Yale University Library 39002030901467 vABLER * ZD fb7K c.l TflE DEPARIAENT Of DRAAA -VALE- UNIVERSITY- HEDDA GABLER A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS BY HENRIK IBSEN TRANSLATED FROM THE. NORWEGIAN BY EDMUND GOSSE BOSTON WALTER H. LAKER & CO. Copyright, 1691, BY UNITED STATES BOOK COMPAM* This, the sole authorized English translation of HEDDA GABLER, is issued simultaneously with the publication of the original in Copenhagen. I have received from the author exclusive rights of transla¬ tion for the English-speaking countries, and I hereby- state that these rights have been purchased from me for America by Mr. Lovell. EDMUND GOSSE. London, Dec. 12, 1890. THE PERSONS. GEORGE TESMAN, a young man of letters MRS. HEDDA TESMAN (born GABLER), his wife MISS JULIANA TESMAN, his aunt MRS. ELVSTED JUDGE BRACK EJLERT LOVBORG BERTHA, servant to the Tesmans. The action proceeds in Tesman's villa in the western part of the city. NOTE. It has seemed impossible, without producing an effect hopelessly un-English, to preserve in trans¬ lation the distinction between " you" (de) and " thou " (du). But as some shades of characteriza¬ tion may be lost without this, it seems well to de¬ scribe the conduct of the various persons in this particular. Hedda says " thou " to no one except to Tesman and to Mrs. Elvsted, but always to them. Tesman says "thou"to Hedda, to his aunt, Juliana, and to Lovborg. Lovborg says "thou" to Hedda when no one else is listening, but "you" on other occasions. Mrs. Elvsted tries to say "thou" to Hedda, and after a little difficulty succeeds. Brack never uses "thou," even in his most confidential moments with Hedda. E. G. HEDDA GABLER. ACT I. A spacious, pretty, and tastefully furnished sitting- room, decorated in dark colors. In the wall at the back is a broad door-way, with curtains drawn aside. This door-way leads into a smaller room, which is f urnished in the same style as the sitting- room, On the wall to the right in this latter there is a folding-door, ivhich leads out to the hall. On the opposite wall, to the left, there is a glass door, also with curtains drawn back. Through the panes of glass are seen part of a verandah, ivhicli projects outside, and trees covered with autumn foliage, On the floor in front stands an oval table with a cover on it and chairs around. In front of the ivall on the right a broad, dark, porcelain stove, a high-backed arm-chair, a foot-stool, with cushions and tioo ottomans. Up in the right-hand corner a settee and a small round table. In front, to left, a little away from the wall, a sofa. 8 EEDDA GABLEB. Opposite the glass door a pianoforte. On both sides of the doorway in the back stand etageres with pieces of terra cotta and majolica. Close to the back wall of the inner room is seen a sofa, a table, and some chairs. Above this sofa hangs the por¬ trait of a handsome elderly man in a general's uniform. Over the table a chandelier ivith dim, milk-colored shade. A great many bouquets of floivers, in vases and glasses, are arranged about the sitting-room. Others lie on the table. Thick carpets are spread on the floors of both rooms. It I is morning, and the sun shines in through the glass door. Miss Juliana Tesman, with hat and parasol, comes in from the hall, folloived by Bertha, who carries a bouquet with paper wrapped around it. Miss Tesman is a good-natured-looking lady of about sixty-five, neatly, but simply dressed in a gray walking costume. Bertha is a somewhat elderly servant-maid, with a plain and rather countrified appearance. Miss Tesman. [Stands inside the door, listens, and says under her breath.] Well! I declare if I believe that they are up yet! HEDDA GABLEE. 9 Bertha. [In the same tone.] That's just what I said, Miss Juliana. Just think how late the steamer came in last night. And what they were doing after that! Gracious, the amount of things the young mistress would unpack before she would consent to go to bed ! Miss Tesman. Yes, yes ! Let them have their sleep out. But, at all events, they shall have fresh morning air when they come. [She goes to the glass door, and throivs it wide open.] Bertha. [At the table, standing irresolute, with the bouquet in her hand.] There isn't an atom of room left any¬ where. I think I shall put it down here, miss. [Lays doivn the bouquet in front of the pianoforte.] Miss Tesman. Well, you've got a new master and mistress at last, my dear Bertha. God knows how hard it is for me to part with you. 10 HEDDA Q ABLER. Bertha. [Tearfully.'] And—for me—too ! What am I to say ? I, who have been in your service for all these years and years, Miss Juliana. Miss Tesman. "We must take it quietly, Bertha. The truth is, there's nothing else to be done. George must have you with him in the house, you see. He must. You have been used to look after him ever since he was a little boy. Bertha. Yes, miss, but I can't help thinking so much about her who lies at home. Poor thing, so utterly helpless ! And then with a new servant-maid there. Shell never, never learn to wait on the invalid prop¬ erly. Miss Tesman. Oh ! I shall get her into proper training for it. And I shall do most of it myself, you may be sure. You need not be so anxious about my poor sister, dear Bertha. EEDDA O.ABLER. 