ACT THIRD.
The room at the Tesmans'. The curtains are drawn over the middle doorway, and also over the glass door. The lamp, half turned down, and with a shade over it, is burning on the table. In the stove, the door of which stands open, there has been a fire, which is now nearly burnt out.
Mrs. Elvsted, wrapped in a large shawl, and with her feet upon a foot-rest, sits close to the stove, sunk back in the arm-chair. Hedda, fully dressed, lies sleeping upon the sofa, with a sofa-blanket over her.
Mrs. Elvsted.
[After a pause, suddenly sits up in her chair, and listens eagerly. Then she sinks back again wearily, moaning to herself.] Not yet!—Oh God—oh God—not yet!
Berta slips cautiously in by the hall door. She has a letter in her hand.
Mrs. Elvsted.
[Turns and whispers eagerly.] Well—has any one come?
Berta.
[Softly.] Yes, a girl has just brought this letter.
