HEDDA GABLER

by Henrik Ibsen

version by Pam Gems

Copyright © Pam Gems
Pam Gems is hereby identified as author of this work in accordance with section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The author has asserted her moral rights. 

All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before rehearsal to Rose Cobbe, United Agents, 12-26 Lexington Street, London W1F 0LE, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 20 3214 0800.
http://unitedagents.co.uk/agents/rose-cobbe/. Assistant: Dan Usztan. Email: dusztan@unitedagents.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 20 3214 0873. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained.

HEDDA GABLER

CAST

Hedda Gabler (now Hedda Tesman)

Jorgen Tesman

Miss Tesman (Aunt Julla)

Berta

Judge Brack

Thea Elvsted

Eilert Lvborg

HEDDA GABLER

ACT ONE

A handsome drawing room, leading upstage to a curtained inner room.  Stage right to the hall, stage left French windows with gardens beyond.  Downstage, table and chairs, down right a porcelain stove, adjacent an armchair and two footstools.  Upstage right, a sofa and table, down left another sofa, and up left a piano.  A sofa, table and chairs visible in the inner room, which is dominated by the commanding portrait of a General in uniform.  The drawing room is decorated with several vases of flowers.  Morning sunlight.

MISS TESMAN enters from the hall followed by BERTA, who is carrying wrapped flowers.  MISS TESMAN is in her sixties, BERTA somewhat older.

			MISS TESMAN
		Still in bed?

			BERTA
		Still in bed.

They savour this for a moment.

			MISS TESMAN
		(A return to propriety)  It was after midnight when they arrived.

			BERTA
		And when they did come in all the luggage had to be unpacked - right then and there!

			MISS TESMAN
		Not everything, surely?

			BERTA
		Every single blessed thing.  And put away properly.  She wouldn't go up till we done it all, Miss Julla.

			MISS TESMAN
		Well, we mustn't disturb them.

She crosses, draws back the curtains, opens the French windows.

			MISS TESMAN
		That's better.

BERTA unwraps the flowers, brings a vase, fills it from an enamelled can, looks round, holding the flowers.

			BERTA
		I don't know where I'm going to put these, there's no room.

MISS TESMAN makes a space, watches BERTA tweak the new arrangement to their mutual satisfaction.

			BERTA
		There.

They regard the flowers fondly, and look at each other.

			MISS TESMAN
		Well, Berta.

			BERTA
		Well, Miss Julla.

			MISS TESMAN
		(Looking around)  A big change for us all.

			BERTA
		That's true enough.

			MISS TESMAN
		Don't think it's been easy, losing you after all these years...

			BERTA
		...all these years...

			MISS TESMAN
		...but what else could we do?  You've looked after him since he was in swaddling clothes.

			BERTA
		(Nods agreement)  ...clothes.  It's Miss Rina worries me, Miss Ju.  That new girl'll never manage, what do she know about invalids?

			MISS TESMAN
		Now Berta you're not to worry.  Yours truly will take the brunt of it.  I'll look after Rina.  We'll manage somehow.

			BERTA
		Anyway, I might not suit here.  She's got her own way of doing things.

			MISS TESMAN
		We must both live and learn.  Hedda's bound to be particular.

			BERTA
		That's the trouble.  I've never worked for a lady before.

			MISS TESMAN
		General Gabler's daughter!

			BERTA
		...daughter - I know!

			MISS TESMAN
		Riding out with her father -
			BERTA
		...her father, all in black -

			MISS TESMAN
		With the long skirt -

			BERTA
		- and the feather in her hat.  (Shakes her head)  Who'd have dreamt of a match between her and our little Jorgie with all his books and his papers.

			MISS TESMAN
		A dream come true.  By the way, Berta, remember not to call him little Jorgie or Master Jorgen any more.

			BERTA
		Ooh yes, I'm sorry.

			MISS TESMAN
		You must say Doctor, then his surname - Doctor Tesman.

			BERTA
		...Dr Tesman.  She put me right last night, as soon as they come through the door.  It's true then, Miss?

			MISS TESMAN
		Oh yes.  Jorgie whispered in my ear the minute he saw me.  Some foreign university have made him a doctor.  Our Jorgie, a doctor!
			BERTA
		I'm not surprised.  That boy's brains he could be anything - mind you, I never thought he'd go in for cutting people up.

			MISS TESMAN
		Oh no, it's not that sort of doctor, Berta.  You can be a doctor of anything.

			BERTA
		(Baffled)  Anything?

			MISS TESMAN
		Oh yes.  What is more, what is more - you may have to call him something even more elevated soon - something even more important.

			BERTA
		Never!  What?

			MISS TESMAN
		(Smiles)  Ah, that would be telling.  Oh dear Lord...if only our poor Jochum could have been spared to see what's become of his little boy - (she looks around suddenly)  Berta!  What's happened to the covers?

			BERTA
		I had to take them off last night and put them away.  She doesn't like loose covers.

			MISS TESMAN
		Surely they're not going to use this room every day?  (BERTA shrugs)  What does Jorgie say?

			BERTA
		Never opened his mouth.

They turn as JORGEN TESMAN enters.  He is in his 30s, a comfortable, amiable man in glasses.

			MISS TESMAN
		Good morning!

			JORGEN
		Aunt Julla!  What are you doing here? - I thought you'd still be in bed after waiting up half the night for us!

			MISS TESMAN
		I just came over to make sure you were settled in.

			JORGEN
		You can't have had more than a wink of sleep.

			MISS TESMAN
		Oh it won't hurt me to lose a night's rest.

			JORGEN
		You got home safely?

			MISS TESMAN
		Judge Brack saw me all the way to my front door, bless him.

			JORGEN
		I'm so sorry we couldn't fit you in the carriage ...with all Hedda's things -

			MISS TESMAN
		I've never seen so much luggage in all my life!

			BERTA
		(Whispers in his ear)  Shall I go up, Jorg - Mister - Doctor?  In case Madam needs anything?

			JORGEN
		Better not to disturb her.  She'll ring when she wants you.  (Absently he hands her a bag so heavy that she keels over.)  Just some books to go up to the attic.  (She struggles off.)

			MISS TESMAN
		Oh Jorgie, laden as usual.  You and those old books!

			JORGEN
		Not books, Aunt - treasure!  Booty!  There isn't an archive in the whole of Europe that hasn't been traced, unearthed and mined.  By me.  I have twenty notebooks of references that I swear to you, Aunt, have never been disinterred before, ever.

			MISS TESMAN
		Oh, lovely.  You didn't spend all your time honeymooning, then?

			JORGEN
		Of course not.  You've no idea what I've uncovered, I can't wait to get - but - dearest Aunt, never mind me - welcome to my new abode!  Sit down, make yourself at home!

He leans over her fondly, unties her bonnet.  She takes it off and hands it to him.

			MISS TESMAN
		Bless you.

			JORGEN
		This is a very fine hat - is it new?

			MISS TESMAN
		I bought it for Hedda.

			JORGEN
		For Hedda?

			MISS TESMAN
		So that she won't be ashamed to be seen with me on the street.

			JORGEN
		(Pats her cheek)  Aunt Ju, thoughtful as ever, what?

He puts the hat down on a chair, sits MISS TESMAN down and joins her.

			MISS TESMAN
		(Takes his hand)  Oh, my dear, it's so good to have you back.  Our precious one, home again, safe and sound.

			JORGEN
		And happy to be with my beloved Aunt Ju, Father and Mother to me as long as I remember - (kisses her cheek.)

			MISS TESMAN
		So you won't forget your old Aunties?

			JORGEN
		How is Rina?

			MISS TESMAN
		Still the same.  No change.  All these years lying gazing up at the ceiling.  Pray God she'll be spared for me to look after for a while yet, now you've gone.

			JORGEN
		Now, now...(pats her hand.)

			MISS TESMAN
		(Perking up)  I still can't believe it.  Our little Jorgie.  Married to Hedda Gabler - THE Hedda Gabler!  The most eligible girl in the district and she marries you!

			JORGEN
		Putting a few noses out of joint, what?

			MISS TESMAN
		And a six months honeymoon - six months!

			JORGEN
		But not all holidaying and sight-seeing Aunt.  I was working, remember.

MISS TESMAN leans forward, confidential.

			MISS TESMAN
		Wonderful.  Anything else?

			JORGEN
		Sorry?

			MISS TESMAN
		Any other news?  No special little titbit for me?

			JORGEN
		About the honeymoon?  I don't think so, no - you had it all in my letters.  Except my special news - I wanted to keep that to tell you in person.  (She leans forward, smiling)  The doctorate!  My doctorate, what?

			MISS TESMAN
		(Sits back)  Oh yes, splendid!  I just wondered if there was anything on the domestic front - any hopes of - come on, Jorgie, I'm your old Aunt, you can tell me, I shan't say a word.  Any - expectations, as they say?

			JORGEN
		Actually, yes.

			MISS TESMAN
		I knew it!

			JORGEN
		Strictly between ourselves -

			MISS TESMAN
		Of course.

			JORGEN
		Aunt, I'm proud to say - you'll be happy to know that before long I hope to be blessed with a Professorship - but haven't I told you this?

			MISS TESMAN
		Of course you have, and very timely.  A six month honeymoon must have been a dreadful drain on your pocket.

			JORGEN
		I had my research grant.

			MISS TESMAN
		But that was for one.  You had two people to support.  All the thing these days, honeymoons, I'm told.  Well, there you are.  Now, have you had a chance to look round the house?

			JORGEN
		I was up first thing.

			MISS TESMAN
		And the verdict?

			JORGEN
		A perfect property.  The right setting for a striving academic and decent enough for Hedda to feel at home...room for her to entertain...feel at home.

			MISS TESMAN
		I certainly hope so.

			JORGEN
		Tell me, what are the two little rooms leading off Hedda's bedroom?

			MISS TESMAN
		Darling boy.  They're for something special...very special...

			JORGEN
		Oh, what?  Oh!  You mean my books.

			MISS TESMAN
		(Smiles)  Yes, of course.  Your books.

			JORGEN
		She had her heart set on this house.  "It's the only house that I could possibly live in" she said - never mind that it was already occupied and quite out of reach.

			MISS TESMAN
		Until the day after you left for your honeymoon and it came on the market!

			JORGEN
		Such incredible luck, what?  Still hard to believe.

			MISS TESMAN
		Not that it won't be very expensive to run.

			JORGEN
		The rent's reasonable enough.  Hedda says Judge Brack's done well for us.

			MISS TESMAN
		He has.  And  I'm standing security for your furniture.  Rina and I are your guarantors.

			JORGEN
		(Rises)  Julliane!  Have you gone out of your mind?  That trust fund is all you and poor Rina have to live on!

			MISS TESMAN
		Judge Brack assures me it's just a formality, those were his very words.

			JORGEN
		That may be so.

			MISS TESMAN
		In any case, you'll have a fine salary soon.  Rina and I don't mind going without in the meantime.

			JORGEN
		Oh Aunt.  Will you ever stop making sacrifices for me?

			MISS TESMAN
		It's been a worthwhile cause.  The prizes are in sight, Jorgie.

			JORGEN
		Yes.  Everything's working out beautifully, what?

			MISS TESMAN
		We've beaten the lot of them.  Even him.  (He turns to look at her.)  In the end there was no need to worry.  He's ruined himself.  You wouldn't wish it on any of God's  creatures but there it is.  People end in the gutter by their own choice.

			JORGEN
		(After a pause)  How is Eilert?  Any news of him?

			MISS TESMAN
		None at all.  Well, except that he's published a book.

			JORGEN
		Eilert?  Eilert Lvborg's written a book?

			MISS TESMAN
		So they say.  It can't be up to much, can it, the way things stand.  Now when you publish there will be something to celebrate.  Have you finally settled on your subject?

			JORGEN
		(Abstracted)  Oh - yes.

			MISS TESMAN
		Good!  At last!  What's it to be?

			JORGEN
		I'm sorry?  Oh - ah - I intend to cover the Brabantian Domestic Industries, Rural and Urban, from 1446 to 1489.  Inclusively.

			MISS TESMAN
		My word.

			JORGEN
		It'll be a while before I begin the book itself.  There is still a good deal of research to be done, not to mention the organizing and indexing of material.

			MISS TESMAN
		Of course.  Your dear father was just the same.  Everything had to be just so.  Everything in the right order.

			JORGEN
		I can't wait to get started now that I'm under my own roof with all the comforts of home.

			MISS TESMAN
		And your heart's desire.  The girl you've always dreamed of.

			JORGEN
		Yes.  Hedda.  The most wonderful, unbelievable success of all.  I still have to pinch myself.  To think, Aunt Ju!  She chose me!  Sssh, I think she's coming...

HEDDA enters.  She is tall, slender, grey-eyed and pale-skinned.  Her hair is chestnut, simply styled.  She wears a morning gown.

			HEDDA
		Miss Tesman!  So early.  How kind.

			MISS TESMAN
		(Out of face)  Not at all.  Has the bride slept well in her new bed?

			HEDDA
		Tolerably.

			JORGEN
		Tolerably?  You were sleeping like a baby when I came down.

			HEDDA
		If you say so.  Oh!

			JORGEN
		What is it?

			HEDDA
		That fool of a maid has opened the windows.

			MISS TESMAN
		Allow me.  (She crosses to close the windows.)

			HEDDA
		I'd rather you didn't.  Leave the windows and draw the curtains, Tesman.

JORGEN crosses, draws the curtains across the open windows.

			JORGEN
		There.  Shade and fresh air, what?

			HEDDA
		All these flowers! - do sit down, Miss Tesman.

			MISS TESMAN
		No, thank you.  I just came to be sure you were settled, I must get back to my poor sister.

			JORGEN
		Give her my love.  Tell her we'll be over later.

			MISS TESMAN
		Oh, I almost forgot.  (She gives JORGEN a package.)

