Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/101

 Hedda.

Well, we must just settle down here—and wait. Tesman is not likely to be back for some time yet.

Brack.

Never mind; I shall not be impatient.

Hedda seats herself in the corner of the sofa. Brack lays his overcoat over the back of the nearest chair, and sits down, but keeps his hat in his hand. A short silence. They look at each other.

Hedda.

Well?

Brack.

[In the same tone.] Well?

Hedda.

I spoke first.

Brack.

[Bending a little forward.] Come, let us have a cosy little chat, Mrs. Hedda.[1]

Hedda.

[Leaning further back in the sofa.] Does it not seem like a whole eternity since our last talk? Of course I don't count those few words yesterday evening and this morning.

Brack.

You mean since our last confidential talk? Our last tête-à-tête?

1 As this form of address is contrary to English usage, and as the note of familiarity would be lacking in "Mrs. Tesman," Brack may, in stage representation, say "Miss Hedda," thus ignoring her marriage and reverting to the form of address no doubt customary between them of old.