 I think how late the steamer docked last night and then everything to get them here Lord the missus needed so many boxes so many things unpacked before she could go to bed well yes then let them sleep in and there'll be fresh morning air when they do come down perhaps on the piano don't work for me anymore Bert how do I say goodbye heaven I've had so many wonderful years in your service we must resign ourselves there there is no choice your kid needs you in his new home you cared for him his whole life yes I'm more worried about poor Rena flying in bed at home she's so helpless and the new maid she'll never learn to care for the sick oh I will teach her and I'll be sure things are right don't trouble yourself over my poor sister dear Bert yes I'm also concerned I won't be able to make Mrs. Tessmon happy maybe a little thing here and there at first terribly picky as one may expect all that she must have been used to when the general was alive remember how she would go out riding with her father that long black riding outfit feather in her hat yes I remember it wouldn't have occurred to be back then that she and our candidates might become a couple no me neither but listen there so I don't forget you mustn't call your gun our candidate any longer you must say Dr. Tessmon yes the missus said the same thing last night as she came in and it's true man very true they made him a doctor during the trip while he was abroad until he got off the steamboat and told me I hadn't heard a word about it myself well for him I suppose anything's possible as clever as he is but to take up curing people as well that's not that kind of doctor oh at any rate you'll be able to call him by his official title soon enough what's that then what sort of title oh yes if only you would God I wish our dear Yolkham could sit up in his grave and see his son today listen Bert why have you taken off all the furniture covers the missus told me to can't stand covers on the furniture she said they're planning on sitting in here all day so it would seem or at least she will the doctor didn't say anything my dear and you learn over to see us already so early in the day did you think I'd call later well you can't have had much sleep that doesn't bother me and you got home safe from the pier yeah yes I was able to thank God Judge Brock he was kind enough to walk me right to my front door yes we're so sorry we couldn't have you in the carriage with us it was just all the luggage all of heads boxes she really did have a lot of boxes with her should I go in and ask if there is anything I can help the missus with oh no no thank you very that won't be necessary she said if she needs anything she'll break right then oh but Bert take a suitcase I'll just put it I'll leave it in the hole just think and you let that suitcase was full of passages I copied out notes and notes you wouldn't believe the things you could find in those archives fascinating remarkable things from the past things no one has known yes you wasted no time on that honeymoon you're again I should say not but and you let's take off your hat here let me tie the ribbon it's almost like you were still at home well no but in my place you've acquired such a fine and elegant hat I bought it because of Hedda because of Hedda so that Hedda wouldn't be ashamed of me if we've walked down the street together oh and Julie you're always in forever thinking ahead but here let's sit we can talk a while until Hedda comes down it is simply a blessing to see you right here before me oh you're gonna my brother's son you're with me again here I am looking at you you've been like a mother and father both you still love your old aunt it's an Aunt Rena she's doing better yet oh no you we can't expect any improvement from her she's still lying there the same as always the years go by but God's will is for me to stay with her and care for her otherwise I wouldn't know what to do with my life you know and more especially is I no longer take care of you well well well just think you're a married man now you're again and you married Hedda gobbler the lovely Hedda gobbler how many suitors knocked on her door yes I should think a number of my friends in town must envy them and then have such a long honey balloon five almost six months yes well it was also for research that we travel all the books I needed to read it the archives I needed to go yes yes but listen you're gonna anything else you need to tell me about our trip yes no nothing I included everything significant in my letters I was named a professor professor I received my job doctorate degree then I told you that yesterday yes you said but I mean perhaps haven't you any well expectations expectations good God you're gonna your old auntie I have expectations indeed and I expect to be named a professor in the very near future yes yes a professor of course yes well one can't say for certain but you know the lay of the as well as I do yes I can see things here again you're right about that but we were going to hear more about your trip it must have caused a good deal I should think yes well for that my scholarship was a great and you were able to stretch that fortune it was a stretch and traveling with a young lady must make things even more expensive so I understand it does make things more expensive but but had to have that trip she just had to have it otherwise we couldn't have worked it out yes I've already been up around the house this morning and what do you think excellent superb only I'm puzzled as talk we should do with these these two extra rooms the little ones next to head his bedroom will become clear in time perhaps so perhaps I can expand my library exactly her could be expanded you know but really I'm most happy for head up you know before we were engaged she told me she'd always dreamed of living right here here in counselor box house and it came on the market just the right time we have been very lucky have but dear dear Jürgen it is expensive it's all very expensive it'll all work itself out though yeah God willing expensive are we talking about approximately it's hard to say until all bills are in yes well luckily judge rock was able to secure very good terms for you wrote as much in his letters head yes so don't worry my dear boy I just took out a loan for the cost of the furniture in the carpets alone but what collateral could you provide I used our pensions your pensions you and everything it was what we have have you lost your senses those pensions are all you have to live on there was no reason not to do it it was a formality judge rock arranged it he explained the whole thing to me a mere formality he said even still and now you will begin to earn your own living you can pay us back and if the family has to extend itself a little bit just to get you started that's a pleasure until you ever tire of making sacrifices just smoothing the road a little my boy you grew up without a father without a mother nothing gives me more pleasure you've almost arrived things were touch and go for a while there but now thank God you're on the right road at last it's amazing how things work and those who stood in your way those who blocked your path you see how far they've fallen falling burning to earth and the most dangerous one of all he's fallen farthest as he deserved to that poor sinner have you any news of poor Eilert anything you've heard recently since I've been abroad only that he published a new book I love board just recently yes or so I understand God knows nothing much will come of it I hope but when your book is published you're gonna that will be an event what is it about again cottage industries in medieval bravado and you can write about something like that yes well it will take some time for the book to be finished I still need to go for all the materials I gathered sorting and organizing that's your strength you're my brother's son but at least I have a comfortable home where I can just work work work above all else you have your heart's desire yes head up isn't she the most beautiful thing in the world I think I hear her footsteps now good morning head up a lovely good morning to you good morning my dear Ms. Desmond visiting so early in the day Tazar young lady had a pleasant in her new home tolerably tolerably pleasant when I woke up you were still sleeping like a stone new things take getting used to miss that's when it just takes time that servant left the French doors open there's just an ocean of sunlight here so we'll close that no no no no just pull the curtains of course of course now my dear hella you can have shade and fresh air The pressure would be nice. Would you please have a seat, Ms. Tasman? Thank you. No. Seeing as everything here is satisfactory, thank God. I should be getting home. I have to get back to Rena. She's stuck in bed waiting for me. Give her my best. And tell her I'll be over to visit as soon as possible. I will do that. Oh, Jurgen! I almost forgot. I brought something for you. Oh yeah? What is it? My dear boy! Oh my God! You kept these. Oh, head up. How sweet of you. What is it, dear? It's my old house slippers, my wool slippers, my old friends. Yes, I remember. You spoke with them so often. Yes. The whole trip, really. And now you can see why. No, thanks. I'm really not interested. Oh, just think. Aunt Rena first put these on my feet as sick as she was. These slippers bring back so many, many memories. Not for me. It's just that she's part of the family now. That servant is not going to last, Tasman. Bert, he won't last. Why would you say that? Look, the kitchen maid left her old hat lying on the chair. And he didn't even pick it up. But, head up. Just think. What if someone had come to visit and seen it there? Head up. That's Aunt Eula's hat. Yes, it's mine. Of course. Holds my little head up. Perhaps I didn't look close. Today is actually the first time I have worn it. And what an elegant hat it is. Gorgeous. It'll do. Dear Jurgen, my parasol. That's mine, too. Not the kitchen maid's. New hat. A new parasol. How about that, Hedda? Yeah? Pretty. Very cute. Yes, they are. But Aunt Eula, didn't you see how pretty and cute Hedda is today? My dear boy. That is nothing new. Hedda has been beautiful her whole life. Yes, but didn't you see how voluptuous and full-figured she's become? How she's filled out while we were abroad. She's filled out? Come off it. Yes, well, you can't tell them that dress. But I have had the opportunity. Yes, right. You've had such opportunities. The mountain air and the Tyrol is positively vilified. Gives one new life. I'm exactly as I was before we left. Yes, you say that. But is she Aunt Eula? Yeah? Lovely, lovely. Hedda is lovely. Then keep Hedda Tesman. You can see. Oh, leave