[Sitting on a footstool near the stove.] Oh Hedda, you can’t conceive what a book that is going to be! I believe it is one of the most remarkable things that have ever been written. Fancy that!

Hedda.

Yes, yes; I don’t care about that——

Tesman.

I must make a confession to you, Hedda. When he had finished reading—a horrid feeling came over me.

Hedda.

A horrid feeling?

Tesman.

I felt jealous of Eilert for having had it in him to write such a book. Only think, Hedda!

Hedda.