TESMAN.

[Patting her back.] There there there---!


MISS TESMAN.

[Suddenly changing her tone.] And to think that here are you a married
man, George!--And that you should be the one to carry off Hedda Gabler
--the beautiful Hedda Gabler! Only think of it--she, that was so
beset with admirers!


TESMAN.

[Hums a little and smiles complacently.] Yes, I fancy I have several
good friends about town who would like to stand in my shoes--eh?


MISS TESMAN.

And then this fine long wedding-tour you have had! More than five--
nearly six months---


TESMAN.

Well, for me it has been a sort of tour of research as well. I have
had to do so much grubbing among old records--and to read no end of