me alone. I'll come and see you every day. Oh, you'll do that, won't you? Goodbye. Yes, well, we're into September now. Aunt Eula seemed a little strange to you. Almost formal. I barely know her. Isn't she always like that? No, not like today. Do you think she was offended by the thing with the hat? Maybe. A little in the moment. But really, what kind of manners does she just screwing hats about with a bandit? People don't do that. Well, you could be sure she won't do it again. I'll make it up to her somehow. Oh, wouldn't you? When you go to visit her later, just invite her back this evening. Yes, I'll do that. That's just the thing, Hedda. You know, something else you could do that would make her. You could call her Eula for my sake, Hedda. Yeah? God knows you can't ask me to do that. I will call her Aunt Eula once in a while. That will have to be enough. It's just that you're part of the family now. Is something wrong, Hedda? I'm just looking at my old piano. It doesn't match the rest of the furniture. When I get my salary, we'll trade it in for a new one. No, no, we won't trade it in. That's my piano. We can move it into the other room. The new piano can be in here. And we're able to do that, I mean. All right, then. These flowers weren't here last night. Oh, uh, Ed Eula must have brought them for you. Turn it later today. Now, it says Mrs. Elfstead. Mrs. Elfstead? Miss Reasing, she used to be known as. Be that as it may, she's the one with the irritating hair. Always attracted a lot of attention. Your old flame, I understand. Oh, Ed, that was long ago. And before we met, anyway. I think she's coming to see us. I didn't know her, but I haven't seen her once since we were in school together. I haven't seen her, and God knows. How did she stand life up there, isolated up there in the mountains? So, Desmond, tell me, isn't he up there somewhere? Him. Are there clues for it? Yes. Even geographically, he needs to be on top. She's come back, ma'am. The lady who left those flowers. The ones you're holding. Here, Mrs. Elfstead, it's so lovely to see you again. Yes, it's such a long time since we last saw each other. And for us as well, yeah? Many thanks for the wonderful flowers. Oh, come yesterday afternoon. But I heard you weren't back from your trip yet. So, you were just recently in town yourself? Yes, I arrived yesterday around noon. I was disfaring when I heard you from the ride. Disfair. What? My dear Miss Freezing. Mrs. Elfstead. There's nothing. Yes, there is, and I don't know a soul I can turn to here. Let's sit on the sofa. No, I can't rest. I can't relax right now. You can do both. Come, sit down. Well, yeah? Something particular happened to you. Well, yes and no. Oh, with all my heart, please don't misunderstand me. The best way is to speak plainly, Mrs. Elfstead. That's why you're here, after all, yeah? Yes, true. I want to tell you, in case you don't already know, that Eilard Lothborg is in town. Lothborg. Eilard Lothborg? Here in town? Just imagine. I can hear. It's been here a week. The whole week in this city alone. It's dangerous. All the worst people, the company you can find here. But Mrs. Elfstead, what does this have to do with you? He's the children's tutor. Your children? My husband. I don't have any of my own. So you're staffed, children? Yes. Mrs. Elfstead, has he, how to say this, has he become reliable in his habits, such that he can be entrusted? He's been no other way for several years. Several years? How about that, Hedda? I have heard this before. Not the slightest variation, I swear to you. All the same, I know him. Here in this big city with money and his profits, I'm definitely afraid. Why didn't he stay where he was, with you and your husband? When his book was published, he couldn't rest. He couldn't relax with us any longer. So it's true. Aunt Hula said he had published a new book. Yes, a great book on cultural history and so on. Two weeks ago, it's already sold so many coffees and there's been so much discussion, it's made a sensation. How about that, Hedda? I can hear. You can just hold out. Have you seen him here in town? No, not yet. I couldn't easily find him to dress. But I found him yesterday morning. However, I find it odd about your husband. My husband, how so? Odd that he should send you into town on such an assignment. He didn't come himself to look for his friend. Oh, no, no. My husband has no time for that. I had to do some errands. Well, that's it. And now I must solemnly ask you, Mr. Tesken, please treat Lofor kindly. He should come to you. As he surely will. Oh, God, he's such good friends. And you both excel in the same field, the same discipline, as far as I can tell. That used to be the case, yeah. And that is why I urge you that you and you too should keep an eye on him. It would be best, Mr. Tesken. Can you promise me? From the bottom of my heart, Ms. Riesing. Elvstead. Mrs. Elvstead, I'll do everything in my power to help poor Eilert. You can rely on me. I'll put it kind of you. But you think you thank you. My husband relies on him so much. You should write to him, Tesken, because maybe if it came from you. Yes, that would be for the best, wouldn't it? And the sooner you do it, the better. Preferably, immediately. Oh, honey, you would. Yes, I'll write to him immediately. But do you have his address? Yes. Good, good. I just need slippers and a. Make sure your letter is warm and affectionate. A nice, long, detailed letter. Just the thing. You can count on me. But please, not a word about me asking you. Oh, goes without saying, yeah? He'll two birds with one stone. What do you mean? Don't you understand that I wanted him out of the room? He can write the letter. And so I can speak with you alone. About the same thing? Yes, the very same. But there's nothing else Mrs. Tessman believes. Oh, of course there's more, far more to it. That much I already understand. Why don't we sit down together? But Mrs. Tessman, I really have to go now. No need to hurry off, right? Tell me again, how are things at home? I'd rather not discuss it. Even with me? My dear, we went to school together. Yes, but you were in the class ahead of me. I was so scared of you. You were afraid? Afraid of me? Yes, I was afraid of you. Every time you passed me on the staircase, you would pull my hair. Really? I did that? Yes. And you said once you would burn my hair off? Oh, that's just how we used to talk. You know. But I was so stupid back then. And since then, anyway, we've grown so apart. There's such a distance between us. Our circles are so different. Well, now we can get closer. Listen, at school we were affectionate. We called each other by our first names. No, I think you're mistaken. Not at all. I remember it well. And that is why we should be familiar now, like in the old days. You must call me Hedda. You're not used to such goodness and kindness. Well, well, well. And I, just as before, I will not call you Mrs. Elbston. But my dear Thora. I mean Ms. Theda. Yes, right, of course. I meant to say, yeah. So you have a little goodness and kindness in your life. Really remember, exactly, didn't you? Didn't you originally come to the Elbstids as a housekeeper? I was actually hired as a governess. But his wife, his wife at the time, was sickly, and she mostly had to stay in bed. So I took her out running the house as well. And in the end, you became the lady of the house. Yes, I did. How long has it been since I've been married? Yes, five years. Right, that makes sense, because five years, really, the last two or three, if only you could imagine Mrs. Tessman. Mrs. Tessman? There, please. I'll try to understand. I think Eilert Lukeward has been up there about three years. Eilert Lukeward? Yes, he's been there. Did you already know him from singing in town? Hardly at all, I mean, I knew his name. And up there, about how he came to your house. Yes, he came to see us every day. He could talk with children. I couldn't do everything on my own. Of course, that's understandable. And your husband? Surely, he was often out of town. Yes, Mrs. Tessman, head up. As district supervisor, he often travels. Poor, sweet, hey, you really must tell me everything just as a habit. And really, if you ask, how is your husband? I mean, to be, to get along. His intentions are the very best. He's older than him. He's 20 years older than him. Yes, true. But one thing leads to another. I've had enough of him. We have nothing to say. There's nothing in common between us. Still, surely he's fond of you now in his own way. Does he see anything you need? I'm just a bubble for him. I'm not too expensive a bubble, either. To keep around, I'm cheap. How stupid of you. There's no other way, not with him. He cares only for himself. Maybe he's children a little. And I don't move for it, Thea. I don't move for it. How can you say that? Oh, my dear, I mean, if your husband sends you to town, have a side. You said the same thing yourself to Tessman. Yes. Yes, that may be. No, I can tell you. It'll come out no matter what. Thea? My husband doesn't know I left. What? He doesn't know? Of course not. He wasn't there. He was traveling. Oh, head up. I couldn't stand it any longer. It was impossible. Even if he had been around it, Tess is alone. So I packed up some of my things, just essentials. Very total silence. So I left. That was it. Yes. I took the train here. My dear, dear Thea. You could dare to do something like that. Yes. What in the world should I have done? What will you tell your husband when you go back home? Entirely and forever. Yes, I had to. Do you think people will say about you, Thea? They can say whatever they... I don't care. They say whatever they want. Because I have done only what I had to do. What will you do now? No, all I know is I must live where I learned is living, I need to live it all. This intimacy between you and the group just happened. I grew to have a kind of power over there. He let go of his old habits. Not because I asked. I never dared. But he could tell I didn't like them. So he let them go. It was you, as they say. You, you, you reformed him. You little, little Thea. Yes. At least that's what he said. And for his part he made me into an actual person. He taught me to think, to understand the difference between one thing and another. He was tutoring you as well. No, not tutoring me exactly. But he talked to me about such a multitude of things. And then the day came, the wonderful day when I was able to join him in his work. When I was able to help him. You were able to help him? Yes. Whatever he was writing, we worked on together. Like two comrades. Come on. Yes, that's what he calls us, Hedda. Oh, I should be feeling truly happy right now. But I can't. I don't know if it will last. You