Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/65

 Hedda.

It's odd that she should call upon us. I have scarcely seen her since we left school.

Tesman.

I haven't seen her either for—heaven knows how long. I wonder how she can endure to live in such an out-of-the way hole—eh?

Hedda.

[After a moment's thought, says suddenly.] Tell me, Tesman—isn't it somewhere near there that he—that—Eilert Lövborg is living?

Tesman.

Yes, he is somewhere in that part of the country.

Berta enters by the hall door.

Berta.

That lady, ma'am, that brought some flowers a little while ago, is here again. [Pointing.] The flowers you have in your hand, ma'am.

Hedda.

Ah, is she? Well, please show her in.

Berta opens the door for Mrs. Elvsted, and goes out herself.—Mrs. Elvsted is a woman of fragile figure, with pretty, soft features. Her eyes are light blue, large, round, and somewhat prominent, with a startled, inquiring expression. Her hair is remarkably light, almost flaxen, and unusually abundant and wavy. She is a couple of years younger than Hedda. She wears a dark visiting dress, tasteful, but not quite in the latest fashion.