Brack.

[Looks half-mockingly at her.] People generally get used to the inevitable.

Hedda.

[Returns his look.] Yes, perhaps. [She crosses to the writing-table. Suppressing an involuntary smile, she imitates Tesman’s intonations.] Well? Are you getting on, George? Eh?

Tesman.

Heaven knows, dear. In any case it will be the work of months.

Hedda.

[As before.] Fancy that! [Passes her hands softly through Mrs. Elvsted’s hair.] Doesn’t it seem strange to you, Thea? Here are you sitting with Tesman—just as you used to sit with Eilert Lövborg?

Mrs. Elvsted.

Ah, if I could only inspire your husband in the same way!