don't? The shadow of a woman stands between her. Who? I don't know. Someone, someone from his past. Someone he hasn't been able to fight. Forget what he told me. He only hinted at it once. He said when they broke up, she wanted to shoot him dead with a pistol. Indeed. I wasn't aware that people did things like that around here. Yes. That's why I think he must have been that medicare singer, you know. The one who for a while he was like, yes, probably it was her. Hedda, I hear she's back in town. I'm breaking apart. I think I hear a testament there. All of this has to stay between you and me. Yes, yes, for God's sake. Here it is. The missing is ready to go. That's nice. But I believe Mrs. Alston has to leave now. Just give me a minute. I'll walk her to the garden gate. You, Hedda, shouldn't bear to go with her. I need to tell her something. Judge Brock is here. He says he would like to come in and say hello to everyone. Please. And afterward, listen carefully. Take this letter to the mailbox. This mail. Good day. Then we'll presume to call someone over. One may. Judge Brock, you are always welcome here. Judge Brock, this reason. Uh-huh. It's a pleasure to meet you. It's so amused to see you in the light of day, Judge Brock. I'm different to mine. Yes, a little younger perhaps. You too, kind. But look ahead at her. Look how radiant she is today. Physically, she's kind. Leave me out of this. You should be thanking Judge Brock for his trouble. All the trouble people know. It was pure pleasure. Yes, you are a faithful and kind soul. My friend here is eager to depart. Our floor, Judge Brock. Hello, Mrs. Testament. Good day, Madam. So your life must be reasonably happy? Yes, and we cannot express our gratitude enough. Which is to say there are still a few necessities we need to take care of. Still a few things that we lack. We'll probably have to buy a few things. Really? Yes, but never fear. Hedda said she can find everything that we need. Judge Brock, why don't we sit down? Make yourself comfortable. Yes, thank you very much. But only for a moment. Dear Testament, there is something I would like to talk with you about. Oh? Ah, I see. Now comes the serious part of the welcome back party. Oh. No, with money matters. There's not much of a hurry. Although I do wish we could have set things up where you could not. That was impossible. You can't forget that. Hedda. You know Hedda all too well. I could never have set her up with a middle class happener. No, no. Well, there's the impediment. Well, luckily I'll be receiving my professorship soon. Well, sometimes these things can take a little time. Why, have you heard anything more as of late? Nothing very specific, no. There is something new I can tell you, though. Yeah? Your old friend. Either good boy is back in town. Either. I do that, actually. Really? And how did you hear? From the young woman who just left with Hedda. I see. What was her name? I didn't quite hear. Ah, Miss... Mrs. Elsting. Mrs. Elsting. Hey, yes, yes. The district supervisor's wife. Yes, he has been staying up on the mountain with them. And I hear to my great joy that he's become quite the decent man again. So they say. Yes, and I hear that he's published a new book. Well, he has indeed done so. And that it's caused quite a stir, yeah? It's caused quite the sensation. Yes, well, wonderful. Wonderful. He and his remarkable talent. Unfortunately, I was convinced he was done for. That was a general view. That's right. I just... I wonder what he's going to do now. What on earth he's going to live on, you know? All the live on day, our testament worries about what other people are going to live on. Oh, head up. We were just talking about poor island love for. Really? What's the matter with him? Well, he certainly squandered his inheritance long ago. And he can't very well write a new book every year. Yeah. I just wonder how he's going to get by, you know? Well, perhaps I can fill you in there. Yeah? Remember, his relatives, his family, they have considerable weight around these relatives. Unfortunately, they really left fault. We used to call them the brightest hope of the family. They used to. But he's forfeited that title now. What else did they report them? They quit this book coming out soon. Yes. Well, we should all do everything in our power to help poor island. I've just written a letter. Head up. I invited him to come visit us this evening. But, testament, you wanted to come to my stay party tonight. I'll promise me last night. Yes. Did you forget, testament? Yes. Must have slipped my mind. Fair. In any event, you can relax because he won't come here. Oh, why would you say that? My dear testament, you too, Mrs. testament. I can't be responsible for keeping you in the dark. There's a small matter of, a small matter with island. With him and with you. My dear Judge Brock, what do you say? I'm saying that you should be anticipating that your appointment may not be made as quickly as you would like or expect. Why? Has something changed? The position is to be decided by means of a competition. A competition? Head up. Not. Not, Griff. No, the very same. Island flew forward. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. This is utterly inconceivable. This is, it's a possibility. But this shows such a remarkable lack of consideration for me. For indeed, I am a married man. Hedda and I got married on my expectations. Taking on all those debts, I even took a loan from Ann Hula. My God, the job was in the bag. Probably still get the job only after you compete for it. Think about it, testament. It's a duel. How can you be taking this so lightly? Not lightly at all. I eagerly await the appointment. As well, in any event, Mrs. testament, it's good you now know how things stand. I mean, before you begin making those little purchases, I hear you're threatening. Not after discussion. No, not after walk. When I'm finished with my afternoon walk, I'll be back to pick you up. Yes, farewell. My apologies, I'm a little lost. My very best wishes. Goodbye, testament. Farewell. You must excuse me, Hedda. We probably shouldn't have taken such risks. I think off on an adventure like this. Is that what you're on? Yeah, Hedda. And it cannot be denied. It was an adventure. To go out into the world, to get married, to build apartment home on nothing but your expectations. Perhaps, though. At least we have a comfortable home. A home we always dreamed of. The one we fell in love over. It's just an understanding that to live as comrades, we would need to have an open house. We would need to entertain in an appropriate fashion. Yeah, and it made me so happy to imagine that. To see you as the lady of the house, surrounded by her select circle. Yes, I... I suppose we're just going to have to be on our own for a while, setting up the house. And Eula can come by and visit from time to time. Nothing is as you would have wished it, I suppose. A second servant in livery, of course, will be impossible. Unfortunately, I think keeping another servant will be impossible. Just not possible. And the horse? The riding horse. Which I should probably not even think about. God forbid, no. That should be obvious. At any rate, I have one thing to share with you now. Oh, thank God. And what's that, Hedda? My pistol, Zyorgan. The pistol? General Godler's pistols. For God's sake, Hedda, leave those dangerous toys alone. For my sake, yeah? And the same to you, Mrs. Desmond. I'm to shoot you, Judge Braun. Wait that thing, it's me. That's what you get for sneaking around. Ah, are you mad? Oh my God, did I actually hit you? Then, Judge Braun. But, Sainte, you're still playing at this game. But do you shoot that, anyway? Oh, I just stand around and fire up at the big blue sky. Who's going to allow me? This one, I know this one well. Now, where did we put the kit, boss? I think that's enough fun for today. Yes, but what in the name of God would you have me do? Doesn't you have any visitors? Not one. All of our friends are still in the country. Desmond isn't home yet? No. He ran off to his aunt's right after lunch. He didn't expect you back so soon. I should have thought of that. Stupid, I'll make. Stupid how? Why, you should have come by a little bit earlier. Yes, but there would have been no one here to meet you after lunch. I went to my room to get changed. Couldn't you leave your door open just a bit to allow for any necessary business? You forgot to take care of that for us. It's also stupid of me. So why don't we sit down together, Judge Braun? We can wait. Desmond should be home soon. I can be patient. Well? I asked first. Let's have a friendly little chat. Doesn't it seem like forever since we last spoke? A few words last night in this morning, but that doesn't really... You mean one-on-one, just between us, you mean? Something. Well, each and every evening I come by here wishing you were home. And the whole time I was wishing for the same thing. Really? You? And I imagine you having such a wonderful time abroad. Yes, as you can imagine. Desmond was writing his book the whole time. The loveliest thing he knows is to rubbish through libraries. Sitting, copying sheets of parchment and other... Such fun for him. Obviously, it's his task here on Earth. For a while at least. Yes, so that's fine for him. But as for me, my dear Judge, I've been so terribly bored. You really mean it. In all seriousness. Six months without meeting anyone who knows anything about what's important to people like us. Without people who can talk about the things that matter. So I probably would have missed that a great deal as well. And now the most unbearable thing of all. Yes? To be with the same person forever and ever. Yes, yes. Good morning through evening. And not the day. Yes, as I said, forever and ever. Believe it. But Desmond's such a rising star. Something might be worth it. Desmond is, he's a professional, my dear. No doubt. And professionals are not always the most pleasant travelling companion. Not for the duration. Not even a professional whom you love. Oh, God, please, don't use that awful word. How so, Mrs. Hedda? Well, why don't you try it? Listening to nothing but cultural history from morning till night. Forever and ever. Yes, yes. Oh, and to top it off. This stuff about medieval cottage industries. It's the absolute worst. Tell me then, how am I to understand how you... How your contestant and I got married. Yes, put it your way. Does it really seem that strange to you? Yes and no, Mrs. Hedda. There's always a last dance. My time was up. No. It's not what I wanted to say. Not what I wanted to think. Well, there are no reasons to think so. Reasons. Your contestant, you have to admit that he is proper in all his affairs. Proper and outstanding, thank