			JORGEN
		What's this?  (Opens the package)  Aunt Ju!  You brought them!  Hedda, look - my slippers!  I missed them when we were away, remember?  Aunt Rina embroidered them herself... do look.

HEDDA moves away.
			MISS TESMAN
		You can't expect them to mean the same to Hedda, Jorgie.

			JORGEN
		Hedda's part of the family now.

			HEDDA
		Tesman, we really must dismiss that servant of yours.

			JORGEN
		What?  Berta?  You mean Berta?

			HEDDA
		Look.  Can you believe it?  She's left her old hat on the chair.

			JORGEN
		(Embarrassed, drops the slippers, whispers)  Hedda...!

			HEDDA
		Suppose someone came in and saw that thing sitting there.

			JORGEN
		Hedda, that's Aunt Julla's hat.

			HEDDA
		Really.

MISS TESMAN picks up her hat.

			MISS TESMAN
		Yes, and it doesn't happen to be old, it happens to be new, Miss Hedda.

			HEDDA
		I do beg your pardon.  I should have looked more closely.

			MISS TESMAN
		(Putting it on)  It has never been worn until today.

			JORGEN
		And very handsome it is too, a magnificent hat, what?

			MISS TESMAN
		Now you're being kind, dear boy.  My new parasol - ah, here it is.  This is mine as well.  I don't think Berta has laid claim to it.

			JORGEN
		A new hat and a new parasol, Hedda -

			HEDDA
		Very pretty.
			JORGEN
		Like someone else in this room, wouldn't you say, Aunt Ju?

			MISS TESMAN
		Indeed.  But that's not new.  Hedda's been a beauty from the day she was born.  (She makes to go.)

			JORGEN
		(Follows)  You don't notice a difference in her - a special glow?  She's filled out on honeymoon, wouldn't you say?

			HEDDA
		(Moving away)  Tesman, please.

			JORGEN
		You can't see it under that dress -

			HEDDA
		- because there's nothing to be seen.

			JORGEN
		It must be the mountain air, then.

			HEDDA
		Oh leave it, Tesman.  I'm exactly the same as when we left.

			JORGEN
		You're not, you know.  Look, Aunt Ju - aren't I right?

MISS TESMAN inspects HEDDA.

			MISS TESMAN
		So beautiful.

She crosses, leans up, kisses HEDDA'S cheek.

			MISS TESMAN
		God bless and keep you, for Jorgen's sake.  (HEDDA evades her gently.)  I shall come and see you every day.

			JORGEN
		Absolutely.

			MISS TESMAN
		Goodbye...goodbye...

In the hall we hear JORGEN thank his Aunt for the slippers and send his love to Aunt Rina.  HEDDA draws back the curtains and looks out at the garden.  JORGEN returns, picks up his slippers.

			JORGEN
		What are you looking at?
			HEDDA
		The leaves are turning already.

			JORGEN
		September.  I wonder what was the matter with Aunt Ju?

			HEDDA
		No doubt it was the hat.

			JORGEN
		Surely not?

			HEDDA
		Throwing your clothes on a chair in someone else's drawing room?  Oh, I'll patch it up with her.

			JORGEN
		Would you?

			HEDDA
		Ask her back this evening when you visit.

			JORGEN
		Splendid!  There is something else that would please her enormously.

			HEDDA
		Oh?

			JORGEN  
		Could you call her Aunt Julla like the rest of us?  It would make her so happy.

			HEDDA
		No.

			JORGEN
		For my sake.

			HEDDA
		No.  Why must you insist?  I may - possibly - bring myself to call her aunt in time.  Further than that I cannot go.

			JORGEN
		But you're family now.

			HEDDA
		Am I?  (She moves away from him.)

			JORGEN
		Is something wrong?

			HEDDA
		(Points to the piano)  My piano.  It doesn't look right in here.

			JORGEN
		As soon as my appointment comes through I'll buy you a new one.

			HEDDA
		I'm fond of this old thing.  We'll put it in the back room - the new one can go here.

			JORGEN
		Two pianos?  If that's what you'd like.

HEDDA looks round the room - sees the flowers that Berta has just arranged.

			HEDDA
		These weren't here last night.  (She takes the card from the flowers, reads)  "I'll call you later today if I may."  (She turns over the card.)  Oh.

			JORGEN
		Who is it from?

			HEDDA
		It says "Mrs Elvsted".

			JORGEN
		Mrs Elvsted?  Not the one who was Miss Rysing before she married?

			HEDDA
		Your old flame.  Always tossing her hair about.  Maddening woman.

			JORGEN
		(Laughs)  My old flame!  Only for a while and long before I met you.  She's been living up north.  Wonder what she's doing here.

			HEDDA
		And why she wants to see me.  We haven't met since we were at school.  (Suddenly)  Doesn't He live up there?

			JORGEN
		I'm sorry?

			HEDDA
		Lvborg.  Eilert Lvborg.  He's been living in the north, hasn't he?

			JORGEN
		I believe so, yes.

BERTA enters.

			BERTA
		The lady's here again, Madam.  The one who come yesterday.

			HEDDA
		Show her in.

BERTA goes and returns with MRS ELVSTED, bobs and exits.

MRS ELVSTED is a pretty woman, fine-featured, with a sensitive face and large blue eyes.  She has glorious pale blonde hair.  She is quietly dressed.  HEDDA extends a hand.	

			HEDDA
		Mrs Elvsted, how nice to see you again!

			THEA ELVSTED
		(Nervous)  Yes - such a long time.

			JORGEN  
		(Holds out his hand)  That goes for me too.

			HEDDA
		Thank you for the lovely flowers.

			JORGEN
		When did you arrive?

			THEA
		Yesterday morning.  I was so upset when they said you weren't here.

			HEDDA
		Upset?

			JORGEN
		My dear Miss Rysing - Mrs Elvsted I should say.

			HEDDA
		Is something the matter?
	
			THEA
		Yes, I'm afraid so.  There's no-one else I can turn to.

			HEDDA
		Come and sit down.

			THEA
		Forgive me.  I don't think I can - I'm too -

			HEDDA
		Of course you can.

She pulls THEA down beside her.  THEA puts down the large leather bag that she keeps with her throughout.

			JORGEN
		What is it Miss - Mrs - ?

			HEDDA
		Is there something the matter at home?  Is this why you're here?
			THEA
		Yes.  No.

			HEDDA
		Perhaps you had better tell us what's the matter.

			JORGEN
		And that's what you've come about?  That's why you're here, what?

			THEA
		Yes.

They wait.

			THEA
		He's here.

			JORGEN
		Who?

			HEDDA
		Eilert Lvborg.  (To THEA)  You mean Eilert Lvborg?  (THEA nods.)

			JORGEN
		Good heavens.  Eilert Lvborg's back, did you hear that, Hedda?

			HEDDA
		Of course I heard.  How long has he been here?

			THEA
		A week.  On his own.

			HEDDA
		You mean - ?

			THEA
		Among - people who are not good for him.

			HEDDA
		And you are worried?

			THEA
		Yes.

			HEDDA
		But is this any concern of yours?  What has Eilert Lvborg to do with you?

MRS ELVSTED looks at her, frightened.  A pause.

			THEA
		He - he is a tutor to the children.

			HEDDA
		Children?  Your children?

			THEA
		My husband's children.  I have none of my own.

			HEDDA
		Your stepchildren?

			THEA
		Yes.

			JORGEN
		Tutor, did you say?

			THEA
		Yes.

			JORGEN
		Rather surprising.  Is he - how shall I say, suitable for such a post?  In a fit state to be trusted with children?

			THEA
		Oh yes.  Mr Lvborg has been completely regular in his habits for several years now.

			JORGEN
		Really? (To HEDDA)  Did you hear that, Hedda?

			HEDDA
		I heard it, Tesman.

			THEA
		His behaviour has been irreproachable in every way.  It's simply that being here, in the city, with so much money in his pockets, I'm worried that something may happen -

			JORGEN
		Why is he here?

			THEA
		The book. 

			JORGEN
		Aunt Julla told us that he'd published.

			THEA
		You didn't know? - of course, you've been abroad.

			JORGEN
		What is it about?

			THEA
		Mr Tesman you must read it - it's a huge success.  The shops are selling out and rightly so.  It's a history of civilisation.

			JORGEN
		Something he dug up from better days I presume, before he - well became less competent, what?

			THEA
		Oh no, not at all.  It's a new work.  He wrote it under our roof all last year, it's entirely new material.

			JORGEN
		Really?  Well - splendid.  Good news eh, Hedda?

			THEA
		And everything has gone well - very well.  It's simply that, not being with us - being here - you do see what I mean?

			HEDDA
		Where is he?

			THEA
		I don't know.  I can't find him.

			HEDDA
		And your husband?  What does he think of all this?

			THEA
		My husband?

			HEDDA
		Does he mind your leaving the children, travelling all this way?  I'm surprised he didn't come himself, given the circumstances.

			THEA
		Oh no.  He's -  he's very busy.  And I wanted to do some shopping.

			HEDDA
		(Smiles)  Oh well, that's different.

			THEA
		(Rises, restless)  Mr Tesman, if he should come to see you, which I'm sure he will since you're such good friends -

			JORGEN
		Well we were.

			THEA
		You must still have so much in common, working in the same field.  Could I ask you to keep a friendly eye on him?  As a colleague.

			JORGEN
		Gladly, Miss Rysing.

			HEDDA
		Mrs Elvsted.

			JORGEN
		Anything I can do to help Eilert shall be done, count on me.

			THEA
		Thank you so much.  I knew I only had to ask.  (Nervous)  It's just that - my husband is so fond of Eilert.

			HEDDA
		(Rises)  Send a note, Tesman - he may not call otherwise.

			JORGEN
		That's it!

			HEDDA
		Why not now?

			JORGEN
		Splendid - do you have an address, Mrs Elvsted?

			THEA
		(Takes out a paper)  I'm told he's staying there.

			JORGEN
		Thank you.

			HEDDA
		Do write a long, friendly letter rather than a note.  He may need encouragement.

			JORGEN
		Very good, ma'am.

			THEA
		Oh, and Mr Tesman, if you wouldn't mind not mentioning my name.  I'd rather he didn't know I'd spoken to you.

			JORGEN
		I shan't say a word.

He goes into the back room.  HEDDA closes on THEA.

			HEDDA
		There.  Two birds with one stone.

			THEA
		How do you mean?

			HEDDA
		We've got rid of Tesman, now we can talk properly.  (She waits)  Well?

			THEA
		I'm sorry?  You mean about Mr Lvborg?  There's really nothing more to tell.

			HEDDA
		Oh I think there is.  I think there's a great deal more.  Come and sit down.

She takes THEA by the arm, sits her down and draws up a footstool at her side.

			THEA
		(Looking at her watch)  I really ought to be going, Mrs Tesman.

			HEDDA
		There's no hurry.  We must catch up.  How are things with you at home?

			THEA
		At home?  I'd really rather not say.

			HEDDA
		My dear, you can tell me - we were at school together!

			THEA
		But you were ahead of me, in fact I was afraid of you.

			HEDDA
		Of me?  Why?

			THEA
		I found you rather frightening.

			HEDDA
		Frightening?

			THEA
		Whenever we met on the stairs you would pull my hair.

			HEDDA
		Surely not.

			THEA
		Don't you remember?  You pinned me against the wall once and said you were going to burn it all off.

			HEDDA
		That was just a tease!

			THEA
		Perhaps, but I was silly enough to believe you.  Anyway, those days are over.  Since then our lives have taken us in different directions.
			HEDDA
		Then it's time to close the gap - renew old acquaintance.  We must get back to using Christian names again.

			THEA
		Oh I don't think we ever did that.

			HEDDA
		Of course we did.  You and I must be friends, tell all our secrets, why not...we all need friends.  (She leans, kisses THEA on the cheek)  You must call me Hedda.

			THEA
		(Grasps HEDDA'S hand)  Thank you.  I have so few friends.

			HEDDA
		And I shall call you Thora.

			THEA
		Thea.  My name is Thea.

			HEDDA
		Of course - Thea - I meant Thea.  You've no friends, Thea?  Not even at home?

			THEA
		Home?  Is there such a word?  I have no home.

			HEDDA
		You see, I was right, I knew it.

			THEA
		I have never had a home.

			HEDDA
		You went north as your husband's housekeeper, did you not?

			THEA
		As governess, supposedly, but his wife was an invalid so I had to take on everything else.

			HEDDA
		And in the end you became mistress of the house?

			THEA
		(Heavily)  Yes.  I married Elvsted after the first Mrs Elvsted died.

			HEDDA
		When was that?

			THEA
		Five years ago.  Five long years, the last two unbearable - oh, Mrs Tesman, if you only knew!

			HEDDA
		Hedda, Thea - Hedda!

			THEA
		I'm sorry, I'll try.

			HEDDA
		(Casually)  How long has Eilert been with you - two, three years?

			THEA
		About that.

			HEDDA
		Did you know him before?

			THEA
		Only by name.

			HEDDA
		Does he live in the house?

			THEA
		No.  He comes every day to teach the children.

			HEDDA
		What about your husband?  As a country magistrate, I imagine he is away a lot.

			THEA
		Yes, he has the whole district to cover.

			HEDDA
		(Leans forward)  My poor Thea.  Now you must tell me everything.  All of it.  Just between ourselves.

			THEA
		What do you want to know?

			HEDDA
		Your husband - what is he like?  Does he look after you?

			THEA
		(Evasive)  He does his best.

			HEDDA
		He's twenty years older than you, I believe.

			THEA
		That doesn't help...oh, there are so many things!  We're completely different in every way, we've nothing in common at all.

			HEDDA
		But surely he cares for you?

			THEA
		I'm useful to him.  I cost very little, I'm a good bargain.

			HEDDA
		Surely you don't mean -

			THEA
		He cares for no-one but himself.  Perhaps the children a little.

			HEDDA
		But he must be fond of Eilert.

			THEA
		Mr Lvborg?  What makes you say that?

