Part 5

TESMAN.

No, that I haven't. But do take off your bonnet, Auntie. Look here! Let me untie the strings--eh?

MISS TESMAN.

TESMAN.

MISS TESMAN.

I bought it on Hedda's account.

TESMAN.

On Hedda's account? Eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, so that Hedda needn't be ashamed of me if we happened to go out together.

TESMAN.

MISS TESMAN.

TESMAN.

And it's a delight for me, too, to see you again, Aunt Julia! You, who have been father and mother in one to me.

MISS TESMAN.

Oh yes, I know you will always keep a place in your heart for your old aunts.

TESMAN.

And what about Aunt Rina? No improvement--eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Oh, no--we can scarcely look for any improvement in her case, poor thing. There she lies, helpless, as she has lain for all these years. But heaven grant I may not lose her yet awhile! For if I did, I don't know what I should make of my life, George--especially now that I haven't you to look after any more.

TESMAN.

MISS TESMAN.

TESMAN.

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 books too, Auntie.

MISS TESMAN.