God. And there's nothing particularly comical that I see in him. Do you see anything? Comical? No, I wouldn't say that exactly. Well then, at any rate, he's a diligent researcher. And it's not impossible. He might one day actually make something of himself. That was under the impression that you, like everyone else, were the opinion that he would secondly become a great man one day. I thought. And he most definitely wanted to provide for me. Why shouldn't I accept such an offer? Of course, in that light. It really was far more than any of my other suitors were prepared to do. That's where I can't speak for the others. But, as for me, as you well know, I've always held such respect for the bonds of marriage for the most part, Mrs. Hedda. Oh, I never had any expectations with you. Oh, all I desire isn't it? So, friends who depend on me in word, indeed. Friends I can visit. Friends who trust me to visit. Trusted by the master of the house you mean. My business, my frankly. My husband, too, of course. Such a, uh... How should we say, a... Trangular relationship? Very convenient for all of us. Yes. Many times when we were abroad, I missed that extra man. Oh, to be sitting one-on-one in a railway compartment. Fortunately, your journey's over. No. We'll be traveling a long, long time. I'm just at the first stop. Surely you can jump off the train and stretch your legs a bit. I don't jump off. There's always someone. You're watching your legs, you mean. Something like that. That won't do. I'll just stay and sit where I am, one-on-one. What did the third party were to join the club? Yes, you see, that's something else entirely. Yes, the faithful, the understanding friends. Who can talk about the most spirited things? Not even a hint of a professional loan. That's certainly a relief. And the triangle is complete. Moving right along. Looking all this stuff around can really make you hot. I'm sweating like a pig, Anna. Look here. Look who it is. Judge Brock. Brock didn't say anything. He was like, I came in through the garden. Just some professional journals that I really need to read. Professional. Professional journals, Mrs. Pessman. Do you really need more professional journals? Of course, darling. One really has to keep up with what people are writing and publishing. Indeed. One does. Oh, and look. I got a chance to pick up. I love Brock's new book. You'll want to take a look at it, yeah? No, no, thank you. Yeah? Maybe, yes, maybe. Got to look through it on my way home. Yes. And what would you say as a professional? I would say it's remarkable how measured it all is. He never used to write like that before. But now to take all these upstairs, cutting the pages pure pleasure. But first to freshen up a bit. There's no rush. Oh, no, don't worry. There's a head up. The thing is, Auntie Yula won't be able to come visit you this evening. No? No. What? Because of her hat. Oh, no. Don't think that of Aunt Yula. It's just that Aunt Reena is doing so poorly. Hmm, as she always is. Yes, but today she's doing particularly poorly. The poor thing. Yes, well then, it stands to reason that the other aunt should stay with her. I'll find something for you. Yes, but... Aunt Yula, you don't know how lighthearted she's been. She's so pleased how plump you've become. Always with these aunts. What's that? Nothing. Well, all right then. So, what's the story with the hat? Something that happened with Miss Testament early this morning. I took off her hat and left it lying on the chair. It sounded like I thought it was the maid's hat. God, Mrs. Healy, you didn't do that to such a fine old woman. Well, you see, something just comes over me that I can't control. I cannot understand. I don't even know how to explain it to my son. I'm not really very happy. I don't even know why I should be happy. Or maybe you can tell me. Well, for one thing, you finally have the home you've always longed for. You're not credulous. You really believe that? There's nothing to it there. Oh, of course. There's something to it. Well? Well, there's... Last summer, I let Testament walk behind from a party. Yes, unfortunately, I had to take a different route. That's true. You were taking different routes last summer. Shame on you, Mrs. Healy. Now, you and Testament. One evening, we walked past this house, and Testament, the poor man, he was so frustrated because he didn't know what to talk about. So I took pity on this learned man. You took pity? Yes! It was the right thing to do. And so, just to help him out, I left a sheer careless house. I said that I would love to live in this house. Nothing more than that? Not that much. Oh, it may cause. Yes, my dear judge, my carelessness not consequences. Yes, well, this is all too often the case with carelessness. Thank you. In the panel about the folk mansion you see, you're in Testament, and I found common ground. And that is what led to an engagement and a wedding and a honeymoon and everything else. Yes, as you make your bed, so shall you lie in it. Who's this? So, basically, for the entire affair, you didn't give a damn? No, I didn't. But now that everything's been set up so beautifully for you. It smells like lavender and dried roses in every room. Or maybe that's just air to you, Blah. No, I suspect that's probably steakhouse for a fox late wife. Yes, it's the smell of decay. It reminds me of a corsage from the fall with the decaying charge. You cannot possibly imagine how horribly bored I'm going to be out here. Well, this is because your life has no responsibilities, Mrs. Helen. A responsibility. Something to allure me. Yes, that would be preferable, of course. God knows what sort of responsibility it should be. Sometimes I think about it, but of course I couldn't. Oh, I don't know. Let's hear it. I could talk Testman into becoming active in politics. No, listen. Anything to do with politics, Testman couldn't handle the daughterly and darling. Well, I can see that. Yes, with a satisfaction that would bring you. If only he could bring himself to do it. But why would you want this for him? Because I'm bored, aren't you here? So do you really think it's impossible for Testman to become a cabinet minister? Oh, I think for something like that to happen he had to become the son of the rich. Well, there you have it. Such were the circumstances for which I was destined. And that is what makes life so pathetic. So utterly ridiculous, which it is. I think the blame lies elsewhere. Where's that? You've never experienced anything that's moved you. Anything serious, have you? Well, it's what you'd like, but something like that may yet happen for you. Oh, you're talking about the difficulties of stupid professorship. That's Testman's business. I'm not going to waste one second. Maybe none of that, then. But what if, what if one might call in a more elevated language solemn and responsible fifties should find their way to you? New duties, my little Mrs. Howard. Enough. Nothing like that will ever happen. We can talk about it in a year from now, the very latest. No interest in anything of the kind, Judge Brock. Nothing interests me less than such duties. Shouldn't you, like all women, have an interest in such a calling? In terms, I think I meant to do just one thing. Yes, what? Or myself again. There. Here comes our professor. I just had a... Tyler Loveborg hasn't said he isn't coming, yeah? Yeah. Then he'll be here momentarily. Do you really think he'll come? Yes, I'm convinced of it. Since everything you told us this morning was made out of baseless rumors. What? Yes, well, at least Aunt Eula is convinced he would never stand in my way. Yeah, I love her. I do. Everything's settled. But I've waited as long as possible for him. Well, we have time. Nobody ever ever arrives before 7, 7.30. Then we'll sit and keep head entertained. And in the worst case, Mr. Loveborg will just have to stay here with me. What do you mean the worst case, madam? In the case that he doesn't want to go with you and Tess. But do you think that's proper? Remember, Aunt Eula can't come tonight. But Mrs. Obstet is coming. And the three of us can have tea together. Yes, that would be just the thing. Just the thing. Sure is the best way for him. How so? Oh, my God, none of you have made fun of my stag parties often enough. The party's designed exclusively for upstanding and firm principles, sir. Mr. Elves, he's an upstanding man of principle. A reformed sinner. There's a gentleman here who wishes to come in. I'm sure of him. Just imagine. Hi, lords. So we meet again. Thank you for your letter. And Mrs. Testament? Welcome, Mr. Loveborg. I don't know whether you gentlemen are... Uh, Judge Brock, I'm not mistaken. Your honor is mine. It's been a number of years, hm? Yes, well, uh, lords, come in. Make yourself at home. Right, head up? Hey, look, I hear you're planning on settling down here in town again. I'd like to. Yes, well, that's reasonable. Um, I was able to pick up your new book. I haven't had time to read it yet. You can save yourself the trouble. Well, why would you say that, lords? Oh, because there's nothing much to it. What? My tear, either. My tears have been so widely received. That's exactly what I wanted. I wrote it so everyone would like it. Like, for reasonable? Now, I'd like to try to find a position for myself. Just start over again. Yes, you'd like that, wouldn't you? But, if something comes of this, you're in Testament, then you can read it because this is what is true. This is me, myself. And this is? The sequel. The sequel? To what? To my book. The new book. But, but my dear, either. You're writing about the present day. Absolutely. This one deals with the future. The future, but we don't know anything about it. No, but there are things we can say about it. Look, look, look. This isn't your handwriting. Anyway, I dictated the whole thing. It's divided into two parts. This first part deals with the cultural forces of the future. And then, behind here, the second deals with the actual course of cultural development. Amazing. It never would have occurred to me to write about something like this. No. I brought it because I wanted to read a little of it to you this evening. No. That would be nice. But tonight, I don't know if we can manage. All right. So another time. There's no rush. I wanted to tell you, Mr. Locor, that I'm throwing a party tonight at my house, mostly for testament, you understand? Well, I don't want to keep any longer. Oh, please, please allow us to present your company this evening. No, I cannot. Oh, come now. Thank you very much. Come now. We're a small select circle. You will find something spirited as Mrs. Tessman might say. Of this I have no doubt. But nonetheless, You bring your manuscript and read it to