The room at the TESMANS'. The curtains are drawn over the middle doorway,
and also over the glass door. The lamp, half turned down, and with a shade over
it, is burning on the table. In the stove, the door of which stands open, there has
been a fire, which is now nearly burnt out.
MRS. ELVSTED, wrapped in a large shawl, and with her feet upon a foot-rest,
sits close to the stove, sunk back in the arm-chair. HEDDA, fully dressed, lies
sleeping upon the sofa, with a sofa-blanket over her.
[After a pause, suddenly sits up in her chair, and listens eagerly. Then she sinks
back again wearily, moaning to herself.] Not yet!-- Oh God--oh God--not yet!
BERTA slips cautiously in by the hall door. She has a letter in her hand.
[Turns and whispers eagerly.] Well--has any one come?
[Softly.] Yes, a girl has just brought this letter.
[Quickly, holding out her hand.] A letter! Give it to me!
No, it's for Dr. Tesman, ma'am.
It was Miss Tesman's servant that brought it. I'll lay it here on the table.