11 Bertha. Yes, but yon know there are other things besides, Miss Juliana. I am so dreadfully afraid that I shall not be able to suit the young mistress. Miss Tesman. Now, dear me, just at first there may possibly be one thing or another Bertha. For there's no doubt that she's tremendously particular. Miss Tesman. Well, you can understand that. General Gabler's daughter. What she was used to as long as the General lived ! Can you remember when she rode over with her father ? In the long, black riding- habit ? And with feathers in her hat ? Bertha. Yes, I should think I did. Well! if ever I thought in those days that she and Master George would make a match of it. 12 HEDDA GABLER. Miss Tesman. Nor I either. But by the way, Bertha, while I remember it, yon must not say Master George in future ; you must say the Doctor. Bertha. Oh, yes, the young mistress said something about that last night—the very moment she came in at the door. Is that so, Miss Juliana ? Miss Tesman. Yes, of course it is. Recollect, Bertha, they made him a doctor while he was abroad. While he was travelling, you understand. I did not know a word about it until he told me down there on the quay. Bertha. "Well, he can be made whatever he likes, he can. He is so clever. But I should never have believed that he would have taken to curing people. Miss Tesman. No, he is not that sort of doctor. [Nods signifi¬ cantly.] Besides, who knows but what you may soon have to call him something grander still. EEDDA OABLER. 13 Bertha. Not really ! "What may that be, Miss Juliana ? Miss Tesman. {Smiles.] H'm !—I am not sure that you ought to know about it. [Agitated.] Oh, dear, Oh, dear ! if only my poor Jochum could rise from his grave and see what his little boy has grown into ! [Glances around.] Taken the covers off all the furniture ? Bertha. Mrs. George said I was to do so. She can't bear covers on the chairs she says. Miss Tesman. But—are they to be like this every day ? Bertha. Yes, I believe so. Mrs. George said so. As to the doctor, he didn't say anything. George Tesman enters, humming, from the right side into the bach room, carrying an empty open hand-bag. He is of middle height, a young-look- 14 HEDDA GABLER. ing man of thirty-tliree, rather stout, with an open, round, jolly countenance, blond hair and beard. He ivears spectacles and is dressed in a comfort¬ able, rather careless indoor suit. Miss Tesman. Good-morning, goocl-morning, George. Tesman. Aunt Julie ! Dear Aunt Julie ! [Walks up to her and shakes her hand.] Right out liere so early1. Eh? Miss Tesman. Well, you can fancy I wanted to look after you a little. Tesman. And that although you have not had your usual night's rest! Miss Tesman. Oh, that doesn't matter the least in the world. Tesman. "Well, did you get safe home from the quay ? Eh ? HEDDA G ABLER. 15 Miss Tesman. Oh, dear me, yes, thank God ! The Judge was so kind as to see me home right to my door. Tesman. We were so sorry we could not take you up in the y carriage. But you saw yourself—Hedda had so many boxes that she was obliged to take with her. Miss Tesman. Yes, it was quite dreadful what a quantity of boxes she had. Bertha. [To Tesman.] Shall I go up and ask the mistress whether I can help her ? Tesman. No, thank you, Bertha—it is not worth while for you to do that. If she wanted anything she would ring, she said. Bertha. [To the right.'] Yes, yes, all right. 16 HEDDA O ABLER. Tesman. But look here—take this bag away with you. Bertha. [Takes it] I will put it up in the garret. [She goes out through the hall door.'] Tesman. Just fancy, Aunt, that whole bag was stuffed full of nothing but transcripts. It is perfectly incred¬ ible what I have collected in the various archives. Wonderful old things, which nobody had any idea of the existence of. Miss Tesman. Yes, indeed, you have not wasted your time on your wedding-journey, George. Tesman. No, I may say I have not. But do take off your hat, Aunt. Look here. Let me untie the bow. Eh? Miss Tesman. [While he does it] Oh, dear me! it seems ex¬ actly as if you were still at home with us. HELD A 0 ABLER. 17 Tesman. [Turns and swings the hat in his hand.] "Well, what a smart, showy hat you have got for yourself, to be sure. Miss Tesman. I bought it for Hedda's sake. Tesman. For Hedda's sake, eh ? Miss Tesman. Yes, in order that Hedda may not be ashamed of me when we are walking in the street together. Tesman. [Patting her under the chin.] You positively think of everything, Aunt Julie ! [Puts the hat on a chair close to the table.'] Now, look here, let us sit down here on this sofa and chat a little until Hedda comes. [They sit down. She places her parasol on the settee.] 2 18 EEBBA GABLER. Miss Tesman. [ Takes both his hands in hers and looks at him.] How nice it is to have you, George, as large as life, before one's very eyes again. Oil, my dear, you are poor Jochuin's own boy. Tesman. And for me, too ! To see you again, Aunt Julie ! You who liave been both father and mother to me. Miss Tesman. Yes, I know very well that you are still fond of your old aunts. Tesman. And so there's no improvement in Aunt Rina. Eh? Miss Tesman. Ah, no, there is no improvement for her to be hoped for, poor thing. She lies there just as she has lain all these years. But I pray the Lord to let me keep her a while yet. For I don't know how I could live without her, George. Most of all now, you see, when I have not you to look after any longer. HEDDA GABLER. 