Tessman at my house. I have room for that. Yes, that would be nice. You have time enough for that. I looked. But, my dear, I really don't think that Mr. Locor wants to. I'm convinced that Mr. Locor would much rather stay here with you. Madam. And with Mrs. Locor. And she and I had a brief encounter this afternoon. Did you really? Yes, well, she's coming over. And for that reason, it's almost a necessity that you stay, Mr. Locor, for she has no one else that can accompany her home. I see. Yes. Well, thank you very much, Madam. Yes, and I too shall stay. I just need to tell the server to set one more place. So, Eilert, this bit about the future. Is that what you plan to lecture on? Oh, yes. Yeah. Because I heard at the bookstore that you were planning on giving a lecture series this fall. I'd like to. You can't blame me for investment. No, God forbid. I understand, though. Put you in a bit of a bind. I could never ask you to do something on my behalf, of course. I'll wait until after you receive your appointment. Oh, you will. So, you won't be applying for the position? No, I only want to vanquish you in the world of ideas. Oh, thank God. And Yula was right, Pena. Eilert has no intention of standing in our way. But, dear Judge Brock, surely you have something to say about this. Yeah, I'll say. I don't have a victory there. It might be something wonderful. I should say so. I think you've been struck by a lightning. I... I should say so. God, this is quite the thunderstorm that's passed by us. Wouldn't you, gentlemen, like to go in and have a glass of cold fun? On our way out? It's just a thing. Yes, just a thing. Especially as I find myself in quite a lighthearted mood. And one for you, too, Mr. Goodford. No, thank you. Not for me, thanks. My God, man, cold fun isn't poison. Not for the best of my knowledge. Not for everyone. I will entertain Mr. Goodford here. Yes, you do that, Pena. And now I can show you some photographs, Mr. Goodford, if it's all right. Tessman and I, we made a little tour of the Tyrol on our way home. This one. Those are the Orthlurps. It's a Tessman version there, the Orthler range by Marana. And the Doppler. Yes, that was my name back when we were appointed. And for the rest of my life, I will have to forget how to say Hedegobbler. Yes, you'll have to. And I think you should start practicing. The sooner, the better I should be. Hedegobbler, Mary. Anne. And to Juergen, Tessman? Yes, that's how it is. Grow yourself away like that. We'll have none of that. None of what? This one, Mr. Goodford, let's dive into the Opensi Valley. Opensi Valley. Those mountains, those strange looking mountains, what were they called? Ah yes, those were the Dolomites. Those are the Dolomites, Mr. Goodford. Anyway, Hedegobbler, I was just wondering if we could get you something at any rate. Yes, please. And maybe some tea cakes? No cigarettes? No. I'll write them. Please tell me Hedegobbler, how could you do it? If you do not start calling me Mrs. Tessman, I shall never speak to you again. Have they called you Hedegobbler when we're alone? No. You could think and, but you cannot say it. If I say it might shake your love for Juergen, Tessman. Love? Come on, tell me another one. So there's no love. And there isn't any infidelity either, I'm not interested in that. Hedegobbler, please tell me just one thing. This is the one. What? Really? Here we are, all the good stuff. Why are you serving us yourself? Because it brings me such enormous pleasure to wait on you, Hedegobbler. But you brought two glasses. Mr. Goodford doesn't want that. What, for Mrs. Elmstead? True, for Mrs. Elmstead. Ah, you forgot, didn't you? Yes, we've been so immersed in these photographs. Do you remember this little village here? Ah, yes, that was the one at the base of the Brenner Pass. Yes, where we spent the night. And met that spirited hiking party. Ah, yes, if only you could have been there with us, I learned. Perhaps there wasn't any left there either. Not a trace, not a flicker of love. I wonder, for me it was like we were two comrades. Two very intimate friends, once you were very, very trusting with one another. That was how we wanted it. Remember, there was something, something great and secret into the secret. This comradeship kept secret from every other soul. True, I visited you in afternoons. You're bothered generally by the window reading, the newspaper, the factoid. I've slept on the corner so fast. Always immersed in the same night as the... Because we didn't have a photo album. And that went... When I confessed to you, I described myself, my hidden self, right? Drinking, my drowning myself for the entire day. Damn it. You had an enormous power over me. You forced me to confess. You blame a power within me. How else can I explain it? All you bailed questions. Which you understood so perfectly. Yet they'll answer my questions. I don't understand even now. Is there any love in our relationship? Wasn't there anything on your side? Any desire cleansed me after I fell before you? There was nothing? No, not entirely nothing. So what drove you to it? It really seems so incomprehensible to you that a young woman might take the opportunity in secret. And? And wanting to have a glimpse into a world of wish. Of which she... Of which she knew nothing. So that was it? That too. That too, I wouldn't think so. Hedda, comrades was the thirst for life. It was your fault. It was you who broke with me. Because things were getting dangerously close to becoming serious in our relationship. Shame on you, I would love. For mistreating your true comrades. I was afraid of the scam. Hedda, you were basically a coward. A terrible coward. I'm fortunate for you and now you get such good care of the elstons. Confident. And you have confided in her about us. No, of course. She's understand nothing like that. Stupid. I would like to confide something. I'm not shooting. That was not my worst act of cowardness. Hedda, I see that you didn't reason not to hurt me. You and I, our comradeship, thirst for life. My dear, dear thing. You cannot imagine how I've waited for you. I suppose I should have gone in and said hello to your husband. Don't worry about it. Let them sit. They're leaving soon anyway. They're leaving. They're going carousel. Not you. No. Mister, where will you stay with us? Beautiful here. No, no, no, not there. There. Come, sit over here by me. I want to sit in the middle. As you like. Would she, uh... Just a look at it. So with us, she and I were true comrades. We even one another unconditionally. We can sit here and talk a little bit. What's up? I'm found, Mr. Luthor. Well... Hedda, I'm so happy. I just think he tells me I hid tons of paper. He does he now. And the Courage Dact, Mrs. Desmond. She does not like courage. Courage? Me? Yes, courage. There was a necessity. How do you mean? To simply endure. Now, my dear Théa, you really should have a nice glass of gold wine. No, thank you. I never drink anything. Well, then you, Mr. Luthor. No, thank you, me neither. No, not for him either. Perhaps if I insist. I have no power over you for me. Not now, you don't know. Seven all seriousness. I think you really should for your own sake. How so? So, or better yet, for the sake of other people. How do you mean? How so? How wise people might see your discomfort. See the uncertainty in yourself. I don't know. People can think what they like from now on. Yes, that's right. It's all quite clearly earlier. Judge Broad. Judge Broad can hear you. He smiled scornfully when he saw that you didn't dare sit... No, I prefer to sit here and spend time in your company. Yes, that's reasonable, is it, Pat? But the judge couldn't see that. I saw him twist up his mouth and exchange a little... a little look with Tasman when he saw that you didn't dare join them for a harmless little evening out. I didn't dare. He said I didn't dare. I didn't say that, but that's what the judge saw. I love things. So, you're not going to go. I'm staying here with you and Pat. I can understand why. A man of principle. A man of fixed principles. Oh, to be such a man. Well, isn't that just what I said this morning when you ran over here so distraught? That's right. You can see for yourself that it's quite unnecessary to be running around so deathly afraid. So why don't the three of us do something spiritual? What did you have in mind? Doing it. Deathly afraid. This was my true comrade faith in me. My dearest friend, you must listen. To your help, Pat. What you wanted? And to your help, Mrs. Tasman. Thank you for your honesty. Long may it live. Forget your life comfort. Do be straight with me. Does Elstead know you ran off to see me? Oh, Heather, do you hear what he's asking me? Could it be, uh... An Elstead you wanted? Could it be Elstead? So, made you do it. Made you come into town? No. He gave me back in his office. He just missed me at his car table. Here's to the old supervisor. Mr. Elstead. You're supposed to be going to a re-care test. That was stupid of me. You can chew things like that. Please don't be angry at me, my dear, dear comrade. You have to know, both you and her, that I would sunk so low. So, now I've pulled myself together again. With your help there. Thank God. Mrs. Tasman, time has come. That has happened. For me as well, Judge Brock. Don't do it. It was so kind of you to invite me. You are coming too. Yes, thanks very much. I will. Wonderful. Wonderful. I'd really like to read you some of that manuscript before I submit it. Yes, wonderful. Good. But someone will have to pick up Mrs. Elstead. Someone will turn up. Yes, someone. Mrs. Elstead, of course. I'll come back and escort her home around 10 o'clock. Tasman, will that do? Of course, that will do wonderfully. Yes, good. Don't, don't wait up for me. My dear, stay out as long, as long as you like. Mr. Lufort, then I will wait here until you return. I, I understand. Sir, the parking train is leaving the station. Dr. Patch will find something speared as I've heard it put by a certain beautiful woman. If only a certain beautiful woman could be invisibly present. Why invisible? Only to observe some of your unveiled spirit. Oh, not to recommend it for a certain beautiful woman. Yes, you're good. Yes, you are. Yes, well, farewell, ladies. Farewell. I have to turn out at 10 o'clock. I can see him now. Minds in his head. Overheated and true. Yes, only he can be like that. But you see that he's got control over himself. He's a free man for the rest of his life. God, yes, only he can be the way you see him. That's exactly how he'll be coming back. You can doubt in him all your life, I believe in him. And soon we'll both find out. You're once in my life. I would like to have some power over a man's fate. Aren't you all ready? I