			HEDDA
		To send you all the way here to look for him.  Wasn't that what you told Tesman?  That your husband had sent you?

			THEA
		Did I?  Yes, I suppose I must - (low and rapid) you may as well know the truth, Mrs Tesman - it's bound to come out.

HEDDA waits.

			THEA
		My husband has no idea that I am here.

			HEDDA
		He doesn't know?

			THEA
		He was away on circuit when I left.

			HEDDA
		You left home?

			THEA
		As soon as his carriage had turned the corner.

			HEDDA
		Did you tell anyone?  (THEA shakes her head.)

		That was very brave.  What will he do, your husband, when he finds you've gone?

			THEA
		I'm never going back.

			HEDDA
		You've left everything?  Your home?  Everything?  For good?

			THEA
		I had to.

			HEDDA
		Don't you mind what people will say?

			THEA
		(Sits)  Whatever they say I shan't go back.

			HEDDA
		How will you survive?

			THEA
		I don't know.  All I know is that as long as I'm near him I am alive.

			HEDDA
		Him?

			THEA
		He is all that matters.

			HEDDA
		Eilert Lvborg.  Yes.

She rises, paces.

			HEDDA
		When did all this start?  How did it begin?

			THEA
		Between Eilert and me?  Slowly at first, and then - somehow - I began to - to influence him.

			HEDDA
		You?  How?

			THEA
		I persuaded him not to drink.

			HEDDA
		How in the name of Hades did you manage that?

			THEA
		I don't know.

			HEDDA
		You must have done something.

			THEA
		We never - I never confronted him.  He simply -

			HEDDA
		What?

			THEA
		I think he saw that it upset me.

			HEDDA
		So he stopped?  He stopped drinking?

			THEA
		Yes.

			HEDDA
		For you?  For little Thea?  He became a new man because of you?

			THEA
		That is what he says.  But he changed me.  I am not at all what I was.  I understand so much because of him.

			HEDDA
		He's been your tutor as well as the children's?

			THEA
		Yes.  Helping him in his work has transformed my life.

			HEDDA
		You help him?  With his writing?

			THEA
		We work together as colleagues...and friends.

			HEDDA
		Friends?

			THEA
		He believes in friendship.  In a true, open, close relationship between a man and a woman.

			HEDDA
		So you are - friends.  All's well between you.  He is here and you have left your husband to be near him.

		So?

		What is the matter?

		Why aren't you happy?

		(THEA shakes her head.)

		Why not?

			THEA
		I am afraid.

			HEDDA
		You don't trust him?

			THEA
		As much as he trusts himself.

			HEDDA
		Yes.  I see.  You're not certain.

			THEA
		There's something else.  A woman.

			HEDDA
		Woman?

			THEA
		Standing between us.  A woman he once knew.

			HEDDA
		(Leans forward)  Who?

			THEA
		I don't know, but she's still in his mind.

			HEDDA
		Does he say that, has he said that?

			THEA
		Once.  I asked him about her.

			HEDDA
		What did he say?

			THEA
		Nothing, except that she had red hair.

			HEDDA
		Red hair.  Did he say who she was?

			THEA
		No.  Only that he left her, and that she tried to shoot him with a pistol.

			HEDDA
		Nonsense.

			THEA
		No, it's possible.  There was a singer with red hair - I remember her, she lived here.  People said she carried a gun.  I've been told she's living here again.

			HEDDA
		Ssh, Tesman's coming.  Not a word, Thea.

			THEA
		Heavens, no.
JORGEN enters, his letter in his hand.

			JORGEN
		My letter, all signed and sealed.

			HEDDA
		Mrs Elvsted is leaving - (to THEA)  I'll walk you to the gate.

BERTA enters.

			BERTA
		Judge Brack's outside, Madam.

			HEDDA
		Then ask him to come in.  (She takes the letter from JORGEN)  And put this in the letter box.

			BERTA
		(Takes the letter)  Very good, Madam.  (She ushers in JUDGE BRACK and goes.)

BRACK enters.  He is in his 40s, strongly-built, well-dressed, a composed, alive man.

			JUDGE BRACK
		May one make an appearance to early in the day?

			HEDDA
		One may.

			JORGEN
		Judge, you're always welcome!  (He shakes BRACK'S hand.)  Judge Brack - Miss Rysing.  (HEDDA groans)  I beg your pardon - Mrs Elvsted.

			BRACK
		(Bows)  Delighted.

			HEDDA
		We don't often see you in the morning.

			BRACK
		Not too startling, I hope.

			HEDDA
		People look so different in daylight.

			BRACK
		Oh dear.  In what way?

			HEDDA
		(Surveys him)  Younger.

			BRACK
		I must remember.

			JORGEN
		What do you think of Hedda, Judge?  Blooming, what?

			HEDDA
		Oh be quiet.  And do thank the Judge for all the trouble he's been to.

			BRACK
		Pure pleasure, I assure you.

			HEDDA
		A true friend.  But my other friend is dying to be on her way.  (She offers her hand to BRACK and leaves with THEA.)

			BRACK
		(Bows as they leave)  So, is the bride pleased with her new house?

			JORGEN
		Oh yes, we can't thank you enough for all the work you've put in.  Hedda says she'll see to anything that needs attention.

			BRACK
		Oh?

			JORGEN
		Shall we sit down?

			BRACK
		Thank you.  There is something I'd like to discuss.

			JORGEN
		Of course.  After the celebrations, the adding up, what?

			BRACK
		Oh, no hurry.  Though it might have been wiser to hold back for the time being -

			JORGEN
		My dear chap, we can't expect Hedda to settle for anything but the best.

			BRACK
		That does pose a problem.

			JORGEN
		Which will be solved as soon as my appointment is confirmed.

			BRACK
		These things can take time, Tesman.

			JORGEN
		Any more news?

			BRACK
		I do have one piece of information.  Your old friend Eilert Lvborg is back.

			JORGEN
		So I've heard.

			BRACK
		Oh?  How?

			JORGEN
		The lady who was here with Hedda told us.

			BRACK
		Indeed.  I didn't catch her name.

			JORGEN
		Mrs Elvsted - Miss Rysing that was.

			BRACK
		Elvsted?...ah, the magistrate's wife.  I hear Lvborg's been living with them.

			JORGEN
		As a reformed character I gather.

			BRACK
		So they say.

			JORGEN
		And he's published a book!

			BRACK
		Yes.  It's created a lot of attention.

			JORGEN
		Splendid, what?  Eilert was always a gifted man.  It's good to hear that his talents aren't going to waste, I thought he was finished.

			BRACK
		So did we all.

			JORGEN
		And he's managing to survive?

			HEDDA
		(Enters, laughs)  Tesman always wonders how people make ends meet.

			JORGEN
		We were talking about poor old Lvborg, my dear.  He can hardly exist on the income from one book, and he's run through all the family money so there's nothing there.
			BRACK
		His relations aren't without influence.

			JORGEN
		Oh, they've given him up long ago.

			BRACK
		Blood is blood.  He is still regarded as the hope of the family.

			JORGEN
		Seriously?

			HEDDA
		(Laughs)  And who knows?  Perhaps country life and the Elvsteds have worked a miracle.

			BRACK
		There is the new book.  If he's working again -

			JORGEN
		Perhaps we can find something for him.  By the way, I've asked him round for this evening, Hedda.

			BRACK
		Tonight, my dear chap, you're dining with me, remember?

			HEDDA
		Had you forgotten, Tesman?  Your welcome party -

			JORGEN
		Good heavens, so I had, what?

			BRACK
		Lvborg's hardly likely to appear, in any case.

			HEDDA
		Oh?  Why not?

			BRACK
		(Hesitates)  There is something that - yes, perhaps you both should know.  Your appointment as professor may not be as prompt as you've been led to expect.

			JORGEN
		(Rises)  Why, what's happened?  Is something wrong?

			BRACK
		There is a possibility that there could be a competition for the post.

			JORGEN
		Competition?  Why?  How?  Did you hear that, Hedda?

			HEDDA
		(Sits back)  Yes.  I see.

			JORGEN
		A competition?  With whom?  You're not saying -

			BRACK
		Afraid so.  Eilert Lvborg.

			JORGEN
		No.  That's unthinkable.  Absolutely impossible.

			BRACK
		I'm afraid it may well be the case.

			JORGEN
		Out of the question, Judge.  No, no, it would be a total lack of consideration for me.  I'd be in an impossible position.  Good Lord, man, I got married on the strength of this appointment.  We've taken on debt, borrowed from the Aunts - the chair was as good as promised me!  As you know.

			BRACK
		Oh, you'll get it, no question.  It's just a formality - a matter of making yourself available to opposition.

			HEDDA
		A fight?  That'll be amusing.

			BRACK
		In the meantime it might be wise to defer any expenditure on the improvements to the house, Mrs Tesman.

			HEDDA
		Why?

			BRACK
		Your decision, of course.  Forgive me, I must get on.  I'll call for you later, Tesman.  Till then, eh?

			JORGEN
		Yes, yes.  I'm sorry, I can't think straight.

			HEDDA
		(Holds out her hand)  You are always welcome.

			BRACK
		Too kind.  Goodbye for now.

			JORGEN
		(Seeing him out)  Goodbye...goodbye.

BRACK goes.

			JORGEN
		There we are, Hedda.
		So much for dreams of glory.

			HEDDA
		(Smiling)  Oh dear, is that what they've been?

			JORGEN
		Getting married, setting up house on the promise of expectations.  At all events we have this place.  I've got you the house you wanted - I've been so looking forward to seeing you in your element - dinners, musical evenings.  Now, for

			JORGEN  (Cont'd)
		the time being it seems we must settle for each other's company - and Aunt Julla's of course.  I know this is not what you had in mind -

			HEDDA
		Are you saying there's to be no manservant?

			JORGEN
		Heavens no, we couldn't possibly take on a footman with this over our heads.

			HEDDA
		What about the mare?  My horse.  It was part of the arrangement.  Do you mean I can't have the mare?

			JORGEN
		Not until our situation is clarified, I'm afraid.

HEDDA walks away.  She turns.

			HEDDA
		In that case there's only one amusement left.

			JORGEN
		Amusement?

She turns to the back room.

			HEDDA
		(Calls)  My father's pistols.

			JORGEN
		(Calls)  Hedda please!  For heavens' sakes don't touch those, they're dangerous!  Hedda, are you there?

		Hedda, please!

ACT TWO

The same setting as before.  The piano is gone.  In its place stands an elegant writing table with drawers.  HEDDA, dressed for callers, is by the open window.  She is loading a pistol.

			HEDDA
		(Calls)  Good evening!

			BRACK
		(Offstage)  Hullo again!

			HEDDA
		Stand still.

			BRACK
		Why?

			HEDDA
		I'm going to shoot you.

She fires.

			BRACK
		(Calls)  Have you gone completely mad?

			HEDDA
		It serves you right for sneaking in the back way.  Did I hit you?  (As BRACK enters.  He is dressed for dinner, carries a light overcoat.)

			BRACK
		What the hell were you aiming at?

			HEDDA
		The sky.

			BRACK
		You're not still fooling around with those things?  (He holds out his hand.  She gives him the pistol.)  Ah.  I recognise this.  (He sees the case, puts the pistol away.)  I think we've had enough games for today.

			HEDDA
		What do you suggest I do with myself?

			BRACK
		Tesman not in?

			HEDDA
		Gone to see his beloved Aunts.

			BRACK
		Ah, yes.  If I'd known he was going to be out I'd have come earlier.

			HEDDA
		You would have found an empty room.  I was dressing.

			BRACK
		I see.  No little crack in the door we might have talked through?

			HEDDA
		You didn't have one built in.

			BRACK
		Another stupidity.

			HEDDA
		Tesman won't be back for some time, I'm afraid.

			BRACK
		What a bore.  I must contain myself with patient resignation.

HEDDA sits on the corner of the sofa.  BRACK puts his coat over a chair and sits.  They look at each other.

			HEDDA
		Well?

			BRACK
		(Same tone)  Well?

			HEDDA
		I asked first.

			BRACK
		Very pleasant.  A little time together, Mrs Tesman.  I've been looking forward to your reappearance.

			HEDDA
		No more than I have.

			BRACK
		Were you not enjoying yourself?  According to Tesman's letters -

			HEDDA
		According to Tesman every day was more blissful than the last...months of enchantment, buried in parchments from every library in Europe.

			BRACK
		It is his raison d'être.

			HEDDA
		His.  Not mine.

			BRACK
		You were less enchanted.

			HEDDA
		Water torture.

			BRACK
		Really?  That bad?

			HEDDA
		One asks oneself - who on earth conceived the notion of matrimony!  The idea of being attached for the rest of one's life - being presented, week after week, month after month, year after - with the same face -

			BRACK
		But - surely - he's a distinguished man, Tesman, is he not?

			HEDDA
		He's an academic.

			BRACK
		Point taken.

			HEDDA
		A scavenger.  And a scavenger obsessed with one pointless subject - one subject - the rest of the world invisible.  Not the most amusing company.

			BRACK
		Even when one is in love?

			HEDDA
		Don't be ludicrous.  "The Domestic Industries and Crafts of Brabant, 1446 to 1489" - ach!

			BRACK
		(Pause)  If that's the way it is...if you feel like that -

			HEDDA
		Why did I marry?

			BRACK
		Yes.

			HEDDA
		You find it surprising?

			BRACK
		Inexplicable.

Pause.

			HEDDA
		I was running out of time - no, I mustn't say that, I mustn't even think it.

			BRACK
		There is no reason why you should.
			HEDDA
		After all, what's wrong with Tesman?  His background is respectable, wouldn't you say?

			BRACK
		No question of it.

			HEDDA
		And he's not ridiculous.

			BRACK
		Ridiculous?

			HEDDA
		Is he?

			BRACK
		Ridiculous?  No, I wouldn't say ridiculous.

			HEDDA
		He's said to be skilled at all this - whatever he does.  Who knows, he could even end up with some status in time.

