Thanks; then I'll try. [She goes off to the inner room.

[HEDDA goes up to the glass door and draws back the curtains.
The broad daylight streams into the room. Then she takes a
little hand-glass from the writing-table, looks at herself
in it, and arranges her hair. Next she goes to the hall
door and presses the bell-button.

BERTA presently appears at the hall door.

BERTA.

Did you want anything, ma'am?

HEDDA.

Yes; you must put some more wood in the stove. I am shivering.

BERTA.

Bless me—I'll make up the fire at once. [She rakes the embers together and lays a piece of wood upon them; then stops and listens.] That was a ring at the front door, ma'am.

HEDDA.