19 Tesman. [Pats her on the back.] Come, come ! Miss Tesman. Well, but remember that yon are a married man now, George. Fancy its being you who carried off Hedda Gabler! The lovely Hedda Gabler. Think of it! She who had such a crowd of suitors around her! Tesman. [Hums a little and smiles contentedly.'] Yes, I ex¬ pect I have plenty of good friends here in town that envy me. Eh ? Miss Tesman. And what a long wedding-journey you made, to be sure ! More than five—nearly six months. Tesman. Well, it has been a sort of travelling scholarship for me as well. All the archives I had to examine ! And the mass of books I had to read through ! 20 HEDDA GABLER. Miss Tesman. Yes, indeed, I expect so. [More quietly and in a lower voice,] But now listen, George—haven't you anything—anything particular to tell me ? Tesman. About the journey ? Miss Tesman. Yes. Tesman. No, I don't think of anything more than I have mentioned in my letters. I told you yesterday about my taking my doctor's degree while we were abroad. Miss Tesman. Oh, yes, yes, you told me that. But I mean— haven't you any—any particular—prospects ? Tesman. Prospects ? Miss Tesman. Good God, George—I'm your old aunt! EEDDA GABLER. 21 Tesman. Oh, yes, I have prospects. Miss Tesman. Well! Tesman. I have an excellent chance of becoming a profes¬ sor one of these days. Miss Tesman. Yes, a professor ! Tesman. Or—I might even say, I am certain of becoming one. But, dear Aunt Julie, you know that just as well as I do ! Miss Tesman. [Giggling.] Yes, of course I do. You are quite right about that. [Crosses over.] But we were talk¬ ing about your journey. It must have cost a lot of money, George? Tesman. No, indeed. That large stipend went a long way toward paying our expenses. 22 HEDDA GABLEB. Miss Tesman. But I can scarcely understand how you can have made it sufficient for two of you. Tesman. No, no, it is not easy to make that out, is it? Eh? Miss Tesman. And when it is a lady that is your travelling com¬ panion. For I've heard that that makes everything frightfully more expensive. Tesman. Yes, of course—rather more expensive it cer¬ tainly is. But Hedda was bound to have that jour¬ ney, Aunt! She was really bound to have it. We could not have done anything else. Miss Tesman. No, no, you could not. A wedding-trip is quite the proper thing nowadays. But tell me—have you made yourself quite comfortable here in these rooms ? HEDDA GABLER. 23 Tesman. Oh, yes, indeed. I have been busy ever since it was light. Miss Tesman. And what do yon think of it all ? Tesman. Splendid. Perfectly splendid! The only thing I don't know is what we shall do with the two empty rooms between the back-room there and Hedda's bedroom. Miss Tesman. [Smiling.] Oh, my dear George, you may find a use for them in the—course of time. Tesman. Yes, you are quite right about that, Aunt Julie. For, as I add to my collection of books, I shall— eh? Miss Tesman. Just so, my dear boy. It was your collection of books I was thinking about. 24 EEDDA GABLER. Tesman. I am most pleased for Hedcla's sake. Before we were engaged she said that she never wanted to live anywhere else than in Mrs. Falk's villa. Miss Tesman. Yes, fancy !—and that it should happen to be for sale just when you had started on your journey. Tesman. Yes, Aunt Julie, there is no doubt we were in luck's way. Eh ? Miss Tesman. But expensive, my dear George! It will be ex¬ pensive for you—all this place. Tesman. [Looks rather dispiritedly at her.\ Yes, I daresay it will be, Aunt. Miss Tesman. Oh, my goodness! Tesman. How much do you think ? Give a guess. Eh ? HEDDA GABLER. 25 Miss Tesman. No, I can't possibly tell till all tlie bills come in. Tesman. Well, fortunately Judge Brack lias bargained for lenient terms for me. He wrote so himself to Hedda. Miss Tesman. Yes, do not bother about that, my boy. Besides I have given security for the furniture and all the carpets. Tesman. Security ? You ? Dear Aunt Julie, what sort of security could you give ? Miss Tesman. I have given a mortgage on our income. Tesman. [ Jumps up.] What! On your—and Aunt Bina's income! Miss Tesman. Yes, you know, I did not see any other way out of it. 26 EEDDA GABLER. Tesman. [Stands in front of lier.'] But you must be mad, Aunt! The income—that is the only thing which you and Aunt Iiina have to live upon. Miss Tesman. Well, well, don't be so excited about it. It is all a matter of form, you know. Judge Brack said so too. For it was he who was so kind as to arrange the whole thing for me. Merely a matter of form, he said. Tesman. Yes, that may well be. But at the same time Miss Tesman. And now you wall have your own salary to draw from. And, dear me, supposing we have to fork out a little ? Pinch a little at first ? It will merely be like a pleasure for us, that will. Tesman. Oh, Aunt, you will never be tired of sacrificing yourself for me! HEDDA OABLEB. 