Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/191

 Hedda. Can I not help you in any way?

Miss Tesman.

Oh, you must not think of it! Hedda Tesman must have no hand in such mournful work. Nor let her thoughts dwell on it either—not at this time.

Hedda. One is not always mistress of one's thoughts

Miss Tesman.

[Continuing.] Ah yes, it is the way of the world. At home we shall be sewing a shroud; and here there will soon be sewing too, I suppose—but of another sort, thank God!

George Tesman enters by the hall door.

Hedda. Ah, you have come at last!

Tesman.

You here, Aunt Julia? With Hedda? Fancy that!

Miss Tesman.

I was just going, my dear boy. Well, have you done all you promised?

Tesman.

No; I'm really afraid I have forgotten half of it. I must come to you again to-morrow. To-day my brain is all in a whirl. I can't keep my thoughts together.