			BRACK
		That's the general opinion.  Which presumably you share.

			HEDDA
		(Tired)  I must do.  When he begged to provide for me, given his circumstances, there seemed no reason not to submit.

			BRACK
		It makes very good sense.

			HEDDA
		It was more than any of my other admirers was prepared to offer.

			BRACK
		I've the greatest respect for the institution of marriage.  For other people.

			HEDDA
		Oh I never had any hopes of you.

			BRACK
		All I ask is a circle of friends, people I can be of use to, in one way or another.  To be able to come and go, be welcome where I feel comfortable, in the houses of those I admire.

			HEDDA
		Welcomed by the husbands and the wives?

			BRACK
		Perhaps more by the wives - the husbands, too, of course.  My ideal - how can I describe it - is a three-way friendship.  Yes.  That sort of arrangement can be very satisfying for all concerned.

			HEDDA
		What I wouldn't have given for another companion on those endless journeys!  Mile after mile in railway carriages, looking at each other.

			BRACK
		Well - over now.

			HEDDA
		Over?  How can you say so?  I'm still on the train.  Stuck in a compartment in a siding inside a tunnel inside a mountain...

			BRACK
		Then jump out, Mrs Hedda.  Take the air.

			HEDDA
		Not my style.

			BRACK
		Are you concerned for your reputation?

			HEDDA
		Let's just say that I prefer to stay inside the compartment.

Pause.

			BRACK
		What if there were company?  Someone to step in and join you.

			HEDDA
		Company?

			BRACK
		An old, trusted friend -
	
			HEDDA
		Who was amusing and full of life -

			BRACK
		And who promised not one reference to the Burghers of Brabant.

			HEDDA
		That would be...pleasant.

			BRACK
		(Hears the door)  The circle is complete.  The train has taken on water and can move on.

JORGEN enters, arms and pockets full of soft-backed books.  He spills them out onto the table.

			JORGEN
		It's too hot for this, look at me, I'm sweating, Hedda.  Ah, you're here already, Judge, Berta didn't say.

			BRACK
		(Rising)  I came through the garden.

			HEDDA
		What on earth are all those?

			JORGEN
		(Glancing through them)  New journals.  I had to get them - they deal with my subject -

			BRACK
		Brabant?  In the Middle Ages?		

			JORGEN
		Background material.

			HEDDA
		Haven't you enough already?

			JORGEN
		Oh you can never have enough.  It's important to keep up, Hedda.  Essential.  Look - I bought Eilert's book, would you like to see it?  I had a peep on my way home.

			BRACK
		And what's the verdict?

			JORGEN
		Oh, very sound!  A remarkable piece of work, a great step on from his earlier stuff, very wide-ranging.  (Gathers the books)  I'll just take these through.  Such a joy cutting the pages - oh, I shall need to change.  We're in no hurry, are we, Judge, what?

			BRACK
		No, take your time.

			JORGEN
		(Makes to go)  Splendid.  (Stops)  Oh - Hedda - Aunt Ju won't be coming tonight.

			HEDDA
		Still upset about the hat?

			JORGEN
		Aunt Ju? - how could you think such a thing - no, I'm afraid it's Aunt Rina.

			BRACK
		Not well?

			HEDDA
		She never is.

			JORGEN
		But today not well at all, I'm afraid.

			HEDDA
		Then of course the other one must be with her.

			JORGEN
		Aunt Ju sends her love.  She was so taken with how well you looked!

			HEDDA
		(Rises, mutters)  Oh God save me from Aunts!

			JORGEN
		I beg your pardon?

			HEDDA
		(At the window)  Nothing.

			JORGEN
		Right.  (He goes.)

			BRACK
		What was that about the hat?

			HEDDA
		(Laughs)  The aunt's hat.  She left it on the chair this morning.  I pretended I thought it was the maid's.

			BRACK
		Mrs Tesman, how could you?

			HEDDA
		(On the move)  Impossible to stop oneself - oh, never explain.

She sits.  BRACK stands behind the chair.

			BRACK
		The explanation is simple.  You are unhappy.

			HEDDA
		(Pause)  How should I not be?

			BRACK
		(Shrugs)  You've got this place, the house you've always wanted.

			HEDDA
		You really believe that?

			BRACK
		Is it not true?

			HEDDA
		(Pause)  Last year when Tesman began to bring me home from parties -

			BRACK
		Such a pity I lived in the opposite direction -

			HEDDA
		Oh, your interests were entirely elsewhere that summer.

They laugh.

			HEDDA
		We were passing this house one night and Tesman was trying to make conversation so I said - for something to say - that I'd always wanted to live here.  I might as easily have said that I liked frogs.

			BRACK
		I see.		

			HEDDA
		One frivolous sentence, clawed out of an empty silence - and look at the consequences.

			BRACK
		Frivolous things can do that.  Turn into something else altogether.

			HEDDA
		Anyway, it was the house that drew us together.  Out of nowhere there was suddenly an understanding, which led inexorably to an engagement and - "Mr and Mrs Jorgen Tesman are touring on an extended honeymoon.  Poste Restante."  I have, as they say, made my bed.

			BRACK
		Didn't you want the house at all?

			HEDDA
		God no!

			BRACK
		So we've all been to a lot of trouble for nothing!  You don't like the place?

			HEDDA
		It smells of death.

		I am so bored.
			BRACK
		Find something to do.

			HEDDA
		What?

			BRACK
		Anything that interests you.

A pause.

			HEDDA
		I did think of sending Tesman into politics.

			BRACK
		Politics - Jorgen?  He'd never survive.

			HEDDA
		You're right, of course.

			BRACK
		For a start he hasn't enough money, you need to be a rich man.

			HEDDA
		(Rises)  Oh, this wretched shortage of money!

			BRACK
		That's not the problem.

			HEDDA
		Yes it is.  If we had money -

			BRACK
		(Shrugs)  To be wealthier is simply to have larger debts.  You would spend and be just as miserable.

		Look at you, Mrs Hedda.  What has ever happened to you?  What have you done?  What has inspired you, engaged you, taken your breath away?  You sit in your bell-tower, waiting for life to unfold like the thrilling cavalcade that you believe, as a woman to be your birthright.  What risks have you taken?  What hazards have you faced?  Well, perhaps some of those are about to happen.

			HEDDA
		You mean poor Tesman's appointment?  The competition?  That's his business, it doesn't involve me.

			BRACK
		Does it not?  Very well, what about a new sort of demand?  A new - personal - responsibility?

			HEDDA
		Shut up.

			BRACK
		We'll talk about it later, Mrs Married Lady.  In a year's time perhaps.

			HEDDA
		I have absolutely no intentions in that direction.

			BRACK
		Surely it's a woman's destiny.

			HEDDA
		My talents lie elsewhere.

			BRACK
		And where would that be?

			HEDDA
		In boring myself to death.  (Laughs)  Here he comes, the Professor -

			BRACK
		Now, now, Mrs Hedda...

			JORGEN
		(Enters in evening clothes)  Good evening, good evening.  Any message from Eilert?

			HEDDA
		None.

			JORGEN
		If he hasn't sent a refusal he'll be here for sure.

			BRACK
		You think so?

			JORGEN
		Oh yes.  And what you were saying this morning - there's nothing in it, you know.  Eilert wouldn't stand in my way, Aunt Julla says so.

			BRACK
		Then all is well.

			JORGEN
		Do you mind if we hang on?  I'd like to say hullo to him.

			BRACK
		Not at all.

			JORGEN
		Eilert could join us at dinner, what?

			HEDDA
		He may prefer to keep me company.

			JORGEN
		Oh I don't think so, Aunt Ju won't be here, remember - it would be just the two of you.

			HEDDA
		Not at all, I'm expecting Mrs Elvsted.

			JORGEN
		Ah - fine.

			BERTA
		(At the door)  There's another gentleman out there, Madam.

			HEDDA
		Well, show him in!

			BERTA
		Show him in?  (Going)...show him in...

EILERT LVBORG enters.  He is lean, gaunt in dark clothes.  He stops by the door, bows abruptly.  JORGEN crosses, extending his arms.

			JORGEN
		My dear Eilert.  It's good to see you after all this time!

			LVBORG
		(Quietly)  Thank you for your note.  Hedda - (he corrects himself) - Mrs Tesman.

HEDDA offers her hand, inclining her head.

			HEDDA
		Judge, do you and Mr Lvborg - ?

			BRACK
		(Bows slightly)  I believe our paths have crossed.

			LVBORG
		Judge Brack.

			JORGEN
		I hear you're back with us again.

			LVBORG
		Yes.

			JORGEN
		You must treat this house as your own, mustn't he, Hedda?  Look, I've just got it - your book - I can't wait to start reading.

			LVBORG
		Oh don't bother with that.

			JORGEN
		Why not?
			LVBORG
		It doesn't say anything.

			JORGEN
		What?!

			BRACK
		I'm told it's had a very good reception.

			LVBORG
		That was the intention.  To publish something acceptable.		

			BRACK
		A good idea.

			JORGEN
		Indeed.  Re-establish yourself, what?	
			LVBORG
		(Takes a package from his pocket)  Read this.

			JORGEN
		What is it?

			LVBORG
		The sequel.

			JORGEN
		Sequel?

			LVBORG
		To the other book.

			JORGEN
		But doesn't that cover the subject to the present day?

			LVBORG
		This is about the future.

			JORGEN
		The future?  I don't understand.  How can we write anything about the future?  It hasn't happened.  We don't know anything about the future.

			LVBORG
		Don't we?  (Takes out the manuscript from its wrapper.)  Take a look.

			JORGEN
		(Takes the manuscript)  This isn't your handwriting.

			LVBORG
		I dictated it. (Turns the pages)  There are two sections - a survey of modernism in the physical, commercial and industrial sense - and how civilisation is likely to be affected.

			JORGEN
		Amazing.

			LVBORG
		I was hoping to read some of it this evening.

			JORGEN
		Splendid!  Oh - alas - this evening...

			BRACK
		I'm giving a party for Tesman tonight.

			LVBORG
		Some other time then.

			BRACK
		Please, do join us.

			LVBORG
		(Abrupt)  Thank you, no.

			BRACK
		Bring the manuscript with you.  You can read it to Tesman in another room.

			JORGEN
		That's an idea.

			HEDDA
		Perhaps Mr Lvborg would prefer to stay and have supper with me.

			LVBORG
		With you?

			HEDDA
		And Mrs Elvsted.

			LVBORG
		Mrs Elvsted?

			HEDDA
		Now you must stay, Mr Lvborg, or she'll have no-one to escort her home.

			LVBORG
		In that case.

HEDDA crosses, rings.  BERTA enters.  HEDDA speaks to her, she nods and goes through to the back room.

			JORGEN
		(During this)  So - Eilert - this subject of yours - I hear you've planned a series of lectures this autumn.

			LVBORG
		You don't mind?

			JORGEN
		Good heavens.  Of course not.

			LVBORG
		I don't want to muddy the ground for you.  If you prefer, I'll wait until you've been appointed.

			JORGEN
		Wait?  Surely that's not in your interest, not if you're standing for the post yourself.

			LVBORG
		Oh, I've no ambitions there.

			BRACK
		Have you not?

			LVBORG
		None at all.

			BRACK
		A man without ambition?

			LVBORG
		I didn't say that.

			BRACK
		Then where would you say they lie, your ambitions.

			LVBORG
		In people's hearts...minds.

JORGEN calls to HEDDA who is talking to BERTA.

			JORGEN
		Do you hear that Hedda?  It's splendid - Eilert has no intention of standing in my way - what about that?

			HEDDA
		Bravo.  A glass of punch, gentlemen.  (She indicates the inner room.)  Mr Lvborg?

			LVBORG
		Thank you, no.

			BRACK
		One glass of punch won't do you any harm.

			HEDDA
		Perhaps Mr Lvborg prefers my company -

She waves JORGEN and BRACK inside.  LVBORG pauses, then sits.

			HEDDA
		Now.  How to amuse ourselves.  Let me see.  I know - photographs.  Would you like to see some photographs of our extended foreign outing?  Of course, who wouldn't?

She fetches a large photograph album, sits beside him.

			HEDDA
		Let me see.  (Turns pages)  Ah.  The Orton Mountains - there - Tesman has written the name underneath.  "The Orton Mountains, near Meran."

			LVBORG
		(Looks at her steadily)  Hedda - Gabler.

			HEDDA
		Sssh.

			LVBORG
		Hedda Gabler.

			HEDDA
		That was my name when we knew each other.  Not any more.

			LVBORG
		Hedda Gabler.  I must teach myself not to say it.

			HEDDA
		(Turning a page)  The sooner the better.

			LVBORG
		Hedda Gabler.  Married to Jorgen Tesman.

			HEDDA
		Yes.  Jorgen Tesman!

			LVBORG
		When?  How?  Why?  How could you do it?  Throw yourself away - sell yourself?

			HEDDA
		(Whispers)  Stop it.  (JORGEN enters)  This is the Ampezzo Valley, do look at the peaks.  What were they called, my dear?

			JORGEN
		Let me have a look.  Oh yes, those are the Dolomites.

			HEDDA
		That's it - the Dolomites, Mr Lvborg.

			JORGEN
		A glass of punch, Hedda?

			HEDDA
		Please.

			JORGEN
		Cigarette?

			HEDDA
		No.

			JORGEN
		Very good.

He rejoins BRACK, who has been watching with interest.

			LVBORG
		(Softly)  Hedda -

			HEDDA
		(Turning the pages)  You can't call me that any more.

			LVBORG
		Not even when we're alone?

			HEDDA
		You can think it, but you can't say it.

			LVBORG
		Because you love Jorgen Tesman.

			HEDDA
		Love Tesman?  Are you trying to be funny?

			LVBORG
		You don't love Jorgen Tesman.

			HEDDA
		Nor do I intend to betray him.

JORGEN appears with a tray.