27 Miss Tesman. [Stands up and places her hands on his shoulders.'] Do you think I have any other joy in this world than to smootlie the way for yon, my dear boy? You, who have never had a father or a mother to look after you. And now we stand close to the goal. The prospect may have seemed a little black from time to time. But, thank God, it's all over now, George! Tesman. Yes, it really is marvellous how everything has adapted itself. Miss Tesman. Yes, and those who opposed you—and tried to bar your way—they have all had to submit. They are fallen, George ! He who was the most danger¬ ous of all—lie is just the one who has fallen worst. And now he lies in the pit he digged for himself— poor misguided man! Tesman. Have you heard anything about Ejlert ? Since I went away, I mean. 28 HEDDA GABLER. Miss Tesman. Nothing, except that lie has been publishing a new book. Tesman. Not really? Ejlert Lovborg? Quite lately? Eh? Miss Tesman. Yes, they say so. Heaven knows if there can be much good in it. No, when your new book comes out—that will be something different, that will, George ! What is the subject to be ? Tesman. It will treat of the domestic industries of Brabant during the Middle Ages. Miss Tesman. Fancy your being able to write about that as well! Tesman. At the same time, it may be a long while before the book is ready. I have these extensive collec¬ tions, which must be arranged first of all, you see. HEDDA OABLEB. 29 Miss Tesman. Yes, arrange and collect—you are good at that. You are not poor Jochum's son for nothing. Tesman. I am so awfully glad to be going on with it. Es¬ pecially now that I have a comfortable house and home to work in. Miss Tesman. And first and foremost, now you have her who was the desire of your heart, dear George. Tesman. [Embraces lier.'] Oh, yes, yes, Aunt Julie. Hedda —she is the loveliest part of it all! [Looks toivard the doorway.] I think she's coming now, eh ? [Hedda approaches from the left through the back¬ room. She is a lady of twenty-nine. Face and figure dignified and distinguished. The color of the shin uniformly pallid. The eyes steel-gray, xcith a cold, open expression of serenity. The hair an agreeable brown, of medium tint, but not very thick. She is dressed in tasteful, somewhat loose morning costume.'] 30 HEDDA OABLER, Miss Tesman. Good-morning, dear Hedda! Good-morning ! Hedda. [Stretching her hand to her.] Good-morning, dear Miss Tesman ! Paying a visit so early ? That was friendly of you. Miss Tesman. [Seems a little embarrassed.] Well, have you slept comfortably in your new home ? Hedda. Oh, yes, thanks ! Tolerably. Tesman. [Laughs.] Tolerably. Well, that is a joke, Hed¬ da ! You were sleeping like a stone, when I got up. Hedda. Fortunately. We have to accustom ourselves to everything new, Miss Tesman. It comes little by little. [Looks toward the left.] Ugh !—the girl has HEDDA GABLER. 31 left the balcony door open. There is a perfect tide of'sunshine in here. Miss Tesman. [Goes to the door.\ Well, we will shut it. Hedda. No, no, don't do that! Dear Tesman, draw the curtains. That gives a softer light. Tesman. [At the door.] All right—all right. There, Hed¬ da—now jou have both shade and fresh air. Hedda. Yes, there is some need of fresh air here. All these flowers But, dear Miss Tesman, won't you sit down ? Miss Tesman. No, thank you. Now I know that all is going on well here, thank God. And I must be getting home again now. To her who lies and waits there so drearily, poor thing. 82 HEDDA GAB LEU. Tesman. Give her ever so many kind messages from me. And say that I am coming over to see her to-day, later on. Miss Tesman. Yes, I will. Oh ! but—George. [Fumbles in the pocket of her cloak.] I almost forgot. I have some¬ thing here for yon. Tesman. What is it, Aunt ? Eh ? Miss Tesman. [.Brings up a fiat package lorapped in newspaper and gives it to him.] Look here, my dear boy. Tesman. [Opens it.~] No! you don't say so. Have you really been keeping this for me, Aunt Julie ! Hed- da! This is positively touching ! Eh ? Hedda. [By the etageres to the right.Yes, dear, what ia it? HEDDA GABLER. 33 Tesman. Mj old morning shoes ! My slippers! Hedda. Ah, yes ! I remember you so often spoke of them while we were travelling. Tesman. Yes, I wanted them so badly. [Goes to her.\ You shall just look at them, Hedda. Hedda. [Goes away toward the. stove.] No, thanks, I real¬ ly don't care about doing that. Tesman. [.Following her.] Just think—Aunt Rina lay and embroidered them for me. So ill as she was. Oh, you can't believe how many memories are bound up in them. Hedda. [By the table.] Not for me personally. Miss Tesman. Hedda is quite right about that, George 3 34: HEDDA GABLER. Tesman. Yes, but I thought that now, now she belongs to the family. Hedda. [.Interrupting.] We shall never be able to get on with that servant, Tesman. Miss Tesman. Not get on with Bertha? Tesman. "What do you mean, dear ? Eh ? Hedda. [Points.] Look there ! She has left her old hat behind her on the chair. Tesman. [Horrified, drops the slippers on the Jioor.] But Hedda— Hedda. Think—if any one came in and saw a thing of that kind HEDDA GABLER. 35 Tesman. But—but Hedda—it is Aunt Julie's hat! Hedda. Really ? Miss Tesman. [Takes the hat.] Yes, indeed, it is mine. And it is not old at all, little Mrs. Hedda. Hedda. I really did not look carefully at it, Miss Tesman. Miss Tesman. [Putting on the hat] This is positively the first time I have worn it. Yes, I assure you it is. Tesman. And it is smart too ! Really splendid! Miss Tesman. Oh, only moderately, my dear George. [Looks around.] My parasol ? Here it is. [Takes it.] For this is also mine. [Murmurs.] Not Bertha s. 36 HEDDA QABLER. Tesman. New hat and parasol! Think of that, Hedda! Hedda. And very nice and pretty they are. Tesman. Yes, are they not ? Eh ? But, Aunt, look care¬ fully at Hedda before you go. See how nice and pretty she is! Miss Tesman. Oh, my dear, there is nothing new in that, Hedda has been lovely all her days. [She nods and goes to the right.] Tesman. [Follows her.] Yes, but have you noticed how buxom and plump she has become ? How she has filled out during our trip ? Hedda. [Walks across the floor.] Oh! don't! Miss Tesman. [Stops and turns around.] Filled out? HEDDA GABLES. 