never have. Surely you're hungry. Even fried. Justin, he's so rich. You're scaring me. Gee, he's ready in the dining room now. Good. Here we go. No, no, I'd rather go home by myself. I mean, no one says you little fool. Drink some tea, and then at 10 o'clock, I'll have food for it will appear. A crown of grapevines in his hand. The girl just brought this ledger. A ledger? Get it to me. No, it's for Dr. Tessmon, ma'am. I see. It was Ms. Tessmon's maid who brought it. When I turned down the lamp, it's almost out of oil. Yes, it'll be late soon. It is light outside, ma'am. It's morning already. No one's back. I thought this might happen. You did. Yes, when a certain gentleman had come back into town, and we've heard of that gentleman. Don't talk so loud. Shall I get the fire going again? Not on my company's. What time is it there? It's past seven. What time did Tessmon come home? He's not home. He hasn't come home yet. No one's come back. And we waited. We watched and we waited until... I waited for him. We've spared ourselves the effort. You were sleeping. Yes, I think I slept quite well. Did you? No, I couldn't. It was impossible to sleep. No, no. There's nothing to be afraid of. I know exactly what happened. What do you think? They obviously spent far too much time at the judge's. Of course they did, still. And Tessmon... He didn't want to come home in the middle of the night and knock over furniture. He maybe wanted to hide after his carousel. But how could he still be gone? He obviously went to his aunt's to sleep it off. They keep his old room. No, he can't be at their place. He just got a letter from his Tessmon. It's right there. He must have spent the night at the judge's. And I learnt before I get sitting around. Proud of great minds in his head. Reading them out. And then you're saying things even you don't believe. You really are a little flockhead. Unfortunately I am. And you look dead tired. I am dead tired. That's why you should do exactly as I tell you. You will go to my room and you will lie down for a while. No, no, no. I won't be able to sleep. Of course you will. Your husband will be home any moment. I have to find out. I'll let you know when he gets back. Thomas Hedda? Thank you. I'll try. Guys, almost out. There's someone at the front door, ma'am. Go and see who it is. I'll take care of the fire. Good catch. Oh, Hedda. You're up so early. Here, I thought you'd still be in bed. Don't talk so loud. Mrs. Elbsted is in my room. Mrs. Elbsted spent the night? Yes, no one ever came to pick her up. No, no one did. Did you have a good time with the judges? So you were worried about me? No, I never occurred to me to worry about you. I was just wondering if you had a good time. Yes, of course. At first, at least. At first, Eilert read to me. We got there about an hour earlier, so just imagine. Judge Brock was hosting and so on. And so Eilert read to me. Tell me about it. Oh, Hedda, you can't imagine what work he's written. Undoubtedly one of the most amazing things ever written. Well, it doesn't mean much to me. Hedda, I must confess, something ugly came over me while he was reading. Something ugly? I sat there and envied Eilert for being able to write something so great. Just imagine. Yes, Hedda, I'm a master. And yet, it's clear to me that he, with all of his remarkable talent, that he's just irredeemable, unfortunately. Because he has too much courage in his convictions. Oh, my God, no. That he cannot moderate his habits. Like he has been recently, until now. Yes. Last night, Hedda, it was something of a bacchanal. He had a crown of grapevines in his hair. A crown? I didn't see any grapevines. He did go on for a long time about a story about a woman who had intoxicated him while he was working. Did he say her name? No, no, but it must have been Mrs. Elveston. So watch out for her. When did you finally find ways? At the end of the night. We were the last to leave, and we left at about the same time. The clock came out with us to get some fresh air, and that's when we decided I would have exceeded his. I believe you. That's, well, where was the strangest part, Hedda? Actually, I should say the saddest. I'm ashamed to say it, just tell you. Well, as we were heading home, I hung back for a minute, just a couple of minutes, just imagine. And, and, as I rushed to catch up with the others, Hedda, you wouldn't believe what I found there in the sidewalk. No idea. Can't tell a soul. For Eilert's sake, yeah? Look what I found. Imagine that. Yeah, it's Eilert's precious, irreplaceable manuscript. And he just left it in the street. He didn't even notice. And you still have it. No, I, I couldn't. Not, not in the condition that Eilert was in. Didn't you tell the others then? No, no. I didn't want to for Eilert's sake. So no one knows that you have Eilert moved for its management? No, no, and, and no one else needs to. Why did she say to him later? I didn't say anything else to him. We continued home. He went home with a couple of others. And they must have taken him home. Yeah, yeah, they must have taken him home. Oh. And Judge Brock went home by himself. And where did you wander after that? Oh, I went with a couple of others to someone's house and we had our morning coffee. Oh, head up. They should really call it night coffee. Yeah? Yeah? When I rested up some and poor Eilert slept it off. Then I'll return to me. Not just yet, I mean I, I want to read it first. Why? My God, head up, I can't do that. You can't? No. What if he wakes up and looks for the manuscript? There's no coffee. He told me so himself. Can't he just rewrite it, write it again? No, he can't rewrite it. It, it was an inspiration. Very well, maybe. I'm sure you're right. And there's a letter for you. Oh. Imagine that. Get him first thing this morning. It's Aunt Eula's handwriting. Oh, head up. Aunt Rena is dying. That was to be expected. Oh, I found to see her one last time. I, I'd better hurry. I'd better run. So you'll be running? That's my hat. It's in the foyer. Here, I'll, oh yes sir. Head up. If you could bring yourself to visit her with me. Don't ask me to do that. I don't want to see any suffering or death. Spare me from anything repellent. Of course, of course. I really must be hurrying. I must be going. You'd better run then. Judge Brock is outside. Would like to know if he can come in. No, I can't see anyone right now. I can. Please send the judging. And afterward. Yes, give it to me. No, no, no. I'll look after it for you for now. You're early bird. Indeed. Open Adam so soon. Yes, I really must be going. Aunt Rena is on her death bed. I must be running. Please go, son, go. Yes, farewell, farewell. I must be running. I trust you had a very spirited evening. I haven't even changed my clothes. Well, that makes three of us. Yes, quite. So, which of our adventures did you make to you? Nothing spirited. He stayed up late and had night coffee. I heard about the coffee. And the new board wasn't with them. No, they took him home first. Desmond, too? A little of others, he said. And your Desmond is genuinely a trusting soul. He's naive. There's part another. Oh, yes, yes. The thing's not quite so simple. Well, if we sit down together in front, you tell and I shall listen. I have very good reasons to take my guest home. Should I say, some of my guests hung last night? Among them was either Lou. Oh, yes, I must confess, he was one. Now, you're making me very curious, Judge Drog. Well, do you know where he and some of the others spent the rest of the evening? If it can be. If it can be told, they went to a very lively soirée. With a spirited company. Oh, the most spirited. Only more, Judge Drog. Lou board had been invited beforehand. I knew exactly what I was dealing with. At first he declined to attend, because of himself as a changed man, as you know. When he's up at the Alps, did he go? Yes, well, unfortunately, Mrs. Hanna, a mood came over him at my house last night. So, I heard he was rather intoxicated. Enormously intoxicated. Though it was intoxicated for him in another sense, I should make, unfortunately, men were not always as principled as we should be. Excepting present to company, of course. Yes, well, in short, in the end, he ended up in Ms. Diana's salon. Ms. Diana? Yes, Ms. Diana. She holds soirées for a select circle of lady friends, and they're invited. She has red hair. Well, that's the one. She's a sort of... She's a singer. Yeah, that too. I'm surprised you haven't heard of her. Another kind of loophore was one of her most ardent admirers. And how is they reunion? Less than admirable it seems. Ms. Diana went from loving embrace to violent assault. Against loophore? Yes, yes. He accused her and her friends of robbing him. Make his wallet was missing, some other things. Anyway, he caused a terrible scene. And the result was? The result was, should we say, a brawl. There's a brawl between the men and the women. Fortunately, the police finally came. The police? Yes. It's a bit of fun for that madman loophore. What? He was supposedly a resisted arrest, punched a policeman in the face, tore his coat in two, they had to take him to the police station. How do you know all this, Judge Brock? From the police, I had to talk to them. So that was their reunion. And he didn't have a crown of great minds in his head. Great minds in his head? But now tell me, Judge Brock, why are you really looking after and telling... Mostly because I cannot take it lightly that during the interrogation, it will come out that he was in my house. So there will be an interrogation? Yes, of course, a certainty. But it seems to me that it's the friend of your household and I'm obligated to provide you and Testament with complete clarity into Blueboard's nocturnal activity. Why would you do that? Because he may ask you for protection. Why? Well, put around you, Mrs. Headle, we're not blind. Is Mrs. Elstead? It won't be long before she'll be coming in. If they want to talk, there are plenty of places they can be. Not like here. Besides, every outstanding household will be close to Blueboard from now on. Which includes my home, too, you mean? Yes, of course. Now, I must confess, it would be a little more than embarrassing if this gentleman were to spend his time here. You're un-welcome, you're unnecessarily trying to force us away into... Into the Triangle. Yes, quite. I would lose a home. Only you. Cock up the lock, that's your goal. Yes, Mrs. Headle, that is my goal. And for this goal I will fight with every necessary means. You're a dangerous man, Judge Block. But push comes to shove. You think so? Yes, I'm beginning to think so. And so long as you don't use your teeth and claws against me. Well, you may be right with that for me, Mrs. Headle. Who knows