			JORGEN
		Refreshments!

			HEDDA
		Why didn't you ask Berta?

			JORGEN
		(Filling glasses)  I like waiting on you myself.

			HEDDA
		(As he pours a second glass)  Not for Mr Lvborg.

			JORGEN
		This is for Mrs Elvsted, had you forgotten?

			HEDDA
		We were looking at pictures.  Remember the little village?

			JORGEN
		Under the Brenner Pass.  We spend the night there.

			HEDDA
		And met some amusing people for once.

			JORGEN
		I'm sorry you weren't with us, Eilert.  We had a splendid time.

JORGEN leaves the drinks tray, returns to the back room and rejoins BRACK.

			LVBORG
		One thing I need to know.		

			HEDDA
		And what is that?

			LVBORG
		Were you not in love with me either?  Hedda?

Pause.

			HEDDA
		What we had - our friendship - your opening your heart to me - no man had ever done that before.  Told everything.

			LVBORG
		At the time the insistence, I seem to remember, was yours.

			HEDDA
		Remember how we sat on the sofa, the General across the room reading his paper while we turned the pages of a magazine - always the same one.

			LVBORG
		You had everything from me.  The drinking, the women.  Why?  What made me do that?

			HEDDA
		Perhaps I cast a spell over you.

			LVBORG
		Always questions - nothing direct, just foraging, oblique - everything implied.

			HEDDA
		Oblique?  Implied?  You knew perfectly well what I wanted.  And what you couldn't wait to tell me.

			LVBORG
		You walked straight in.  What I don't understand, looking back, were your motives.  You must have cared.  Why else would you want to know everything if not to haul me out of the crevasse, give me the strength to change my life.  You must have cared.  Didn't you?

			HEDDA
		Not really.

			LVBORG
		Then why?

			HEDDA
		I was young.  I wasn't supposed to know anything.  About anything.

			LVBORG
		And that was it.  You were curious.  (She is silent.)

		So you didn't love me.  You wanted information - experience, second-hand.

			HEDDA
		Obviously I hoped to make a difference, have some influence over you.

			LVBORG
		In that case why did you break it off?

			HEDDA
		That was you.

			LVBORG
		No.  You put an end to it.

		(She is silent.)  Why?

			HEDDA
		It was getting out of control.

			LVBORG
		We were falling in love!

			HEDDA
		I couldn't have that.  Being infected by you - taken over.  It had to stop.

			LVBORG
		Why didn't you shoot me, you threatened to.

			HEDDA
		Oh I would have.

			LVBORG
		But you didn't.  That you spared me must have meant something.

			HEDDA
		Not at all.  I preferred not to risk a scandal.

			LVBORG
		You're a coward.
			HEDDA
		Perhaps.  However, I believe you've found more than adequate consolation.  Mrs Elvsted?

			LVBORG
		Who says so?

			HEDDA
		She does.

			LVBORG
		I see.  You've been talking to her.

			HEDDA
		As no doubt you have.

			LVBORG
		From time to time.

			HEDDA
		Telling her about me?

			LVBORG
		God no.

			HEDDA
		Why not, if she's your confidante.  Haven't you told her everything?

			LVBORG
		No.

			HEDDA
		Why ever not?

			LVBORG
		She wouldn't understand.  She's naive.

			HEDDA
		I see.  Naive.  She's a fool and I'm a coward.

She bends over him, looks into his eyes.

			HEDDA
		Would you like to know why I didn't kill you?

Pause.  They gaze at each other intensely.

			HEDDA
		(Softly)  It wasn't the only cowardly thing I did.  Or didn't do.  That night.

He turns, taking her meaning, and moves in on her.

			LVBORG
		Oh Hedda!

		Can't you see - don't you understand?  What you were looking for was Life!

		Life.

He tries to embrace her.  She removes herself.

			HEDDA
		That's enough, we'll have no more of that.

			LVBORG
		Please...

			HEDDA
		No!  Don't delude yourself...don't!

BERTA ushers in THEA.

			HEDDA
		Thea!...how lovely...at last.  I thought you were never coming.

THEA bows to the men within, who rise and bow.  LVBORG rises.  He and THEA nod to each other briefly.

			HEDDA
		(Indicates for THEA to sit)  My husband and the Judge are just leaving - off to enjoy themselves, a "welcome home" party.

			THEA
		(Alarmed, to LVBORG)  Will you be joining them?

			HEDDA
		Mr Lvborg will be staying.  He prefers our company.

THEA, relieved, makes to sit by LVBORG.

			HEDDA
		No, no.  Come and sit here, Thea dear - then I can be between you, enjoy you both.

They sit.  A pause.  LVBORG looks at THEA then to HEDDA.

			LVBORG
		Rather lovely, don't you think?

HEDDA strokes THEA'S hair.

			HEDDA
		And not only to look at, it seems.		

			LVBORG
		Mrs Elvsted and I are good friends.

			HEDDA
		Totally open?  No foraging?  Nothing oblique?
			THEA
		Oh Hedda he's made me so happy.  He says I've been his inspiration.  He truly believes that.

			HEDDA
		Does he?

			LVBORG
		She has courage, Mrs Tesman.

			HEDDA
		Thea, a glass of cold punch.

			THEA
		Thank you no, I never touch it.

			HEDDA
		You will, Mr Lvborg?

			LVBORG
		Thank you, no.

			HEDDA
		And if I want you to?

			LVBORG
		The answer would still be no.

			THEA
		He doesn't drink.

			HEDDA
		Oh!  Have I no power over you?

			LVBORG
		Not where this is concerned.

			HEDDA
		Surely - one glass - for my sake.  And your own.

			THEA
		Hedda!

			HEDDA
		Refusing the Judge's invitation to dinner - people may think you don't trust yourself.

			LVBORG
		People can think what they want.

			THEA
		(Low)  Hedda please...

			LVBORG
		Perhaps I prefer to stay and talk to you.

			HEDDA
		Bravo.  (To THEA)  You see, he sticks to his guns.  He won't be shaken.  What on earth were you worried about Thea, there was no need.

			THEA
		Worried?

			HEDDA
		When you came to me in such a state this morning.

			THEA
		Hedda, please!!

			HEDDA
		See for yourself.  Look at him - there was no need to get in a panic - why were you so frightened?

			LVBORG
		What is all this?

			THEA
		Hedda, what are you doing?

			HEDDA
		The Judge has his eye on us again, dreadful man.

			LVBORG
		(To THEA)  You were frightened?

			THEA
		(To HEDDA)  How could you?

			LVBORG
		My loyal friend has no faith in me.

			THEA
		Eilert, please -

			LVBORG
		(Picks up a glass of punch)  Your health, Thea.  (He empties the glass, refills it.)

			THEA
		(To HEDDA)  Why are you doing this?

			LVBORG
		Your health, Mrs Tesman.  (Lifts his glass)  Thank you for the information.  To you.  (He drinks, picks up the carafe again.)

			HEDDA
		Steady.  You're going to the Judge's party, remember.

			THEA
		No!

			HEDDA
		Be quiet, they can hear you.

LVBORG puts down his glass.

			LVBORG
		(To THEA)  Does your husband know you're here?

			THEA
		Oh Hedda, you've broken my heart.

			LVBORG
		Did he tell you to follow me?

			THEA
		Eilert!

			LVBORG
		Here's to the Magistrate!

			HEDDA
		No more now.  You're going to read your manuscript, remember?

			LVBORG
		(Puts down his glass, calmly to THEA)  They'll see.  Never mind what I was.  That's over, thanks to you.  I owe you everything.

			THEA
		And you won't go out -

BRACK and JORGEN enter from within.

			LVBORG
		(Rises)  I'll join you if I may.

			THEA
		No, please!...

			HEDDA
		(Grasps THEA'S arm)  Sssh!...

			BRACK
		You'll come?

			LVBORG
		Yes.

			BRACK
		Delighted.

			JORGEN
		Splendid.  But how will Mrs Elvsted get home, Hedda?

			HEDDA
		Oh, don't worry about that.

			LVBORG
		I shall come and fetch her.  At ten o'clock.  Will that suit, Mrs Elvsted?

			HEDDA
		We're obliged to you.

			JORGEN
		I hope you won't expect me back so soon, Hedda.

			HEDDA
		Stay as long as you want, my dear.

			THEA
		I'll wait then, Mr Lvborg, till you come for me.

			LVBORG
		I shall be here.

			BRACK
		On with the party!  Let's hope we'll have what a certain beautiful lady suggests, a splendid night out.

			HEDDA
		A certain beautiful lady would adore to be present - invisibly - just to hear and see all the antics.

			BRACK
		Oh not at all a suitable occupation for beautiful ladies.

			JORGEN
		(Laughs)  I agree, what?

			BRACK
		Goodnight then, ladies.

			LVBORG
		(Bows)  Until ten o'clock.

The MEN leave.  BERTA enters, sets down a lamp and goes.  THEA walks up and down.

			THEA
		Oh Hedda, how is this going to end?

			HEDDA
		With Eilert Lvborg, joyful and triumphant, standing in front of me with vine leaves in his hair.

			THEA
		Can you be sure of that?

			HEDDA
		He'll be himself.  Freed...released for the rest of his life.  You'll see.

			THEA
		I pray God you know what you're doing.

			HEDDA
		He'll come through.  He must!

			THEA
		Hedda!

			HEDDA
		He must, that's all.

			THEA
		(Slight pause)  What is it, what is it that you want?

			HEDDA
		For once it will be my influence -

			THEA
		Surely you've enough influence already -

			HEDDA
		No.

			THEA
		Not over your husband?

			HEDDA
		Tesman?!

		I have nothing.

		I have nothing and you are rich and I think after all, I will burn off your hair...burn it all away.

			THEA
		Stop it!  Hedda, let go, you're frightening me!

BERTA appears from the back room.

			BERTA
		I've laid out a tray on the table, madam, is that right?

			HEDDA
		Mrs Elvsted and I will come through.

			BERTA
		(Going)  ...come through...

			THEA
		No.  I'd like to leave now.

			HEDDA
		There's no-one to take you.

			THEA
		I'll walk home alone.

		I'd like to go now, please.

			HEDDA
		Oh don't be so stupid you little fool.  We'll wait together and at ten o'clock Eilert Lvborg will come through the door with vine leaves in his hair - vine leaves, do you hear?

She pulls THEA into the inner room.

ACT THREE

The same scene, lamps low, curtains drawn.  The door of the stove is open and the light from the fire visible.  THEA wrapped in a shawl, huddles by the fire.  On the sofa HEDDA lies asleep, covered by a rug.  THEA sits up, listens, lies back wearily.

			THEA
		(Sighs)  Ohh...

Silence.  BERTA enters quietly with a letter.

			THEA
		(Sits up)  Is he back?

			BERTA
		It's a letter, Miss.  For Master Jorgie - Miss Tesman's new maid come over with it.

			THEA
		(Alarmed)  In the middle of the night?

			BERTA
		Night?  It's morning.  Seven o'clock.

			THEA
		Morning?  (As BERTA waves the letter)  Leave it on the table, we'll see he gets it.

			BERTA
		...gets it.  Shall I see to the lamp, it's starting to smoke.

			THEA
		Thank you - could you draw the curtains?

			BERTA
		...the curtains.

BERTA turns out the lamp, crosses and draws back the curtains.  Daylight floods in.

			THEA
		Daylight?  And no-one's come in?

			BERTA
		Not a soul, Miss.

			THEA
		Mr Lvborg?

			BERTA
		Not a sight of him.

			THEA
		Oh dear.

			BERTA
		I've known that gentleman since he was a lad.  They shouldn't ought to have taken him, he didn't ought to have gone with them.

			THEA
		Ssh, we mustn't wake Mrs Tesman.

			BERTA
		Ooh - sorry.  (Whispers)  Shall I make up the fire?

			THEA
		Oh, don't bother for me.

			BERTA
		Suit yourself, Miss.

She goes out.  HEDDA wakes up.

			HEDDA
		Who was that?

			THEA
		Only the maid.

			HEDDA
		(Sits up)  What time is it?

			THEA
		(Looks at her watch)  Just after seven.

			HEDDA
		Seven?  When did Tesman come in?

			THEA
		He isn't back yet.  No-one is.

			HEDDA
		They've been out all night?

			THEA
		Yes.

			HEDDA
		We should have gone to bed.  Did you get any sleep?

			THEA
		No.

			HEDDA
		Oh for heavens' sake.  Why didn't you make yourself comfortable?

THEA shakes her head, unable to answer.

			HEDDA
		What are you worried about?

			THEA
		Aren't you?

			HEDDA
		Of course not.  Obviously the party went on into the small hours, Tesman was concerned about waking us up in the middle of the night - anyway, he probably preferred not to be seen in the state I've no doubt he was in.

			THEA
		But where are they?

			HEDDA
		He'll have gone to his aunts.

			THEA
		No.  They've just sent him a note - its over there on the table.

HEDDA crosses, picks up the letter and inspects it.

			HEDDA
		Ah, from the beloved Miss Tesman.  He's obviously not there.  Still with the Judge I daresay, having listened all night to Eilert, mesmerising them -

			THEA
		You don't believe that.

			HEDDA
		- turning the pages, his eyes alive - of course I believe it, don't you, mere mortal?  Oh, go to bed.

			THEA
		What's the point?  I won't be able to sleep.

			HEDDA
		Yes you will.  Go up to my room and pull down the blinds.

			THEA
		I need to be here.

			HEDDA
		You are here.  I'll call you as soon as they arrive.

			THEA
		You promise to wake me?

			HEDDA
		(Nods)  Of course.  Go and get some rest.

			THEA
		Thank you.
She goes.  HEDDA crosses and looks out of the window.  She picks up a hand mirror, tidies her hair and rings the bell.

			BERTA
		Did you want something, Madam?

			HEDDA
		Yes.  Build up the fire, it's freezing in here.

			BERTA
		I'll soon get you warmed up.

