Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/190

 Hedda.

I have heard the news already, as you see. Tesman sent me a card.

Miss Tesman.

Yes, he promised me he would. But nevertheless I thought that to Hedda—here in the house of life—I ought myself to bring the tidings of death.

Hedda.

That was very kind of you.

Miss Tesman.

Ah, Rina ought not to have left us just now. This is not the time for Hedda's house to be a house of mourning.

Hedda.

[Changing the subject.] She died quite peacefully, did she not, Miss Tesman?

Miss Tesman.

Oh, her end was so calm, so beautiful. And then she had the unspeakable happiness of seeing George once more—and bidding him good-bye.—Has he not come home yet?

Hedda.

No. He wrote that he might be detained. But won't you sit down?

Miss Tesman.

No thank you, my dear, dear Hedda. I should like to, but I have so much to do. I must prepare my dear one for her rest as well as I can. She shall go to her grave looking her best.