Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/117

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Hedda.

[Tossing her head.] Oh, you're thinking of the annoyances about this wretched professorship! But that must be Tesman's own affair. I assure you I shall not waste a thought upon it.

Brack.

No, no, I daresay not. But suppose now that what people call—in elegant language—a solemn responsibility were to come upon you? [Smiling.] A new responsibility, Mrs. Hedda?

Hedda.

[Angrily.] Be quiet! Nothing of that sort will ever happen!

Brack.

[Warily.] We will speak of this again a year hence—at the very outside.

Hedda.

[Curtly.] I have no turn for anything of the sort, Judge Brack. No responsibilities for me!

Brack.

Are you so unlike the generality of women as to have no turn for duties which——?

Hedda.

[Beside the glass door.] Oh, be quiet, I tell you!—I often think there is only one thing in the world I have any turn for.

Brack.

[Drawing near to her.] And what is that, if I may ask?