After a short pause, George Tesman enters from the hall. He looks tired and rather serious. He steals on tiptoe towards the middle doorway and is about to slip through the curtains.
Hedda. [At the stove, without looking up.] Good morning.
Tesman. [Turns.] Hedda! [Approaching her.] Good heavens—are you up so early? Eh?
Hedda. Yes, I am up very early this morning.
Tesman. And I never doubted you were still sound asleep. Fancy that, Hedda!
Hedda. Don't speak so loud. Mrs. Elvsted is resting in my room.
Tesman. Has Mrs. Elvsted been here all night?
Hedda. Yes, since no one came to fetch her.
Tesman. Ah, to be sure.
Hedda. [Closes the door of the stove and rises.] Well, did you enjoy yourselves at Judge Brack's?
Tesman. Have you been anxious about me? Eh?
