Hedda.

[Receives her warmly.] How do you do, my dear Mrs. Elvsted? It’s delightful to see you again.

Mrs. Elvsted.

[Nervously, struggling for self-control.] Yes, it’s a very long time since we met.

Tesman.

[Gives her his hand.] And we too—eh?

Hedda.

Thanks for your lovely flowers——

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh, not at all——. I would have come straight here yesterday afternoon; but I heard that you were away——