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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen, Edited by E.
+Haldeman-Julius
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: A Doll's House
+
+
+Author: Henrik Ibsen
+
+Release Date: March 29, 2005  [eBook #15492]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL'S HOUSE***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Ted Garvin, David Garcia, and the Project Gutenberg
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+A DOLL'S HOUSE
+
+by
+
+HENRIK IBSEN
+
+Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius
+
+Ten Cent Pocket Series No. 353
+Haldeman-Julius Company
+Girard, Kansas
+
+1923
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+
+  Torvald Helmer.
+  Nora, his wife.
+  Doctor Rank.
+  Mrs. Linde.
+  Nils Krogstad.
+  Helmer's three young children.
+  Anne, their nurse.
+  A Housemaid.
+  A Porter.
+
+
+(_The action takes place in Helmer's house_.)
+
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+(SCENE.--_A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not
+extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the
+entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. Between the
+doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and
+beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, armchairs and a
+small sofa. In the right-hand wall, at the farther end, another door;
+and on the same side, nearer the footlights, a stove, two easy chairs
+and a rocking-chair; between the stove and the door, a small table.
+Engravings on the wall; a cabinet with china and other small objects; a
+small book-case with well-bound books. The floors are carpeted, and a
+fire burns in the stove. It is winter._
+
+_A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open.
+Enter_ NORA, _humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in out-door
+dress and carries a number of parcels; these she lays on the table to
+the right. She leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is
+seen a_ PORTER _who is carrying a Christmas Tree and a basket, which he
+gives to the_ MAID _who has opened the door_.)
+
+_Nora_. Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children
+do not see it till this evening, when it is dressed. (_To the_ PORTER,
+_taking out her purse_.) How much?
+
+_Porter_. Sixpence.
+
+_Nora_. There is a shilling. No, keep the change. (_The_ PORTER _thanks
+her, and goes out_. NORA _shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as
+she takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her
+pocket and eats one or two; then goes cautiously to her husband's door
+and listens_.) Yes, he is in. (_Still humming, she goes to the table on
+the right_.)
+
+_Helmer_ (_calls out from his room_). Is that my little lark twittering
+out there?
+
+_Nora_ (_busy opening some of the parcels_). Yes, it is!
+
+_Helmer_. Is it my little squirrel bustling about?
+
+_Nora_. Yes!
+
+_Helmer_. When did my squirrel come home?
+
+_Nora_. Just now. (_Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes
+her mouth_.) Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought.
+
+_Helmer_. Don't disturb me. (_A little later, he opens the door and
+looks into the room, pen in hand_.) Bought, did you say? All these
+things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a
+little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to
+economize.
+
+_Helmer_. Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn't we?
+Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots
+and lots of money.
+
+_Helmer_. Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter
+before the salary is due.
+
+_Nora_. Pooh! we can borrow till then.
+
+_Helmer_. Nora! (_Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear_.)
+The same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds
+today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New
+Year's Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and--
+
+_Nora_ (_putting her hands over his mouth_). Oh! don't say such horrid
+things.
+
+_Helmer_. Still, suppose that happened,--what then?
+
+_Nora_. If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I
+owed money or not.
+
+_Helmer_. Yes, but what about the people who had lent it?
+
+_Nora_. They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they
+were.
+
+_Helmer_. That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I
+think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or
+beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have
+kept bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way
+for the short time longer that there need be any struggle.
+
+_Nora_ (_moving towards the stove_). As you please, Torvald.
+
+_Helmer_ (_following her_). Come, come, my little skylark must not droop
+her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? (_Taking
+out his purse_.) Nora, what do you think I have got here?
+
+_Nora_ (_turning round quickly_). Money!
+
+_Helmer_. There you are. (_Gives her some money_.) Do you think I don't
+know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time?
+
+_Nora_ (_counting_). Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you,
+thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time.
+
+_Helmer_. Indeed it must.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have
+bought. And ah so cheap! Look, here is a new suit for Ivar, and a sword;
+and a horse and a trumpet for Bob; and a doll and dolly's bedstead for
+Emmy.--they are very plain, but anyway she will soon break them in
+pieces. And here are dress-lengths and handkerchiefs for the maids; old
+Anne ought really to have something better.
+
+_Helmer_. And what is in this parcel?
+
+_Nora_ (_crying out_). No, no! you mustn't see that till this evening.
+
+_Helmer_. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person,
+what would you like for yourself?
+
+_Nora_. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything.
+
+_Helmer_. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would
+particularly like to have.
+
+_Nora_. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald--
+
+_Helmer_. Well?
+
+_Nora_ (_playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to
+his_). If you really want to give me something, you might--you might--
+
+_Helmer_. Well, out with it!
+
+_Nora_ (_speaking quickly_). You might give me money, Torvald. Only just
+as much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy
+something with it.