She rakes the embers and throws on logs.  The doorbell rings.  She straightens up.

			BERTA
		Was that the doorbell?

			HEDDA
		Answer it, I'll see to the fire.

BERTA exits.  HEDDA kneels before the fire and puts on more wood.  JORGEN enters, looking white and serious.  He makes to cross.

			HEDDA
		(Without looking up)  Good morning.

			JORGEN
		(Jumps)  Hedda!  You're up!

			HEDDA
		You sound amazed.

			JORGEN
		I thought you would still be asleep.

			HEDDA
		I've given my bed to Mrs Elvsted so I'd be obliged if you'd tread quietly.

			JORGEN
		Mrs Elvsted?  What is she doing here?

			HEDDA
		She's been here all night.  No-one came to collect her.

She closes the stove, rises, wiping her hands.

			HEDDA
		So, did you have a splendid evening?

			JORGEN
		I hope you weren't worried.

			HEDDA
		Not in the least, I asked if you had enjoyed yourself.

			JORGEN
		Well - yes, it was - anyway, early on - that was when Eilert and I were able to retire and he read while the Judge was otherwise engaged.

			HEDDA
		He read to you.

			JORGEN
		Just to me.  it was - it was -

			HEDDA
		Tell me!

			JORGEN
		(Simply)  I was overwhelmed, Hedda.

			HEDDA
		Overwhelmed?

			JORGEN
		I don't think it's ever been my privilege to listen to anything so impressive.  Impressive in scope, in daring, in depth.  The language itself - just to have been the first to listen is an honour that I doubt can ever be repeated in my life.  I was witness to a major, innovative work that will certainly change the world.

			HEDDA
		Never mind the book.  How is - ?

			JORGEN
		And do you know what I felt?  Hedda - I can honestly say that I've never, ever, experienced such a feeling before.

			HEDDA
		Feeling...what feeling?

			JORGEN
		Envy.  I sat across from him and I was invaded with wave after wave of overwhelming...

			HEDDA
		Envy.

			JORGEN
		There we were and I looked at him and all I could think was - why?  All that talent sitting inside the head of a man so wild - profligate even -

			HEDDA
		A man not afraid to live.

			JORGEN
		Hedda, there are limits.  To be divinely endowed with a god-given gift carries responsibility.  To watch it, as I have, being thrown about - treated as nothing at all.

			HEDDA
		What happened after he finished?

			JORGEN
		Well we all enjoyed ourselves, especially Eilert.

			HEDDA
		I daresay.  Did he have vine leaves in his hair?

			JORGEN
		Vine leaves?  (Laughs)  I didn't see any.  A lot of the time he was talking about a woman.  He went on and on about her.

			HEDDA
		What woman?

			JORGEN
		I don't know.  He just kept talking about her.

			HEDDA
		What did he say?

			JORGEN
		Apparently she's his inspiration.

			HEDDA
		Inspiration?

			JORGEN
		He said the thought of her kept him alive.  He must mean Mrs Elvsted.

			HEDDA
		Little Thea?  Hardly.

			JORGEN
		Who else is there?

			HEDDA
		I can't imagine.  Where is he now?

			JORGEN
		Eilert?  I don't know.  Brack needed some fresh air so we agreed to take Eilert back to his lodgings.  He was -

			HEDDA
		I daresay.

			JORGEN
		But then - Hedda - I still can't - (he shakes his head in disbelief.)

			HEDDA
		What happened?
			JORGEN
		The others went on ahead.  I was trying to catch up when I tripped over something.  You will never believe me when I tell you what made me lose my balance.  What do you think?

			HEDDA
		How should I know?

			JORGEN
		This!

He pulls a large wrapped package from his pocket.

			JORGEN
		Please - not a word to anyone.

			HEDDA
		What is it?

			JORGEN
		Eilert's book!  His precious, irreplaceable manuscript...he dropped it in the street without even noticing - can you imagine?

			HEDDA
		Why didn't you give it back?

			JORGEN
		In his state, how could I?

HEDDA moves away.

			HEDDA
		Who else knows?

			JORGEN
		No-one.

			HEDDA
		Only you.

			JORGEN
		Yes.  And you mustn't say a word, for his sake.

			HEDDA
		Did you tell him you had it?

			JORGEN
		I didn't get a chance, he went off with the others.

			HEDDA
		They took him home?

			JORGEN
		Presumably.  Brack disappeared, and then I -

			HEDDA
		Yes, what about you?
			JORGEN
		The rest of us went off to find a coffee house - believe me, we needed it.

			HEDDA
		(Abstracted)  Ye-es...

			JORGEN
		I'll go to bed now, give Eilert a chance to sleep it off and then take the manuscript round to him, lay his mind at rest.  Of course he may not even know that it's missing.

He clasps the manuscript protectively.  HEDDA lies back on the sofa, lifts a hand.

			HEDDA
		Give it to me, I'd like to read it.

			JORGEN
		Oh not now surely Hedda?  I really can't let it out of my hands.

			HEDDA
		Why not?

			JORGEN
		I must get it back to him, he'll be distraught, it's the only copy.  Suppose it went astray?

			HEDDA
		Then he'd have to write it all over again.

			JORGEN
		No, no, no - impossible.  A work of imagination can't be replicated.

			HEDDA
		Can it not?

			JORGEN
		No.

			HEDDA
		If you say so.  By the way, there's a letter for you.  (She indicates.)

JORGEN crosses, picks up the letter, and reads.

			JORGEN
		Oh Hedda!

			HEDDA
		What?

			JORGEN
		It's Aunt Rina.

			HEDDA
		Dead?

			JORGEN
		No, but in a very bad way.  I must go over at once.  (He moves, turns back.)  Hedda - ?

			HEDDA
		Yes?

			JORGEN
		Would you - could you bring yourself to come with me?

			HEDDA
		Out of the question.  I want nothing to do with illness, people dying - how can you ask, you know I hate anything ugly, I won't have it.

			JORGEN
		I'm sorry.  I forgot.  I beg your pardon.

			HEDDA
		You'd better get off.

			JORGEN
		Yes, I must dash.  What did I do with my coat!  (He exits, returns, putting on his coat.)  I'll - I'll go then.

			BERTA
		(Enters, whispers in HEDDA'S ear)  It's the Judge.  He'd like a word, Mum.

			JORGEN
		At this hour?  No - yes - no, tell him I can't just now.

			HEDDA
		Ask him to come in.  (BERTA goes.)

			JORGEN
		(Whispers)  Hedda - the manuscript!

She grabs it from the footstool.  He holds out his hand.

			JORGEN
		Thank you...

			HEDDA
		No.  I'll take care of it for now.

She puts the package away in one of the drawers of the writing table.  BERTA ushers in BRACK.

			BERTA
		Judge Brack, Madam.  (She bobs to the JUDGE then to HEDDA, decides not to bob to JORGEN and goes.)
			HEDDA
		An unusually early bird.  Anything amiss?

			BRACK
		No, no.  Are you off, Tesman?

			JORGEN
		Aunt Rina's been taken ill.  I'm afraid it's serious this time -

			BRACK
		Then you'd better hurry, man.

			JORGEN
		Yes - I must.  (He attempts to kiss HEDDA.)  Goodbye.

He goes.  HEDDA settles on the sofa.

			HEDDA
		Tea?

			BRACK
		Perhaps later.

			HEDDA
		I hear you had a good evening last night.

			BRACK
		Why, what has he been telling you?

			HEDDA
		Nothing.  Except that he went off to a coffee house to sober up.  Were you - ?

			BRACK
		I wasn't with them.

			HEDDA
		I gather Eilert was delivered back safely.

			BRACK
		Tesman said that?

			HEDDA
		So he was told.

			BRACK
		A simple soul, Jorgen.

			HEDDA
		True.  What is the matter?  Is something up?

			BRACK
		I'm afraid so.

			HEDDA
		That's why you're here?  Do sit...

		Well?

			BRACK
		Some of my guests went on to another establishment after they left me.

			HEDDA
		Eilert?

			BRACK
		He said no at first.

			HEDDA
		But then?

			BRACK
		He became - as it were - somewhat inspired.  Bacchus replaced Apollo.

			HEDDA
		I know.  Tesman said so.

			BRACK
		Men may worship virtue but, alas, not always -

			HEDDA
		Oh, I don't see your descending into the less than divine, Judge.  What happened?

			BRACK
		Do you know of a woman called Madame Diane?  She runs an establishment for - entertainment.

			HEDDA
		Red-haired?  A singer?

			BRACK
		Among other things.  Lvborg knew her well in the old days.  I believe he was her most ardent patron at one time.

			HEDDA
		So the evening went well?

			BRACK
		Not entirely.  What began as a renewal of acquaintance ended, I'm afraid to say, in a brawl.  There was an argument over money.  In the end the police were called.  Lvborg, I fear, is in trouble.

			HEDDA
		Trouble?

			BRACK
		Apparently he was in, what shall we say, a combative mood.  He decided to take on the police force.  Which was unwise.  He was arrested.

			HEDDA
		You saw all this?

			BRACK
		(Shakes his head)  No.  I was informed of it by the police.

			HEDDA
		Alas for the vine leaves...

			BRACK
		I'm sorry?

			HEDDA
		Well, you've no cause for concern.  You weren't involved.

			BRACK
		I was his host earlier in the evening.  When that fact is read out in court -

			HEDDA
		In court?  Will it come to that?

			BRACK
		Undoubtedly.

			HEDDA
		It hardly concerns Tesman or me.

			BRACK
		No.  Not at all.  Not directly.

			HEDDA
		Directly?

			BRACK
		He may attempt to use you.

			HEDDA
		How?

			BRACK
		You must be aware of the situation with Mrs Elvsted.  That she does not intend to return to her husband in the near future.

			HEDDA
		That is no concern of mine.

			BRACK
		But it might be.  I'm afraid most doors will be closed to Mr Lvborg after last night's adventures.

			HEDDA
		And mine should be too?

			BRACK
		It would be wise.  And - I confess - the inconvenience of an intruder into our... friendship...

		I should hate to feel homeless.

			HEDDA
		As cock of the walk you would seek to -

			BRACK
		- to defend my position.  With vigour.

			HEDDA
		Indeed.  I see you're a dangerous man, Judge.

			BRACK
		You think so?

			HEDDA
		It's as well that I'm in no way beholden to you - that I've nothing to fear.

			BRACK
		Have you not?

			HEDDA
		Nothing that I can think of.

			BRACK
		(Laughs)  Who knows?  Who knows, Mrs Hedda?

			HEDDA
		Is that a threat?

			BRACK
		(Rises)  On the contrary.  My sacred aim is the protection of our "arrangement".  A worthy crusade, wouldn't you say?

			HEDDA
		Celestial.

			BRACK
		Well, I've delivered my message.  I must be on my way.  Good-day to you, Mrs Hedda.

He crosses to the French windows.

			HEDDA
		(Rising)  You're going out by the garden?

			BRACK
		With your permission.  For convenience - and a back way can be so intriguing, don't you agree?
			HEDDA
		Even with the risk of being shot?

			BRACK
		Oh, people don't shoot sitting birds.  A tame cock can be a valued species, a useful household addition.  With just the one on the horizon.

They laugh.  He bows and goes.  HEDDA watches him, then crosses to the writing desk.  She takes out the package and removes Lvborg's book, when she hears BERTA'S voice.

			BERTA
		(Offstage)  No, you can't come in, it's not convenient, she's not at home -

			LVBORG
		Get out of my way.

HEDDA puts the book away swiftly as LVBORG erupts into the room.

			BERTA
		Madam, he just pushed -

			HEDDA
		That's all right.  (She waves BERTA off.)

Silence.  Then LVBORG bows.

			HEDDA
		A little late to be collecting Mrs Elvsted, wouldn't you say?

			LVBORG
		Is she still here?  Where's Tesman?

			HEDDA
		In bed.

			LVBORG
		When did he come in?

			HEDDA
		Half an hour ago.  I gather the party was a success.

			LVBORG
		Did he say anything?

			HEDDA
		He may have, I don't remember, I was half asleep.

THEA enters.  She runs towards LVBORG.

			THEA
		Oh Eilert - oh, you're here!

She tries to embrace him but he turns away.

			THEA
		What's the matter?  What's happened?

			LVBORG
		It's over.

			THEA
		What?

			LVBORG
		I'm finished.

			THEA
		Don't say that.

			LVBORG
		You'll say it when you hear what -

			THEA
		No.  I don't want to know what happened last night.

			LVBORG
		I'm not talking about last night.

			THEA
		Then what?

			LVBORG
		It's over.  You and me.  Finished.

			THEA
		Why?

He shakes his head.

			THEA
		How can you say that?

He walks away.

			THEA
		I've been of use to you, haven't I, for the work?

			LVBORG
		There won't be any more work.

Silence.

			THEA
		Then my life is over.

			LVBORG
		Forget me.  Forget you ever knew me.

			THEA
		You know I can't do that.
			LVBORG
		Go home, Thea.

			THEA
		No.  I'm staying.  Here, with you.  Till the new book comes out.

He sits abruptly, his head in his hands.

			THEA
		I want to see you honoured and respected, worshipped for what you are.  I want to be there - witness your triumph - the glory of the book's achievement.

			LVBORG
		There will be no book.

			THEA
		Why not?  Of course there will - it's there - done - created with all the sweep of imagination that I have been witness to, day after day...

			LVBORG
		There is no book.

Silence.

			THEA
		Eilert - what have you done?

		Where is it?

		Where is the manuscript?

		Where is it, I have a right to know.

			LVBORG
		There is no manuscript.  I've torn it up.

			THEA
		(Screams)  No!  No!  No!

			HEDDA
		You've destroyed it?

			LVBORG
		Don't you believe me?

			HEDDA
		Of course if you say so.  You've torn up your manuscript.

			THEA
		Oh my God.

		All that thought, all that work, all that life...

			LVBORG
		Yes.  Life.  Thrown away, smashed.