87 Tesman. Yes, Aunt Julie, you don't notice it so much now she has her wrapper on. But I, who have oppor¬ tunity of Hedda. [At the glass door, impatiently.'] Oh, you have no opportunity for anything! Tesman. It must be the mountain air down there in the Tyrol Hedda. [Sharply, interrupting.'] I am exactly as I was when I started. Tesman. Yes, that is what you maintain. But I declare that you are not. Do not you think so, Aunt ? Miss Tesman. [Folds her hands and gazes at her.] Hedda is lovely—lovely—lovely. [Goes to her, bends leer head doivn with both her hands, and hisses her hair.] God bless and preserve Hedda Tesman. For George's sake. 38 HEDDA GABLER. Hedda. [Gently releases herself.'] Oh ! let me go. Miss Tesman. [iQuietly agitated.] I shall come in to have a look at yon every single day. Tesman. Yes, do, Aunt! Eh ? Miss Tesman. Good-by—good-by! [She goes out through the hall door. Tesman follows her out. The door stands half open. Tesman is heard to repeat his messages to Aunt Rina and thanks for the slippers. At the same time, Hedda walks across the floor, lifts lier arms and clenches her hands as if distracted. Draws the curtains from the glass door, remains standing there, and looks out. Shortly after, Tesman comes in again and shuts the door behind him.] Tesman. [Takes the slippers up from the floor.] "What are you standing there and looking at, Hedda ? HEDDA OABLEB. 39 Hedda. [Once more calm, and self-possessed,.'] I was merely standing and looking out at tlie foliage. It is so yellow. And so withered. Tesman. [Picks up the slippers and lays them on the table.] Yes, we have got into September now. Hedda. [Agitated again.] Yes, think—we are already in —in September. Tesman. Did not you think Aunt Julie was odd ? Almost mysterious ? Can you make out what was the mat¬ ter with her ? Eh ? Hedda. I scarcely know her. Is she accustomed to be like that ? Tesman. No, not as she was to-day. 40 HEDDA a ABLER. Hedda. [Goes away from the glass door.] Do you think she was offended about the hat ? Tesman. Oh! nothing much ! Perhaps just a very little for the moment Hedda. But what a way of behaving to throw one's hat away from one here in the drawing-room! One does not do that. Tesman. Well, you can depend upon it, Aunt Julie is not in the habit of doing so. Hedda. All the same I shall take care to make it all right again with her. Tesman. Yes, dear, sweet Hedda, you will do that, won't you? EEDDA GABLEB. 41 Hedda. When you go to see them later on to-day, yon can ask her to come here this evening. Tesman. Yes, that I certainly will. And then there is one thing you could do which would please her im¬ mensely. Hedda. What? Tesman. If you could only persuade yourself to say " Thou " to her. For my sake, Hedda ? Eh ? Hedda. No, no, Tesman—that you really must not ask me to do. I have told you so once before. I shall try to call her Aunt. And that must be enough. Tesman. Yery well, very well. But I merely thought, that now you belong to the family 42 HEBBA GABLER. Hedda. H 'm—I am not perfectly sure. [Goes across the floor toward the door- way.] Tesman. [After a pause.] Is anything the matter with you, Hedda? Eh? Hedda. I was merely looking at my old piano. It does not seem to match very well with all the rest. Tesman. The first time I am paid we will see about getting it changed. Hedda. No, no—not changed. I will not have it taken away. "We can put it into the back room. And we can have another here in its place. When there's an occasion, I mean. Tesman. [Slightly embarrassed.] Yes, we can do that. HEDDA G ABLER. 43 Hedda. [Takes up the bouquet, on the piano.'] These flow¬ ers were not here when we came last night. Tesman. Aunt Julie must have brought them for you. Hedda. [Looks into the bouquet.] A visiting card. [Takes it out and, reads.'] " Am coming again later in the day." Can you guess whom it is from ? Tesman. No. From whom, then ? Eh ? Hedda. The name is " Mrs. Elysted." Tesman. Not really ? Mrs. Elvsted! Miss Rysing, her name used to be. Hedda. Just so. She with the irritating hair which she went around and made a sensation with. Your old flame, I've heard. 4:4: IIEDDA (iABLER. Tesman. \Laughing.\ Well, it did not last long. And that was before I knew you, Hedda, that was. But fancy her being in town ! Hedda. Extraordinary that she should call upon us. I have scarcely known her since our being at schooL together. Tesman. Yes, and I have not seen her for—goodness knows how long. How she can endure living up there in that poky hole. Eh ? Hedda. [Considers, and suddenly says.] Listen, Tesman —is it not up there that there is a place which he haunts—he—Ejlert Lovborg ? Tesman. Yes, it is somewhere up there in that neighbor¬ hood. Bertha appears in the hall door. HEDDA GABLER. 