what sorts of schemes I might have caught under some circumstance or other? No, listen here, Judge Block. That almost sounds like a threat. No. Well, from it. Triangle, you see, must be defended and protected by three. Agreed. I've said all I wanted to say, and now I must be home again. So farewell, Mrs. Headle. Are you leaving through the garden? Yes, yes, it's quicker. Oh, yes, yes, and it's also the hidden path. Very true. But as you know, I'm nothing whatsoever against the hidden path. Sometimes I can be quite pecan. When that lady starts shooting you mean? She doesn't shoot at her roosters. Maybe she's only got the one. Sure. I understand. This is work here, I don't work here. This is not appropriate. But I must go in. I will go in. Here I go. I beg your pardon. How do you know she's still here with me? I called at the place she's staying. That she'd been gone all night. Did you notice anything when they said that? Did you notice anything about what? Did it sound like somebody meant something? Very true. Yes, I'm dragging her down with me. No, I didn't notice anything. Have you not listened up yet? When did he get back? Did he say anything to you? I had a pretty good time with the judges. I was too tired to hear much more. Don't say that. You'd be singing along with me when you hear. I don't want to hear anything. Would you prefer to speak with her alone? No, no, no, no, stay. You listen to her, please. I don't hear anything. Not my activities last night that I want to talk about. So what is it? It's about the fact that you and I must out. No more use for you bad. Can you stand there and say that? No more use for me? Like before? Won't we still be working together? From here on out, I will not be working. What can I do with my life? You must try to live as though you never knew me. For all the money in the world. Wherever you are is where I want to be. I will not part with you. With you. Together with you and your book is published. Yes, and my book. Because that's what it is. Yes. And that's how I feel it is. And that is why I have all the right to stay here with you. I want to go through it with you. It's honor and respect are accorded to you in the fullest. Enjoy. Enjoy, I want to share with you. It's not going to be published. Never be published. What did you do with the manuscript? The manuscript. Where is it? Don't ask me. Yes, I have to know it. I have the right to hear it from you. The manuscript. Well, I tore the manuscript into a thousand pieces. True, you mean. It's on someone's life. All the same, it is true. I have ripped my own life to pieces. Why can't I rip my life's work into pieces too? Into a thousand pieces. And I throw them out to the open sea. To the storms. Wind. Eventually they'll sink deeper and deeper. Just like me. It did murder a child. And how could you? Partly my tool. Stop what I'm doing. Everything is dark. Don't you want to take her home? I don't know what else happened last night, but was it something really so irredeemable? It's not just about last night. Certain of that, I can't live life as I once did. I had the courage and the will to live life against every rule. But she broke it. There's randomance made. How could you treat her so heartless? Oh, tell me it was heartless. After she had lived inwardly without passion for so long, you destroyed the one thing that had quickened her senses. I call that heartless. I can tell you the truth. Promise me, give me a word. Fail will never promise me you won't tell fail. You have my word. I have to tell you yes, I didn't tear it to pieces. I didn't throw them in the fjord. I destroyed it all the same. Totally an atom. What I did was like killing a child. Yes, that's what she said. Filling a child isn't the worst thing a father can do. That's not the worst. So what is the worst thing a father can do? Suppose a man comes home from a wild night out the word morning on some to the mother of his child. Listen, sweetheart. Here I've been there some place or another at our child with me. Some place or another. And I lost our child. Just lost it. And I've just now got their hands got their fingers into it. We're talking about a book. It is the entire soul. I understand. Then you must understand that between her and I there is no future. But where will you go now? No way. Just watch how I put an end to the entire story the sooner the better. Don't you somehow convince yourself that it was a thing of beauty? Beauty's a crown of grapevine you always wanted to see. No, not the crown. I don't believe in it anymore. But I believe in beauty. Just this once. Farewell, you should go now and never return. Wait, wait, wait. Take this memento to remember me better. Recognize it. I aimed it at you one. Yes, you should have used it then. Yes, well, you make use of it now. Thank you. And I learned in the beauty above all else promise me that. Farewell, heading upward. Burning up your child there. You and your early your child I learned and burning. Burning up your child. Your sister's suffering is finally ending. Yes, I've already heard as you can see. Jorgen sent me a card to let me know. Yes, he promised me he would. But I thought that I should come to see Heather here in this house of life and tell you about Rena's death myself. That was very friendly of you. If only Rena had been able to hold on just a little longer. That house should be spared from grief at this time. But she died so peacefully, didn't she, Miss Testament? Oh, it was so beautiful. It was so peaceful, her passing. Along with the unspeakable happiness of being able to see Jorgen one last time to... No, he wrote not to expect him back any time to. Please, sit down. No, thank you, my dear. My blessed Heather. I'd like to but I have so little time I have to make sure that everything is ready and tidied up as well as I can manage it. She needs to be laid to rest properly. Can't I help with something? Heather Tesman need not lend a hand to something like this. And she shouldn't be thinking about such things either, not at the time. Yes, thinking about such things. They don't really let you... Yes, that's the way of the world at home. We have to stitch up a very shrouded arena and there'll be something to stitch up you too, I should think. Not another word about that. Well, it's good you're finally here. And you love with Heather, fancy that. I was just about to leave, my dear boy. So, have you taken care of everything you promised me? Oh, and afraid I forgot half the things. I'm all confused today. I can't keep track of my thoughts. How do you think I should take it? You should be happy in your grief. Yes, yes. You're thinking of answering them. I suppose it's going to be very lonely for you, Miss Tesman. Oh, yes, at first. But it shouldn't last long. I should hope. Our poor little greenness will it it won't be empty for long, I think. Someone will move in there, yeah? There's always another poor invalid in need of nursing and care, unfortunately. Would you really want to bear a cross like that again? A cross? God forgive you. My dear child, it was never a cross for me. I mean, just a complete stranger. One soon makes friends with the sick. And as for me, I really need someone to live for. Oh, God, we praise in this house there will probably always be work for an old ant. Not another word about that, please. Yeah, it wouldn't be great. The three of us could be together if... If? Oh, never mind. It'll all work itself out, yeah? Yes, yes. You two have things to talk about, and it may have something to tell you. How strange to think of it now. Yeah, just imagine. Just imagine. You know, stuff affects you most. More than your ant. Oh, it's not just renails. I learned that it's making me so uneasy. Did something else happen with it? I went by his place this afternoon to let him know the manuscript was in good hands. Didn't you see him then? No, he wasn't at home. But afterward I met with Mrs. Elstead, and she said he'd been here this morning. Yes, right after he left. And she told me that... She told me that he told her that he tore the manuscript up. Yeah? Yes, he said that. My God, he was out of his mind. Surely... Surely you didn't dare get it back to him. No, he did not get it. But she must have told him that we had it. You say something to Mrs. Elstead. No, I didn't want to. But him, you should have told him about the manuscript. My God, what if this... if this madness leads to despair? What did you do with the manuscript, Hedda? I'll run it over to him now. Where did you put it? What do you mean by that? Every last scrap. You burned it! You burned Eilert's manuscript! No, you pushed out the manuscript! No, no, no, no. This is utterly inconceivable. It's an impossibility. Hedda, you know what you've done. It's unlawful destruction of property. Just imagine. Just ask Judge Brock. He'll tell you. Well, that's certainly good advice, but you're not going to say anything. Not to the judge, and not to anyone else. Hedda, how could you do something so unspeakable? What on earth were you thinking of? What on earth were you trying to do? You have to answer me that, yeah? I did it for your sake, Hedda. For my sake? You told me this morning how he had read to you. Yeah. So? You confessed that you envied him his work. My God, that wasn't meant literally. All the same. I couldn't let another man overshadow you like that. So it's not true what you say, Hedda. Yes, but... Yes, but... Never shown your love for me this way. Hedda. Yes, but I need to... No, no, no. Are you asking? He'll tell you. I think I understand you, Hedda. No, but... But, my God, hey, do you think it's really possible? Don't shout! The servant can hear you. The servant. The servant. It's Burt. I'll go tell him myself. I am dying. I am dying in all of this. In what, Hedda? In what? In all of this comedy, Jorgen. Comedy? I'm so cheerful. All the same. Perhaps it's better not to tell Burt. Come on. Why not him, too? No, no, not just yet. But, look, you're starting to call me Jorgen. Aunt Yula is going to be so happy. She's going to be so happy when she hears... When she hears that I burned Eilert Lube Borg's manuscript. For your sake? No. But that's true, too. The thing about the manuscript. Of course no one can know about that. But Jorgen loved with me, Hedda. Aunt Yula has to know about that. The other thing. Perhaps such behavior is common in young wives, yeah? Maybe Aunt Yula will know. Yes, I'll have to ask her sometime. It's just... My God, it's terrible when you think about it. Poor Eilert Lube is saying... We're coming back. What have you been doing, Thea? Not so big of a blow for it again, yeah? Yes, and I'm terribly afraid something is happening to him. You think so? Oh, why would you say that, Mrs. Lube? Well, I