And that if I want to see her again, I must make haste. I’ll run in to them at once.

Hedda.

[Suppressing a smile.] Will you run?

Tesman.

Oh, my dearest Hedda—if you could only make up your mind to come with me! Just think!

Hedda.

[Rises and says wearily, repelling the idea.] No, no, don’t ask me. I will not look upon sickness and death. I loathe all sorts of ugliness.

Tesman.

Well, well, then——! [Bustling around.] My hat——? My overcoat——? Oh, in the hall——. I do hope I mayn’t come too late, Hedda! Eh?

Hedda.