Tesman.

It must be the mountain air in the Tyrol——

Hedda.

[Curtly, interrupting.] I am exactly as I was when I started.

Tesman.

So you insist; but I’m quite certain you are not. Don’t you agree with me, Auntie?

Miss Tesman.

[Who has been gazing at her with folded hands.] Hedda is lovely—lovely—lovely. [Goes up to her, takes her head between both hands, draws it downwards, and kisses her hair.] God bless and preserve Hedda Tesman—for George’s sake.

Hedda.

[Gently freeing herself.] Oh—! Let me go.