heard them talking about him in the hotel. Just as I was coming in. Oh, they're the most unbelievable rumors going around about him in town today. Oh, just imagine, I heard the same thing. And I can testify. He went straight home to bed. But what were they saying at the hotel? Well, I couldn't really get anything definite. Whether they knew more or not, they all got quite when they saw me and I didn't dare ask them anything. Oh, we can but hope. We can but hope that you misheard them, Mrs. Austin. No, no, I'm sure it was him they were talking about. And there was something having to do with the hospital. The hospital? No, that's not possible. Oh, wait, I was so terribly afraid for him. I went to where he was staying and asked after him there. You weren't able to do that? Yeah. Of course, I couldn't bear the uncertainty. But you didn't see him. I mean, yeah? No, and the people there, they didn't know anything. They said he hadn't been there since yesterday they said. Yesterday? Just imagine that. Imagine them saying that, Hedda. I can hear. Something must have happened to him. That's the only explanation. Oh, Hedda, what do you say I go into town and ask around at a couple of places, yeah? No. Don't you go and get mixed up in this? Oh, it's you, Judge Brock. Yes, I meant to come and see you earlier this afternoon. I see you got the news from Aunt Eulah. Oh, yes, yes, I got the news. Okay, it's pretty sad, yeah? And if it depends on how you look at it, might get a testament. Why? Has something else happened? Yes. Something sad, Judge Brock. If it depends on how you look at it, Mrs. Tessman. Oh, it's Isaac Luford. Why would you say that, Mrs. Elstead? Might you know something else? No, no, I don't at all, but... My God, just say it, yeah? Unfortunately, I know Luford's been taken to the hospital. He's dying. The hospital? He's dying? We were still quarreling, Hedda. Let's go see him. I must see him while he's still alive. Oh, that won't do you any good, Madam. They're not letting anyone see him. Oh, just tell me what happened. What's wrong? Yeah, surely he didn't... hurt himself. I'm quite sure that he did. Unfortunately, you guessed correctly, Mrs. Tessman. When did it happen, Judge Brock? This afternoon, between three and four. God, he did it himself. But where did it happen? He shot himself. You guessed right again, Madam. Hedda's lodging's probably... No, no, that can't be right, because I was... I was there between six and seven. Somewhere else, then. I don't know exactly. All I do know is that when they found him... he shot himself in the chest. No, that way. In the chest. Yes, like I said. Not through the temple. In the chest, Mrs. Tessman. Yes, of course. The chest is... How do you mean, Madam? And you say it's fatal? Yeah? Oh, it's an undoubtedly fatal wound. Most likely it's already over. Yes, yes, I can feel it. It's over. But how do you know all this? From the police? I had to talk to them. Finally, an act. What are you saying, Hedda? I'm saying that there's beauty in this. Mrs. Tessman? Beauty? Really? Hedda, how can you talk about beauty with something like this? He built his own accounts. He had the courage to do what had to be done. No, no, I won't believe it happened like that. What he did, he did in just a temporary state of madness. It was desperation. No, it wasn't, I'm sure. Yes, it was. And it was a moment of madness when he tore our book to pieces. The book? The manuscript you mean. He tore it to pieces? Yes, he did it last night. We're never getting at this. This is very strange. Just think, Eilert is leaving us and without even leaving behind the thing that would make his name. If only it could. I don't know what I'd give. And Mr. Tessman? What are you saying, Mrs. Elston? Here, look here. These are all the sheets of paper I kept when he was dictating. You saved him, Mrs. Elston? These are all the notes. I took them when I left. They've been in my bag the entire time. Oh, let me see what there is. They're all mixed up. They're such a mess. If we could go all through this, maybe if we've helped one another. We should try in any case. We will. We must. I'll stake my life on it. Your work. Your work. Yes, well, better to say all the time that I have available. I'll have to put off my own research. You understand? This is something that I owe Eilert's memory. But now we can go through all this together. This is Elston. My God, no sense brooding over the past, yeah? We'll comfort our souls again. Yes, Mr. Tessman, I will do my... Yes, we should begin on this immediately. But where should we sit? Here. Oh, no, in that room. You must excuse us, Judge Brock. Head up. Lord, there is such a feeling of liberation. Liberation? Yes, you could say he has liberation. A feeling of liberation for me. To know that a voluntary act of bravery is still possible in this world. You know, an act that shines with involuntary beauty. Mrs. Tessman. I know what you want to say. Because you're kind of a professional man yourself. Just like... Well, spit it out. I'd like Louboard more to you than you care to admit yourself or him I'm mistaken. I don't answer such questions. I only know that I let Louboard have the courage to live his life on his own terms. And so a great man ends in beauty. Somebody who has the strength and the will to live this rich life so perfectly. It pains me, Mrs. Tessman, to be forced to pull you from your delusion. My delusion? From something you'd be pulled from soon enough. Oh. He didn't shoot himself. He didn't? No. But thing with either Louboard did not happen as I said. Did you leave something out, Judge Brockwood? What was it? Not before Mrs. Elmstead. I used a couple of circumlocations. What kind? Well, first, he's already dead. In the hospital? Yes, and without regaining consciousness. What else did you conceal? That the affair did not play out in his room. What difference does that make? What difference, I can tell you. I, with Louboard, was found shot in this Diana's room. No, that's impossible. He couldn't have been there today. He was there this afternoon. He'd gone to get some things. She had taken from him a terribly confused something about a missing child. That's why. And at first I thought he must have been his manuscript, but he destroyed it himself. It must have been his wallet. Yes, it must have been. And there. That was where they come from. Yes, there. And with a freshly fired pistol in his breast pocket, he'd been vaguely shot. In the chest, yeah. No, no. He'd been shot lower in the abdomen. The basin of dirt lies over everything I touch that occurs. Yes, well, there's something else in his head. Something else that leads to the squalor of the doll. Well, what? The pistol he had on him. Well, what then? Stolen it. No, he didn't. It's impossible otherwise, Mr. Setic. He must have stolen it. It's almost impossible to see anything underneath that hanging lamp. Just imagine. Yes, I can imagine. Might we use your writing desk for a bit? Be my guest. No, wait. Let me straighten up first. Oh, there's no need. There's plenty of room. No, I insist. Just let me move this over here. Sweet bear, how's the either-bluff or memorial coming? Dad, it's going to be terribly difficult putting it all right. But we must try. And anyway, putting together someone else's papers. That's just the job for me. It's like you said about a pistol. That he must have stolen it. Well, I've stolen it, exactly. Every other explanation is impossible, Mrs. Heron. I see. Now, it's true that Eidrich Lufor was here earlier this morning. Yes. And were you alone with him? Yes, for a while. Did you leave the room while he was here? No. Well, think about it. Not even for a moment. Yes, maybe for a brief moment in the foyer. And where was your pistol case? I had it. Yes, Mrs. Heron. It was over there on the desk. Did you check to see if both pistols were in the case? No. Immediately. I saw the pistol that the board had with him and I recognized it immediately from yesterday and from before that, too. Do you have it? No, I don't have it. The police have it. Well, the police do have the pistol. We'll try to find the owner. Do you think he'll turn up? Not as long as I remain silent. And if you don't remain silent, what then? You can always say the pistol was stolen. I'd rather die. People say such things, but they don't do them. And if it comes out that the pistol was not stolen and the owner turns up, what comes next? Well, next comes the scandal, Mrs. Heron. The scandal. Yes, yes, the scandal. You wonder so deathly up right now. You have to go to court, of course. You and Miss Diana, you have to testify as to the facts of the case. Was it a misfire or a deliberate shot? Did he pull the pistol out in order to threaten her or was it a wild shot? Or did she grab the pistol from his hand, shoot him, and put the pistol back into his pocket? You can see her doing something like that. This disgusting affair has nothing to do with me. No. But you still have to answer the question. Why? Why did you give the gun to move war? And what conclusions might be made from the fact that you did give it to him? That is true. I have not thought about it. Yes, well, fortunately, you are in no danger as long as I remain silent. So I'm in your hands, Judge Bronn. In your grip, tooth, and plough. Well, dearest Heather, you could trust me. I shall not abuse my position. But in your grip, dependent upon your desire and your will, you're a slave, a slave. No, I cannot bear it, Heather. Oh, sometimes we must accept the inevitable. Yes. Yes, but it will take many, many months of work. You fair. Now you can sit here with Testament, just like you used to sit with Islert Luthor. God, yes, if only I could inspire your husband like that. Give it time. Yes, but, uh, Heather, it seems I'm really on the verge of something here. Um, go talk with the judge some more. Anything that I can help with here? No, nothing. Judge Bronn, can I rely on you to keep Heather entertained? Oh, most extraordinary pleasure. Thank you much, but I'm tired now. I just want to go in the other room and lie down. Yeah, you do that, sweetheart. Higher society. I'll be quiet from now on. Oh, it's probably not good for her to see us at this sad task. I know. Mrs. Elstead, you should move in with Aunt Eulah. That way, I can come over in the evenings and we can work on this thing. Yes, perhaps that would be better. I think Testament is out here. Oh, Judge Bronn is gracious enough, and he'll be visiting you anyway. Each and every evening, Mrs. Testament, we'll get along fine, just the two of us. Perhaps you have that hope, Judge Bronn. Cock-a-boo-walk. She's just fooling around with her pistols again. She shot herself in the temple. Merciful God. People just don't do such things.