George.

Puff! I am hot, Hedda. I've been looking into Lövborg's new book. Wonderfully thoughtful—confound him! But I must go and dress for your party, Judge.

[He goes out.

Hedda.

I wish I could get Tesman to take to politics, Judge. Couldn't he be a Cabinet Minister, or something?

Brack.

H'm!

[A short pause; both look at one another, without speaking. Enter George, in evening dress with gloves.

George.

It is afternoon, and your party is at half-past seven—but I like to dress early. Fancy that! And I am expecting Lövborg.