Part 29

And then--fortunately--it can't be long before I receive my appointment.

BRACK.

Well, you see--such things are often apt to hang fire for a long time.

TESMAN.

Have you heard anything definite? Eh?

BRACK.

Nothing exactly definite--. [Interrupting himself.] But by-the-bye--I have one piece of news for you.

TESMAN.

Well?

BRACK.

Your old friend, Eilert Lovborg, has returned to town.

TESMAN.

I know that already.

BRACK.

Indeed! How did you learn it?

TESMAN.

From that lady who went out with Hedda.

BRACK.

Really? What was her name? I didn't quite catch it.

TESMAN.

Mrs. Elvsted.

BRACK.

Aha--Sheriff Elvsted's wife? Of course--he has been living up in their regions.

TESMAN.

And fancy--I'm delighted to hear that he is quite a reformed character.

BRACK.

So they say.

TESMAN.