45 Bertha. She has come again, ma'am—that lady who was here just now and left the flowers. [Points.] Those you are holding, ma'am. Hedda. Ah ! is she ? Then will you show her in ? Bertha opens the door for Mrs. Elvsted, and goes oid herself. Mrs. Elvsted is a slender figure, with a pretty, gentle face. The eyes are light blue, large, round, and somewhat prominent, with a frightened, questioning expression. Her hair is singularly bright, almost white-gold, and unusually copious and wavy. She is a year or two younger than Hedda. Her costume is a dark visiting-dress, which is in good taste, but not in the latest fashion. Hedda. [Comes pleasantly to meet her.] Good-day, dear Mrs. Elvsted. It is awfully nice to see you again. Mrs. Elvsted. [.Nervously trying to get self-command.] Yes, it is very long since we met. 46 HEDDA GABLEB. Tesman. [Holding out his hand to her.'] And we two, also. Eh? Hedda. Thanks, for your lovely flowers Mrs. Elysted. Oh, please—I wanted to have come here at once, yesterday afternoon. But when I heard that you were travelling Tesman. Are you just come to town ? Eh ? Mrs. Elvsted. I arrived at noon yesterday. Oh, I was so per¬ fectly in despair, when I heard you were not at home. Hedda. In despair! Why ? Tesman. But, my dear Mrs. Rysing — Mrs. Elvsted, I mean EEDDA QABLER. 47 Hedda. I hope tliere is nothing wrong. Mrs. Elysted. Yes, tliere is. And I don't know any other living creature whom I could appeal to. Hedda. [Puts the bouquet on the table.] Come—let us sit here on the sofa. Mrs. Elysted. Oh, I have not a moment's quiet to sit down. Hedda. Oh, yes, I am sure you have. Come here. [She drags Mrs. Elysted cloivn on the sofa, and sits at her side.] Tesman. Well? And so, Mrs. Hedda. Has anything particular happened up at your place ? 48 HEDDA GABLER. Mrs. Elvsted. Yes—it both has and lias not happened. Oh—I should be so extremely sorry if you misunderstood me Hedda. But the best thing you can do is to tell us the whole story, Mrs. Elvsted. Tesman. You have come here on purpose to do that. Eh ? Mrs. Elvsted. Yes, yes—that is so. And so I must tell you— if you don't know it already—that Ejlert Lovborg also is in town. Hedda. Is Lovborg Tesman. No, you don't say that Ejlert Lovborg is come back again! Think of that, Hedda! Hedda. Good gracious, I hear it! HEDDA GABLEB. 49 Mrs. Elvsted. He has now been here a week. Just think of that — a whole week ! In this dangerous town. Alone! "With all the bad company that is to be found here. Hedda. But, dear Mrs. Elvsted—how does he really con cern you ? Mrs. Elvsted. \Looks terrified around and says rapidly.'] He was the tutor for the children. Hedda. For your children ? Mrs. Elvsted. For my husband's. I have none. Hedda. JFor your step-children, then. Mrs. Elvsted. Tes. 4 50 HEDDA O ABLER. Tesman. [Somewhat hesitatingly.] Was lie so far—I don't quite know liow to express myself—so far—regular in his mode of life that he could be set to that kind of employment ? Eh ? Mrs. Elysted. Of late years there has been nothing to bring for¬ ward against him. Tesman. Has there not, really? Fancy that, Hedda! Hedda. I hear it. Mrs. Elysted. Not the smallest thing, I assure you! Not in any respect whatever. But at the same time—now, when I knew that he was here—in town—and a great deal of money passing through ■ his hands! Now I am so mortally frightened for him. Tesman. But why did he not stay up there, where he was ? With you and your husband ? Eh ? EEDDA GABLEB. 51 Mrs. Elysted. When the book was published, he could not settle down up there with us any longer. Tesman. Ah ! that is true—Aunt Julie said he had brought out a new book. Mrs. Elysted. Yes, a large new book, all about the progress of civilization. It was a fortnight ago. And now it is being bought and read so much—and has made such a great sensation Tesman. Has it really ? It must be something he has had lying by him from his good days. Mrs. Elysted. You mean, from before ? Tesman. Yes, of course. 52 HEDDA GABLEB. Mrs. Elvsted. No, lie has written it all since lie has been up with us. Now—within the last year. Tesman. That is good news, Hedda! Fancy that! Mrs. Elvsted. Oh, yes, if only it might keep like that! Hedda. Have you met him here ? Mrs. Elvsted. No, not yet. I have had the greatest difficulty in finding out his address. But I am really to see him to-morrow. Hedda. [ Gives her a searching look.] All things con¬ sidered, I think it seems a little strange of your husband—h'm Mrs. Elvsted. [Nervously.'] Of my husband! "What ? HEDDA Q ABLER. 53 Hedda. To send you to town on snch an errand. Not to come in himself and look after his friend. Mrs. Elysted. Oh, no, no—my husband has no time for that. And there were—some purchases I had to make. Hedda. [Slightly smiling.] All, that is a different mat¬ ter. Mrs. Elvsted. [Rising quickly and uneasily.] And now I do beg you, Mr. Tesman, receive Ejlert Lovborg kindly, if he conies to you! And that he is sure to do! Good gracious, you used to be such great friends once. And you both go in for the same studies. The same class of knowledge—so far as I can judge. Tesman. Well, we used to, at all events. Mrs. Elvsted. Yes, and therefore I do beg you so earnestly that you will—you too—that you will keep an eye upon 54 HEDDA OABLER. him. Oh! you will, won't you, Mr. Tesman—you promise me you will ? Tesman. Yes, I shall be very glad indeed, Mrs. Iiysing Hedda. Elvsted. Tesman. I shall do for Ejlert all that it is in my power to do. You can depend upon that. Mrs. Elvsted. Oh, how perfectly lovely that is of you ! [Presses his hands.] Thanks, thanks, thanks! [ With a fright¬ ened expression.] Yes, for my husband is so very fond of him. Hedda. [Rising.] You ought to write to him, Tesman. For perhaps he might not quite like to come to you of himself. Tesman. Yes, that would be best, wouldn't it, Hedda? Eh? HEDDA (JABLER. 