[She goes into the back-room and draws the curtains. Short pause. Suddenly she is heard playing "The Bogie Man" within on the piano.
George. But, dearest HEDDA, don't play "The Bogie Man" this evening. As one of my aunts is dead, and poor old LÖVBORG has shot himself, it seems just a little pointed, eh?
Hedda (puts her head out between the curtains). All right! I'll be quiet after this. I'm going to practise with the late General GABLER'S pistol!
[Closes the curtains again; GEORGE gets behind the stove, Judge BRACK under the table, and Mrs. ELVSTED under the sofa. A shot is heard within.
George (behind the stove). Eh, look here, I tell you what—she's hit me! Think of that!
[His legs are visibly agitated for a short time. Another shot is heard.
Mrs. E. (under the sofa). Oh, please, not me! Oh, goodness, now I can't inspire anybody any more. Oh!
[Her feet, which can be seen under the valance, quiver a little, and then are suddenly still.
Brack (vivaciously, from under the table). I say, Mrs. HEDDA, I'm coming in every evening—we will have great fun here togeth— (Another shot is heard.) Bless me! to bring down the poor old cock-of-the-walk—it's unsportsmanlike!—it's—.
[The table-cloth is violently agitated for a minute, and presently the curtains open, and HEDDA appears.