			THEA
		When?

			LVBORG
		Last night.  A thousand pieces into the water.  Gone.  Finished.  Like me.

			THEA
		You've killed our child.

			LVBORG	
		Yes.  That's what I've done.  That's exactly what I've done.

			THEA
		It was my child too!

			HEDDA
		(Turns away)  Child...

THEA weeps.  They wait silently until she stops.

			THEA
		It's over then.

She rises, crosses, puts on her coat.

			HEDDA
		Where will you go?

			THEA
		I have no idea.

She looks across at LVBORG.  He regards her bleakly.  She turns and goes.

Silence.

			HEDDA
		Can't you take her home?

			LVBORG
		And let people see her with me?

			HEDDA
		Why not?  Of course I don't know what went on last night but it can't have been that bad, surely?

			LVBORG
		(Pause)  She was the one who made it happen.  She created the book, not me - it was her will, her energy -

			HEDDA
		(To herself)  Little Thea?  Little Thea?!  (She crosses and stands over him.)  You're being very heartless in that case after all she's done for you.

			LVBORG
		(Mutters)  Oh, she's done for me.

		(Short pause)  I lied to her.

			HEDDA
		Lied?

			LVBORG
		It's not at the bottom of the fjord.

			HEDDA
		The  book?  Where is it?

			LVBORG
		Who knows?

		(He lifts his head laughing)  "I do apologise, I appear to have mislaid our son.  He's out there somewhere - alive - dead.  Will you ever see him again?  Unlikely."

		All that time.

		Waylaying - beguiling - finding discipline where there was none.

		(He walks about.)

		Such a mild woman.

		Unexciting.  A face in the crowd.

		And she's finished me.

			HEDDA
		Finished you?

		LVBORG
		There's nothing left.  I'm used up.  She's used me up.

			HEDDA
		(Pause)  So it's over.  What are you going to do?

			LVBORG
		Why do you think I'm here?

Pause.  Then HEDDA crosses, takes out one of her pistols, hands it to him.

			LVBORG
		Thank you.
			HEDDA
		I nearly killed you with this once before.

He puts it in his pocket.

			HEDDA
		Don't come here again.

They look at each other.  He turns to go.

			HEDDA
		(Calls)  Do it beautifully.

He pauses.  And goes.

HEDDA crosses to the window to watch him go.  She stands for a long moment and then begins to walk up and down, arms clasped.  She pauses, and then resumes walking only now she moves more and more quickly until suddenly she darts across the room, wrenches open the drawer and takes out the manuscript.  She holds it, and then rips open the packaging.  She looks at the bound manuscript, riffles the pages.  She walks back and forth, reading.  Then stands, clasping the manuscript to her.  Dreamily she crosses and sits by the fire, clutching the manuscript.  Absently she leans forward, opens the stove.  And stays, nursing the manuscript for a long time.  And then throws it in the fire in one violent gesture.

			HEDDA
		There goes the child.

She sits back, watching the flames.

			HEDDA
		Thea, did you know your hair was on fire?

ACT FOUR

The drawing room.  Evening.  HEDDA moves slowly back and forth.  She goes into the back room and loud Wagnerian discords on the piano are heard.  As she returns BERTA enters with a lamp.  She is dressed in black with black ribbons in her cap, and her face shows signs of weeping.  HEDDA crosses to the French windows and looks out.  As she moves away from the window, BERTA bobs and draws the curtains.  She bobs again and goes.  Pause.  The sound of voices.  HEDDA crosses to greet MISS TESMAN, who enters from the hall in black hat and veiling.  HEDDA extends her hand.

			MISS TESMAN
		Well, Hedda.  As you see, my dear sister's struggles are over at last.

			HEDDA
		Tesman sent me a note.

			MISS TESMAN
		He promised he would but I had to tell you myself, bring the sad news of death into this house of life.

			HEDDA
		Thank you, that was kind.

			MISS TESMAN
		Why did she have to leave us now?  Now is not the time for this house to be in mourning.  Now is a time for joy - expectation.

			HEDDA
		(Cuts across)  I believe she died peacefully.

			MISS TESMAN
		Yes, it was an easy death.  She was able to see her dear Jorgie for one last time, she went quietly after that.  Is Jorgen back yet?

			HEDDA
		Not as far as I'm aware.  Do sit down.

			MISS TESMAN
		Thank you no, Hedda dear.  I must go home and lay her out, make sure she looks beautiful for her last journey.

			HEDDA
		Can I do anything?  I mean -

			MISS TESMAN
		Heavens no, you mustn't concern yourself, especially just now.  We can't have you thinking about death and mourning, that wouldn't do at all.

			HEDDA
		I do prefer not to hear -

			MISS TESMAN
		(Carries on)  It's the way of the world.  A shroud today but another sort of sewing in this house soon, thanks be to God.

JORGEN enters.

			HEDDA
		There you are.

			JORGEN
		Aunt Julla!  You're here, with Hedda.  Well!

			MISS TESMAN
		I'm just going, dear boy.  Did you manage to do everything I asked?

			JORGEN
		I'm afraid not.  My head is in a spin.  I'll come over later when I'm more myself.

			MISS TESMAN
		Oh Jorgie dear, you mustn't take it so badly.  Remember.  In the midst of sorrow we are in joy.  Keep a glad heart, be joyous, as I am.

			JORGEN
		About losing Aunt Rina?

			HEDDA
		You'll miss her, Miss Tesman.

			MISS TESMAN
		Oh yes.  For a little while but dear Rina's place will be filled soon enough.  Her room won't be empty for long.

			JORGEN
		You've arranged for someone else already?

HEDDA stifles a laugh.

			MISS TESMAN
		Not yet but the world is full of lonely souls, Jorgie, take my word for it.  There will be some poor invalid out there who needs nursing.  

			HEDDA
		Another incumbrance?

			MISS TESMAN
		Incumbrance?  Caring for Rina has been no cross for me!

			HEDDA
		She was your sister.  It's hardly the same, a stranger in the house.

			MISS TESMAN
		The sick are so grateful and I must make myself useful, find something to live for.  Mind you, an old aunt can be a boon when needed, as you'll find out soon enough.

			HEDDA
		I beg your pardon?

			JORGEN
		(Uneasy)  Everything will sort itself out, what?

			MISS TESMAN
		I'll be on my way.  Something tells me you two have things to talk about.  (Smiles)  Who knows, Jorgie?  Perhaps Hedda has a little secret for you.  Goodbye, I must get back to Rina.  (She turns back in the doorway.)  Dear God, isn't it strange?  Rina is at peace.  As I am.  She's with your father, our beloved brother.  Both gone, yet still here in my heart.

			JORGEN
		Of course they are.  Where they belong.

MISS TESMAN goes.  HEDDA surveys JORGEN coldly.

			HEDDA
		You seem more upset than she is.		

			JORGEN
		About Aunt Rina?  Of course, but it was expected.  It's the other thing.  Eilert.

			HEDDA
		Where is he, have you spoken to him?

			JORGEN
		I went straight to his lodgings, to say that his manuscript was safe.

			HEDDA
		No doubt he was relieved.

			JORGEN
		He wasn't there.  I spoke to Mrs Elvsted, she said Eilert had come here this morning.  Did he?

			HEDDA
		Yes, he arrived just after you left.

			JORGEN
		And?  Apparently he's going about telling everyone he's torn up the manuscript.  What did he say to you?

			HEDDA
		The same.  He said it was no longer in existence.  That he'd torn it up.

			JORGEN
		Mad!  (A dreadful thought strikes him.)  You didn't give it to him?

			HEDDA
		No.

			JORGEN
		Did you tell him we had it?

			HEDDA
		No.  Did you tell Thea where it was?

			JORGEN
		Under the circumstances between them, I thought it better not to, but perhaps you should have told him, Hedda.  He's in a dreadful state, we don't know what he might do.  I must get over there right away - where is it?

			HEDDA
		What?

			JORGEN
		The manuscript!

			HEDDA
		I haven't got it.

			JORGEN
		What do you mean, you haven't got it - why not?

			HEDDA
		I burned it.

			JORGEN
		(Screams)  Burned it?  You burned it - Eilert's manuscript?  His book?

			HEDDA
		For God's sake, keep your voice down.

			JORGEN
		Burned it?

		No.  You can't have.  It's not possible.

HEDDA crosses, opens the fire and displays the ashes.

			JORGEN
		What have you done?

		What have you done?

		You have destroyed someone else's property.  That is against the law.  Ask Judge Brack.

			HEDDA
		I suggest that you say nothing, either to Judge Brack or anyone else.

			JORGEN
		But to - ?  How could you do anything so...... it's unbelievable!  What on earth came over you, are you not yourself?  Tell me, I need to know!

			HEDDA
		(Pause)  I did it for you.

			JORGEN
		For me?!

			HEDDA
		You came back here this morning and told me that he had been reading to you.  That what you heard was magnificent, better than anything you could ever imagine, ever dream of doing yourself.  You were jealous.  You said so.

			JORGEN
		I know I did.  It's simply that I was surprised to feel such - such -

			HEDDA
		Envy.

			JORGEN
		I didn't mean it.  Not seriously.

			HEDDA
		You said you were jealous, Jorgen.  (He gasps.)  I couldn't bear it for you.  I couldn't bear to see you pushed aside.

			JORGEN
		You called me Jorgen.  (In amazement)  You did it for me.  My God, Hedda, do you really mean that you feel deeply for me?  I never knew that.

			HEDDA
		Then you should know it.  Particularly just now.  I have some news for you.  (But she cannot bring herself to say it.)  Oh, ask your Aunt. 

			JORGEN
		Oh my dear love - do you mean - are you telling me - oh, can it be possible?  Already?

			HEDDA
		Shut up, the servant will hear you.

			JORGEN
		The servant - you mean Berta?  I must go and tell her at once!

			HEDDA
		No.
			JORGEN
		No?

			HEDDA
		Don't.

		I can't.

			JORGEN
		Dearest, what is it?

			HEDDA
		I don't want -

			JORGEN
		But surely, aren't you - ?  I'm so happy, I want to rush out and tell everyone but if you'd rather I didn't.  I won't say anything to Berta.

			HEDDA
		Why not tell everyone?  Tell the world - every earthly inhabitant from here to Vladivostok.

			JORGEN
		Perhaps Aunt Ju.  Yes, Aunt Ju must know.  Oh - and Hedda - I must tell her that you called me Jorgen for the first time, it will make her so happy.

			HEDDA
		And that I burned Eilert Lvborg's manuscript for you - do you think she'll appreciate that?

			JORGEN
		(Remembering)  Oh heavens.

		What can we - ?

		We'd better -

		Perhaps for now no-one should know.  That you would do that for me!  I must certainly let Aunt Julla know of your loyalty, your feelings for me.  Is it general, such attachment between husband and wife?

			HEDDA
		Ask her, I'm sure she'll know.

			JORGEN
		I will, at the right moment.  But oh! - thinking about it - dreadful - the manuscript - poor Eilert!

A knock.  THEA enters.

			THEA
		Hedda, good morning, may I come in?  Do forgive me for intruding.

			HEDDA
		Why Thea, what's the matter?

			JORGEN
		Is it to do with Eilert?

			THEA
		Forgive me but I am out of my mind with worry.

			HEDDA
		What about?

			THEA
		I am so afraid that he may have had an accident.

			JORGEN
		An accident?  Eilert?

			HEDDA
		Well, has he?  Has he or hasn't he?

			THEA
		I don't know.  When I got back to the boarding house they were talking about him.  The whole town is full of the most awful rumours.

			JORGEN
		Take no notice.  I can tell you, he went straight home to bed.

			HEDDA
		What rumours?  What were they saying?

			THEA
		I don't know!  People went quiet when I said his name.  I didn't know what to do, I was too afraid to ask outright.

			JORGEN
		I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.

			THEA
		No.  I heard Eilert's name.  They mentioned the hospital.

			JORGEN
		Hospital?

			THEA
		I was so frightened I went straight to his rooms.

			HEDDA
		Was that wise?

			THEA
		What else could I do?  I couldn't bear not knowing.

			JORGEN
		And you weren't able to find him?

			THEA
		(Shakes her had)  They said he hadn't been home since yesterday.

			JORGEN
		Yesterday?

			THEA
		Something's happened, I know it.

			JORGEN
		Perhaps I should go into town, try to find out.

			HEDDA
		No.  Don't involve yourself.

BERTA ushers in JUDGE BRACK.  His manner is serious.  He nods, greeting them silently.

			JORGEN
		My dear Judge -		

			BRACK
		I felt obliged to call.

			JORGEN
		You've heard about Aunt Rina.

			BRACK
		Oh - yes.

			JORGEN
		Very sad.

			BRACK
		Indeed.  A release nonetheless.

			JORGEN
		Was there something else?  Has something else happened?

			HEDDA
		Not more bad news?

			BRACK
		That would depend on how you looked at it, Mrs Tesman.

			THEA
		It's to do with Eilert, isn't it?

			BRACK
		(Looks at her intently)  What makes you say that, Mrs Elvsted?  Have you heard something?

			THEA
		No - nothing.

			JORGEN
		For God's sake, Judge, tell us!

			BRACK
		I'm sorry.  Bad news.  He's been taken to the hospital.

			HEDDA
		Hospital?

			THEA
		(Whispers)  Eilert...

			BRACK
		I'm afraid he's dying.

			THEA
		(Whispers)  No...

			HEDDA
		Already?

			THEA
		Oh Hedda - (weeps) - Hedda!  And we parted so - with such -

			HEDDA
		(Whispers)  Thea, be quiet!

			THEA
		(Takes no notice)  I have to go to him, I must go - now! -

			BRACK
		I'm sorry.  They won't let you in.

			THEA
		But what happened, what's happened to him?

			JORGEN
		He hasn't tried to harm himself?

			HEDDA
		Why not, if he wants to?

			JORGEN
		Hedda, how can you!

