Part 8

MISS TESMAN.

Oh, frightfully!

TESMAN.

How much do you think? In round numbers?--Eh?

MISS TESMAN.

Oh, I can't even guess until all the accounts come in.

TESMAN.

Well, fortunately, Judge Brack has secured the most favourable terms for me, so he said in a letter to Hedda.

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, don't be uneasy, my dear boy.--Besides, I have given security for the furniture and all the carpets.

TESMAN.

Security? You? My dear Aunt Julia--what sort of security could you give?

MISS TESMAN.

I have given a mortgage on our annuity.

TESMAN.

MISS TESMAN.

Yes, I knew of no other plan, you see.

TESMAN.

MISS TESMAN.

Well well--don't get so excited about it. It's only a matter of form you know--Judge Brack assured me of that. It was he that was kind enough to arrange the whole affair for me. A mere matter of form, he said.

TESMAN.

Yes, that may be all very well. But nevertheless--

MISS TESMAN.

You will have your own salary to depend upon now. And, good heavens, even if we did have to pay up a little--! To eke things out a bit at the start--! Why, it would be nothing but a pleasure to us.

TESMAN.

Oh Auntie--will you never be tired of making sacrifices for me!

MISS TESMAN.

TESMAN.