Lövborg.
That's true. Many thanks, Mrs. Tesman—in that case I will remain.
Hedda.
Then I have one or two orders to give the servant
[She goes to the hall door and rings. Berta enters. Hedda talks to her in a whisper, and points towards the inner room. Berta nods and goes out again.
Tesman.
[At the same time, to Lövborg.] Tell me, Eilert—is it this new subject—the future—that you are going to lecture about?
Lövborg.
Yes.
Tesman.
They told me at the bookseller's that you are going to deliver a course of lectures this autumn.
Lövborg.
That is my intention. I hope you won't take it ill, Tesman.
Tesman.
Oh no, not in the least! But?
Lövborg.
I can quite understand that it must be disagreeable to you.
Tesman.
[Cast down.] Oh, I can't expect you, out of consideration for me, to