			BRACK
		(Watching HEDDA steadily)  I'm afraid that Mrs Tesman is right.
			THEA
		Oh please...

			JORGEN
		You're saying he tried to commit suicide - no, I can't believe it.  Tried to kill himself?

			HEDDA
		With a pistol.

			BRACK
		Well guessed again, Mrs Tesman.

			THEA
		(Trying to compose herself)  When did this happen, Judge?

			BRACK
		Between 3 and 4 this afternoon.

			JORGEN
		My God, where?

			BRACK
		No idea.  In his lodgings I suppose, my dear chap.

			THEA
		No.  I was there.

			BRACK
		Somewhere else then.  I don't know, I was simply told that he had shot himself in the chest.

			HEDDA
		In the chest?  Not a head shot?

			BRACK
		Through the chest, Mrs Tesman.

			HEDDA
		Through the chest.  That would do.

			BRACK
		Why, Mrs Tesman?

			HEDDA
		Why not?

			THEA
		And you're saying the wound is fatal?

			BRACK
		Absolutely.  He may well be dead already.

			THEA
		Yes.  I feel it.

			JORGEN
		Where did you learn all this?
			BRACK
		From the police.

			HEDDA
		It's done.  Oh, the beauty of it!

			BRACK
		Mrs Tesman!

			THEA
		Beauty?  In killing yourself?

			JORGEN
		How can there possibly be beauty in such as this?!

			HEDDA
		Eilert Lvborg has done what he had to do.  What he had the courage to do.

			THEA
		No!  He was out of his mind.

			HEDDA
		You're wrong.  Quite wrong.

			THEA
		Of course he was out of his mind.  He must have been, to tear up his manuscript.

			BRACK
		His manuscript?  You mean he destroyed it?

			THEA
		Yes.  He told me.

			JORGEN
		(Pulls HEDDA aside)  This is going to haunt us forever.

			BRACK
		I see.  Very odd.

JORGEN, agitated, walks up and down.

			JORGEN
		It's unbearable, the thought of losing him.  Not only that - losing his work, the wonderful, wonderful book that would have made him immortal!

			THEA
		Yes.  If only one could - if there was some way -

			JORGEN
		What?

			THEA
		To piece it together again.

			JORGEN
		God, yes.  Oh, dear Lord, I'd give anything -

Silence.

			THEA
		(Quietly)  It may not be impossible, Mr Tesman.

			JORGEN
		How?!

			THEA
		I have all his notes.  The notes he dictated to me.

			HEDDA
		(Groans)  Ah!!

			JORGEN
		You kept them?  You've got them, Mrs Elvsted?

			THEA
		I brought them away with me when I left home.  I've been carrying them with me for safety ever since I arrived.

			JORGEN
		May I see?

THEA picks up and unlatches her leather bag.  She takes out two heavy folders.

			THEA
		They are not in order, I'm afraid.

			JORGEN
		Oh that can be sorted out.  If we were to work together - a joint effort, with my experience and your familiarity with text -

			THEA
		Could we?  Would it be possible?

			JORGEN
		I don't see why not.  If the notes are full enough.

			THEA
		Oh they are!  I took down every word!

			JORGEN
		Then it may be possible to reassemble the material -

			THEA
		- put the chapters together -

			JORGEN
		- if, as you say, the material is extant.

			BRACK
		Bravo.

			JORGEN
		Hedda!  It sounds as if the book will live after all - isn't that splendid?  Under the circumstances, can one do less?  (She walks away.)

			BRACK
		A joint effort...under your names...

			JORGEN
		No, no!

			THEA
		No, no, no.  His work.  Under his name.

			JORGEN
		Eilert's work entirely.  Mrs Thea and I may perhaps permit ourselves to append a foreword...and reference notes of course.  (To THEA)  Can it be achieved?

			THEA
		Yes - we must!

			JORGEN
		It shall be done.  I'll stake my life on it.

			HEDDA
		Your life?

			JORGEN
		Every free moment from this day forth.  My book will have to wait, Hedda, this is more important - I'm sure you understand.  I owe it to Eilert.

			HEDDA
		If you say so.

			JORGEN
		We must be strong, Mrs Elvsted.  Something good shall come out of this tragedy.  We have it in our power.  Will you join me?  (He indicates the back room.)  Do you think you could manage to - shall we try to be useful at this awful time?

			THEA
		Yes.  Oh yes, Mr Tesman!

			JORGEN
		(He escorts her to the other room.)  We can at least begin to organise our thoughts.

			THEA
		Indeed!
They go into the back room, sit across from each other and, heads down, begin to immerse themselves in the notes.  HEDDA crosses to the stove and sits.  BRACK rises and joins her.

			HEDDA
		Such an act.

			BRACK
		Lvborg?

			HEDDA
		The release of it!

			BRACK
		For him?

			HEDDA
		For me.  To know there is still someone in this world worthy of Olympus.

			BRACK
		My dear Hedda.

			HEDDA
		Surely you can understand the supremacy of a single superb act.

			BRACK
		He has obviously been close to you.  Very close.

			HEDDA
		Not your concern.  All I know is that Eilert Lvborg had the courage to live - and to die.  The courage to choose for himself.  To live celestially, and to die by his own choice.  Beautifully.

			BRACK
		This is what you believe?

			HEDDA
		I am witness to it.

			BRACK
		Then I am sorry to have to shatter your charming fairy tale.

			HEDDA
		Fairy tale?

			BRACK
		Oh, what is the difference?  Your illusions will be shattered soon enough, you may as well know the truth.

			HEDDA
		Know what?

			BRACK
		That he didn't shoot himself.  Not purposely.
			HEDDA
		What?!

			BRACK
		The facts of this mess are not exactly as I reported them just now.

			HEDDA
		What?  What haven't you said?

			BRACK
		I omitted certain details.  To spare the feelings of Mrs Elvsted.

			HEDDA
		What details?

			BRACK
		In the first place, he is already dead.

			HEDDA
		I know that.

			BRACK
		At the hospital.  He died without regaining consciousness.

			HEDDA
		What else?

			BRACK
		It didn't happen at his lodgings.

			HEDDA
		What difference does that make?

			BRACK
		A little, perhaps.  He was removed after the shooting from the bedroom of Madame Diane.

			HEDDA
		(Half rises and sits.)  That is impossible.  He could not have been there today.

			BRACK
		It was a return visit.  To retrieve something that he said had been stolen from him.  Apparently he was out of his mind, raving about a lost child -

			HEDDA
		Child?

			BRACK
		His manuscript, I presumed, but now I hear he'd already destroyed that so it must have been something else - his wallet perhaps.

			HEDDA
		I daresay.  And you say that is where he was found?

			BRACK
		Yes.  With a pistol which had been discharged and which had killed him instantly.

			HEDDA
		Through the heart.

			BRACK
		No.  Through the groin.

		Through the groin, Hedda.

Pause.  HEDDA rises, paces.

			HEDDA
		Why?

		Why this life-sentence of mind-poisoning banality?

		Why?

Silence.  She paces.

			BRACK
		There is another matter.

			HEDDA
		(Snarls)  Naturally even more debased.

			BRACK
		Not necessarily.  A possible - inconvenience.

			HEDDA
		Inconvenience?  To you?

			BRACK
		Probably not.  The pistol Lvborg was carrying -

			HEDDA
		What about it?

			BRACK
		It was, I presume, stolen.

			HEDDA
		No.

			BRACK
		No?  He didn't steal it?

			HEDDA
		No.
BRACK puts a finger to his lips as JORGEN and THEA enter from the back room.

			JORGEN
		It's very dark in there, Hedda.  May we use your writing-table if it isn't inconvenient?

			HEDDA
		Not at all, I'll move my papers.

			JORGEN
		Don't worry, there's plenty of room.

			HEDDA
		Allow me.

She picks up an object covered with music sheets, adds more covering and removes it to the back room.  JORGEN sets out papers on the writing-table, brings over a lamp and he and THEA settle down to work.  HEDDA returns from the back room and stands behind THEA, ruffling her hair.

			HEDDA
		Well, pretty little Thea, a new quest.  The Lvborg memorial!

			THEA
		(Looks up)  It won't be easy.

			JORGEN
		We'll manage - we must.  With my experience and Mrs Elvsted's excellent groundwork, we'll make a splendid team.

He pats THEA'S hand.  They smile at each other and settle down with the papers.

HEDDA crosses, sits on a stool by the fire.  BRACK stands over her, leaning on the armchair.

			HEDDA
		(Low)  What were you saying?  About the pistol?

			BRACK
		Saying?  I was saying that he must have stolen it.

			HEDDA
		What makes you think that?

			BRACK
		Because any other explanation is inconceivable.  Or should be.

Silence.

			BRACK
		He was here this morning, was he not?

			HEDDA
		Yes.

			BRACK
		Were you alone with him?

			HEDDA
		For a moment.

			BRACK
		Did you go out of the room while he was here?

			HEDDA
		Possibly.

			BRACK
		And where were your pistols at this time?

			HEDDA
		On the writing-table.

			BRACK
		Have you looked to see if they are still there?

			HEDDA
		No.

			BRACK
		I saw the pistol he had with him.  I know it well.

			HEDDA
		Where is it, have you got it?

			BRACK
		No.  It's with the police.

			HEDDA
		What will they do?

			BRACK
		Trace the owner.

			HEDDA
		Will they succeed?

			BRACK
		(Bends over, close.)  Not if I keep my mouth shut.

			HEDDA
		And if you don't?

			BRACK
		Then you must say that the pistol was stolen from you.

			HEDDA
		I'd rather die first!

			BRACK
		Oh, people say such things.  They never do them.

			HEDDA
		If the owner of the pistol becomes known -
			BRACK
		If the owner of the pistol become known there will be a hell of a scandal.  Your worst nightmare, Hedda.  Forced to descend into the arena with the rest of humanity - you and Madame Diane, together in court.  She will be required to say whether the death was suicide - an accident - or murder.  Was he threatening her with the pistol?  Did it go off accidentally or did she wrench it from him, kill him and then put it back in his pocket...a possibility, she's a resourceful woman.

			HEDDA
		All of which disgusting business has nothing to do with me.

			BRACK
		You will be asked if you provided Lvborg with the gun.  If so - why?  People will want to know.

HEDDA lowers her head.

			BRACK
		However.  (She looks up.)  There is no danger of that, as long as I say nothing.

			HEDDA
		How can I be sure that you won't?

			BRACK
		Because I am a man of discretion.

			HEDDA
		Which puts you in the driving seat.

			BRACK
		Hedda!  You can't believe that I would dream of abusing our new relationship.

			HEDDA
		Nevertheless, you hold the cards, do you not?

She rises, walks, returns.

			HEDDA
		In return for your silence I am to be dependant on your - interests.

			BRACK
		I anticipate that our - interests - will be mutual.

			HEDDA
		Nonetheless, I shan't be free.

			BRACK
		On, we resign ourselves to the inevitable in the end.

			HEDDA
		Do we?

She crosses to the writing-table, leans over JORGEN.

			HEDDA
		Going well?  Splendid.

			JORGEN
		It will take months, I'm afraid - longer.

			HEDDA
		(Imitating him)  "Well!  Imagine that!  Splendid!"  (She runs her hands through THEA'S hair, dislodging its neatness.)  Strange, hmm?  Who would have thought it?  Here you are, Thea, sitting with my husband, just as you sat with Eilert.

			THEA
		Oh Hedda, if only I can inspire and support him in the same way.

			HEDDA
		I'm sure you will.

			JORGEN
		Yes!  You know, Hedda, I'm beginning to feel full of life already.  Something wonderful is happening here.

			HEDDA
		Can I be of use to either of you?

			JORGEN
		No, no, you're interrupting, go back and talk to the Judge.  (Calls)  I must depend on you to amuse Hedda from now on, Brack.

			BRACK
		My pleasure, I assure you.  (He rises, indicates a seat.)  Mrs Tesman?

			HEDDA
		(Regards him steadily)  Thank you.

She makes as if to sit, changes her mind.

			HEDDA
		Would you forgive me, I'm feeling...I'll take a rest on the sofa.

			JORGEN
		(Calls without looking up)  You do that, my dear.

HEDDA looks around at them.  She crosses to the back room, drawing the curtains behind her.  Pause, then the crashing of chords on the piano,  making THEA jump.

			THEA
		Oh, good heavens!

			JORGEN
		(Rises, calls)  Hedda, my dear - no  music tonight please...think of Aunt Rina!  (THEA whispers to him)...and poor Eilert!

HEDDA opens the curtains and surveys the room.

			HEDDA
		Oh, I'll be quiet!

She closes the curtains.  JORGEN returns to the writing-table.

			JORGEN
		I daresay it's upsetting, having to watch us at this sad business.  I say - I've had an idea.  Why not, Mrs Elvsted - why not move in with Aunt Julla?  You would be more than welcome, she will be grateful for the company in her loss, and I'll run over every day and we'll work together.

			THEA
		Yes.  Yes indeed, that might be the best for everyone.

			HEDDA
		(Calls)  I can hear you, Tesman.  What am I to do, alone every day in this outpost?  How do you suggest I pass the time?

			JORGEN
		(Busy with THEA at the notes, calls)  Judge Brack can look in on you - yes Judge?

			BRACK
		Every evening without fail.

			HEDDA
		(Calls clearly)  That will suit you, won't it Judge?  Cock of the walk!  Enjoy it!  

Pause.  Then a shot from the back room.  THEA and JORGEN jolt to their feet.

			JORGEN
		Oh no!  She's playing with those wretched pistols again!

He dashes, pulls back the curtains.  HEDDA is on the floor, her rear in the air, showing her underwear, sprawled grotesquely in death.

			JORGEN
		(Screams)  She's shot herself!  She's blown her brains out - shot - imagine that - imagine - imagine - what?

BRACK sits rigid in his chair.

			BRACK
		Shot herself?

		My God.  People don't do that sort of thing.

THE END.