55 Hedda. And do not put it off. Now, immediately, it seems to me. Mrs. Elysted. [Supplicating.'] Oh, yes, if you would! Tesman. I'll write tliis very moment. Have you liis ad¬ dress, Mrs.—Mrs. Elvsted? Mrs. Elvsted. Yes. [ Takes a little slip of paper out of her pocket and gives it to him.\ Here it is. Tesman. Good, good. Then I will go in. [Looks around him.] That is true—the slippers ? Now then. [Takes the package and is going.] Hedda. Be sure you write in a very cordial and friendly way to him. And write a pretty long letter, too. 58 HEDDA QABLEB. Tesman. Yes, I will. Mrs. Elvsted. But not a word to liint tliat I have been begging for him. Tesman. No, of course, not a word. Eh ? [He goes through the back room to the left] Hedda. [ Walks up to Mrs. Elysted, smiles, and says in a low voice.] "Well! Now we have killed two birds with one stone. Mrs. Elysted. "What clo you mean ? Hedda. Do you not understand that I wanted to get rid of him ? Mrs. Elvsted. Yes, that he might write the letter HEDDA OABLER. 57 Hedda. And also to have a chat alone with you. Mrs. Elysted. [Confused.'] About the same subject? Hedda. Yes. Mrs. Elysted. [Distressed.] But there is no more, Mrs. Tes- man! Beally no more ! Hedda. Oh, yes, indeed there is. There is a great deal more. I understand as much as that. Come here -—let us sit down and be perfectly frank with one another. [She presses Mrs. Elvsted down into the arm-chair—by the stove, and seats herself on one of the footstools.] Mrs. Elysted. [.Anxiously, looks at her watch.] But dear Mrs. , I really intended to be going now. 58 HEDDA GABLER. Hedda. Oh ! there cannot be any reason for hurrying—is there ? Tell me a little how you are getting on at home. Mrs. Elysted. Oh, that is the very last thing I should wish to discuss. Hedda. But to me, dear ? Goodness, we went to the same school together. Mrs. Elvsted. Yes, but you were in the class above me ! Oh ! how fearfully afraid of you I was then! Hedda. Were you afraid of me ? Mrs. Elvsted. Yes, fearfully afraid. Because, when we met on the stairs, you always used to pull my hair. Hedda. No, did I really ? HELD A. GABLER. 58 Mrs. Elvsted. Yes, and once you said you would scorch it off my head. Hedda. Oh, that was only nonsense, you know. Mrs. Elvsted. Yes, but I was so stupid in those days. And then besides, after—we were separated so far—fai from one another. Our circles were so entirely different. Hedda. "Well, now we will try to come closer to each other again. Now listen! At school we said "thou" to one another. And we called one an¬ other by our Christian names Mrs. Elvsted. No, you are certainly quite mistaken about that. Hedda. No, I am sure I am not, no! I recollect it per¬ fectly. And we will be frank with one another, just 60 HEDDA OABLER. as we were in tliose old days. [Draws footstool nearer.] There! [Kisses her cheek.] Now say " thou " to me, and call me Hedda. Mrs. Elysted. [.Presses and pats her hands.] Oh, such goodness and friendliness ! It is something that I am not at all accustomed to. Hedda. There, there, there ! And I shall say " thou " to you, just as I used to do, and call you my dear Thora. Mrs. Elysted. My name is Thea. Hedda. So it is. Of course. I meant Thea. [Looks sig¬ nificantly at her.] So you are but little accustomed to goodness and friendliness, Thea ? In your own home? Mrs. Elysted. Oh, if I had a home ! But I have not one. Have never had one. HEDDA G ABLER. 61 Hedda. [Looking slightly at her.] I had a suspicion of something of the sort. Mrs. Elysted. [Staring helplessly in front of her.] Yes, yes, yes. Hedda. I cannot quite remember now. But was it not first as housekeeper that you went up there to the sheriff's ? Mrs. Elysted. More properly as governess. But his wife—his then wife—she was an invalid, and confined to her bed most of the time. So I really had to undertake the housekeeping. Hedda. But then, at last, you became the mistress of the house. Mrs. Elvsted. [Dejected.] Yes, I did. Hedda. Let me see—about how long is it now, since then? 62 HEDDA OABLER. Mrs. Elvsted. Since my marriage ? Hedda. Yes. Mrs. Elvsted. It is now five years. Hedda. Ait, yes; it must be. Mrs. Elvsted. .Oh, those five years ! Or, at all events, the last two or three. Oh, if you could realize Hedda. [Slaps her hand softly.'] You? Fie, Thea! Mrs. Elvsted. No, no—I must get used to it. Yes, if—you merely could just realize and understand \Tries to use " thou'''' in the remainder of the conver¬ sation, but frequently relapses inlo "you."] HELD A OABLEE. 63 Hedda. ['Casually.] Ejlert Lovborg has also been up there for three years I believe. Mrs. Elysted. [Looking embarrassed at her.] Ejlert Lovborg ? Yes, he has. Hedda. Did you know him already, from seeing him in town? Mrs. Elvsted. Scarcely at all. Yes, that is to say, by name of course. Hedda. But up there in the country—he came to your house ? Mrs. Elvsted. Yes, he came over to us every day. He had to read with the children. For it became at last more than I could manage all by myself. Hedda. One can well understand that. And your hus¬ band ? I suppose that he is often away travelling ? 