot
endure the thought of that! Never!
BRACK.
[Looks half-mockingly at her.] People generally get used to the
inevitable.
HEDDA.
[Returns his look.] Yes, perhaps. [She crosses to the writing-table.
Suppressing an involuntary smile, she imitates TESMAN'S intonations.]
Well? Are you getting on, George? Eh?
TESMAN.
Heaven knows, dear. In any case it will be the work of months.
HEDDA.
[As before.] Fancy that! [Passes her hands softly through Mrs.
Elvsted's hair.] Doesn't it seem strange to you, Thea? Here are you
sitting with Tesman--just as you used to sit with Eilert Lovborg?
MRS. ELVSTED.
Ah, if I could only inspire your husband in the same way!
HEDDA.
Oh, that will come too--in time.
TESMAN.
Yes, do you know, Hedda--I really think I begin to feel something of
the sort. But won't you go and sit with Brack again?
HEDDA.
Is there nothing I can do to help you two?
TESMAN.
No, nothing in the world. [Turning his head.] I trust to you to keep
Hedda company, my dear Brack.
BRACK.
[With a glance at HEDDA.] With the very greatest of pleasure.
HEDDA.
Thanks. But I am tired this evening. I will go in and lie down a
little on the sofa.
TESMAN.
Yes, do dear--eh?
[HEDDA goes into the back room and draws the curtains. A short
pause. Suddenly she is heard playing a wild dance on the piano.
MRS. ELVSTED.
[Starts from her chair.] Oh--what is that?
TESMAN.
[Runs to the doorway.] Why, my dearest Hedda--don't play dance-music
to-night! Just think of Aunt Rina! And of Eilert too!
HEDDA.
[Puts her head out between the curtains.
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