Berta enters from the right, through the inner room, with a lighted lamp, which she places on the table in front of the corner settee in the drawing-room. Her eyes are red with weeping, and she has black ribbons in her cap. She goes quietly and circumspectly out to the right. Hedda goes up to the glass door, lifts the curtain a little aside, and looks out into the darkness.
Shortly afterwards, Miss Tesman, in mourning, with a bonnet and veil on, comes in from the hall. Hedda goes towards her and holds out her hand.
Miss Tesman.
Yes, Hedda, here I am, in mourning and forlorn; for now my poor sister has at last found peace.
Hedda.
I have heard the news already, as you see. Tesman sent me a card.
Miss Tesman.
Yes, he promised me he would. But nevertheless I thought that to Hedda—here in the house of life—I ought myself to bring the tidings of death.
Hedda.
That was very kind of you.