04 HEDDA GABLER. Mrs. Elysted. Tes. Yon can imagine that as sheriff lie has to travel aronnd the district. Hedda. [Leans on the arm of the chair.'] Thea—poor, sweet Thea—now you must tell me everything just as it is. Mrs. Elvsted. Well, then you must ask me questions. Hedda. What sort of a man is your husband really, Thea ? I mean, how is he, socially. Is he good to you? Mrs. Elvsted. [Evasively.] He believes that he does all for the best. Hedda. It seems to me that he must be too old for you. More than twenty years older at least. HEDDA a ABLER. 65 Mrs. Elvsted. [Irritated.'] Tliat too. One thing with another. Everything around him is distasteful to me! We do not possess a thought in common. Not one thing in the world, he and I. Hedda. But is he fond of you, all the same? In his own way ? Mrs. Elysted. Oh! I don't know what he is. I am certainly just useful to him. And it does not cost much to keep me. I am cheap. Hedda. That is stupid of you. Mrs. Elysted. [Shakes lier head.] Can't be otherwise. Not with him. He is not really fond of anybody but himself. And perhaps of the children a little. Hedda. And of Ejlert Lovborg, Thea. 5 66 HEDDA GABLER. Mrs. Elysted. [Looks at her.'] Of Ejlert Lovborg! What makes you think that ? Hedda. But, dear—I thought that if he sends you right in here to town after him [Smiles almost impercep¬ tibly.]—And then you yourself said- so to Tesman. Mrs. Elysted. [With a nervous movement.'] Well! Yes, I did say so. [Bursts out in a low voice.] No—I may just as well say it first as last! For it is sure to come to the light in any case. Hedda. But, my dear Thea Mrs. Elysted. Well, to make a clean breast of it! My husband had no idea I had left home. Hedda. Really ! Did not your husband know that ? HEDDA GABLER. 67 Mrs. Elysted. No, of course not. Besides, lie was not at home. He was travelling, lie too. Oil, I could not bear it any longer, Hedda! Absolutely impossible ! So lonely as I should be up there after this. Hedda. WeH? And so? Mrs. Elysted. So I packed up some of my things, you see. What was most necessary. Quite quietly. And then I walked away from the house. Hedda. "Without doing anything else ? Mrs. Elvsted. Yes. And then I took the train and came to town. Hedda. But, my dear Thea—fancy your daring to do it! 68 HEDDA G AEL EE. Mrs. Elvsted. [Rises and crosses the floor.'] Yes, and what else in the world should I do ? Hedda. But what do you think your husband will say when you go home again ? Mrs. Elvsted. [At the table, looks at her.] Up there to him ? Hedda. Yes, of course! Mrs. Elvsted. I shall never go up there to him any more. Hedda. [Rises and approaches her.] Then you have—in serious earnest—gone away for good ? Mrs. Elvsted. Yes. I did not think that there was anything else for me to do. HEDDA GABLER. 69 Hedda. And so—yon went so perfectly openly. Mrs. Elysted. Oh, well! such things can't be really concealed, whatever you do. Hedda. But what do you suppose that people will say about you, Thea ? Mrs. Elysted. They may say exactly whatever they please. [Sits down wearily and heavily on the sofa.'] For I have done nothing more than what I was obliged to do. Hedda. [After a short silence.] What do you intend to do next ? What will you take up ? Mrs. Elysted. I don't know yet. I only know that I must live here, where Ejlert Lovborg lives—if I am going to live. TO HEDDA GABLEE. Hedda. [Moves a chair nearer, away from the table, sits down close to her, and strokes her hands.'] Thea—- liow did it come about—this friendship—between you and Ejlert Lovborg ? Mrs. Elysted. Oh, it came about little by little. I got a sort of power over him. Hedda. Ah? Mrs. Elysted. He gave up his old habits. Not because I begged Aim to. Eor I never dared to do that. But he noticed that I was vexed at them. And so he left off. Hedda. [Conceals an involuntary smile.] So you restored him—as people say—you, little Thea ? Mrs. Elysted. Yes, at least that is what he says himself. And he—on his side—he has made a kind of real person HEDDA GABLER. 71 out of me. Taught me to think—and to under¬ stand certain things. Hedda. Did he perhaps read with you as well? Mrs. Elysted. No, not exactly read. But he talked to me. Talked about such an endless quantity of things. And then came the lovely happy time when I was able to take part in his work! was allowed to help him! Hedda. So you did that ? Mrs. Elysted. Yes ! "When he wrote anything, he always wanted me to be with him. Hedda. Like two good comrades, I suppose. Mrs. Elysted. Comrades! Yes, think, Hedda—that was the very word he used. Oh! I ought to feel so tlior- 72 HEDDA GABLER. oughly happy. But I cannot any longer. For X don't know whether it is going to last. Hedda. Are you no surer of him than that ? Mrs. Elysted. [Gloomily.] A woman's shadow stands between Ejlert Lovborg and me. Hedda. [Looks keenly at her.] Who can that be ? Mrs. Elysted. Don't know. Somebody or other from—from his former life. Someone whom he certainly has never really forgotten. Hedda. What has he said—about her? Mrs. Elysted. He merely once—in a casual way referred to it. HEDDA GABLER. 73 Hedda. "Well! And what did lie say ? Mrs. Elysted. He said that when they parted she wanted to shoot him with a pistol. Hedda. [