+
+_Helmer_. But, Nora--
+
+_Nora_. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up
+in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that
+be fun?
+
+_Helmer_. What are little people called that are always wasting money?
+
+_Nora_. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and
+then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a
+very sensible plan, isn't it?
+
+_Helmer_ (_smiling_). Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were really
+to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for
+yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of
+unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again.
+
+_Nora_. Oh but, Torvald--
+
+_Helmer_. You can't deny it, my dear, little Nora. (_Puts his arm round
+her waist_.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of
+money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are!
+
+_Nora_. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can.
+
+_Helmer_ (_laughing_). That's very true,--all you can. But you can't
+save anything!
+
+_Nora_ (_smiling quietly and happily_). You haven't any idea how many
+expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.
+
+_Helmer_. You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always
+find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you have
+got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it has
+gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; for
+indeed it is true that you can inherit these things, Nora.
+
+_Nora_. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities.
+
+_Helmer_. And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are,
+my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that you are
+looking rather--what shall I say--rather uneasy today?
+
+_Nora_. Do I?
+
+_Helmer_. You do, really. Look straight at me.
+
+_Nora_ (_looks at him_). Well?
+
+_Helmer_ (_wagging his finger at her_). Hasn't Miss Sweet-Tooth been
+breaking rules in town today?
+
+_Nora_. No; what makes you think that?
+
+_Helmer_. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's?
+
+_Nora_. No, I assure you, Torvald--
+
+_Helmer_. Not been nibbling sweets?
+
+_Nora_. No, certainly not.
+
+_Helmer_. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?
+
+_Nora_. No, Torvald, I assure you really--
+
+_Helmer_. There, there, of course I was only joking.
+
+_Nora_ (_going to the table on the right_). I should not think of going
+against your wishes.
+
+_Helmer_. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word--(_Going
+up to her_.) Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling.
+They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no
+doubt.
+
+_Nora_. Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank?
+
+_Helmer_. No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come
+to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in this
+morning. I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can't think how I am
+looking forward to this evening.
+
+_Nora_. So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald!
+
+_Helmer_. It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe
+appointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to think of, isn't
+it?
+
+_Nora_. It's wonderful!
+
+_Helmer_. Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks
+beforehand you shut yourself up every evening till long after midnight,
+making ornaments for the Christmas Tree and all the other fine things
+that were to be a surprise to us. It was the dullest three weeks I ever
+spent!
+
+_Nora_. I didn't find it dull.
+
+_Helmer_ (_smiling_). But there was precious little result, Nora.
+
+_Nora_. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I help
+the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces?
+
+_Helmer_. Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had the best of
+intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing. But it is a good
+thing that our hard times are over.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, it is really wonderful.
+
+_Helmer_. This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and you
+needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands--
+
+_Nora_ (_clapping her hands_). No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need
+I! It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (_Taking his arm_.) Now I
+will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things,
+Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over--(_A bell rings in the hall_.)
+There's the bell. (_She tidies the room a little_.) There's someone at
+the door. What a nuisance!
+
+_Helmer_. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.
+
+_Maid_ (_in the doorway_). A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger.
+
+_Nora_. Ask her to come in.
+
+_Maid_ (_to_ HELMER). The doctor came at the same time, sir.
+
+_Helmer_. Did he go straight into my room?
+
+_Maid_. Yes, sir.
+
+(HELMER _goes into his room. The_ MAID _ushers in_ MRS. LINDE, _who is
+in traveling dress, and shuts the door_.)
+
+_Mrs Linde_ (_in a dejected and timid voice_). How do you do, Nora?
+
+_Nora_ (_doubtfully_). How do you do--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You don't recognize me, I suppose.
+
+_Nora_ No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--(_Suddenly_.) Yes!
+Christine! Is it really you?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, it is I.
+
+_Nora_. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could
+I--(_In a gentle voice_.) How you have altered, Christine!
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years--
+
+_Nora_. Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight
+years have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you have
+come into the town, and have taken this long journey in winter--that was
+plucky of you.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I arrived by steamer this morning.
+
+_Nora_. To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How delightful!
+We will have such fun together! But take off your things. You are not
+cold, I hope. (_Helps her_.) Now we will sit down by the stove, and be
+cosy. No, take this arm-chair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair.
+(_Takes her hands_.) Now you look like your old self again; it was only
+the first moment--You are a little paler, Christine, and perhaps a
+little thinner.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. And much, much older, Nora.
+
+_Nora_. Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much.
+(_Stops suddenly and speaks seriously_.) What a thoughtless creature I
+am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. What do you mean, Nora?
+
+_Nora_ (_gently_). Poor Christine, you are a widow.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes; it is three years ago now.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I
+meant ever so often to write to you at the time, but I always put it off
+and something always prevented me.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I quite understand, dear.
+
+_Nora_. It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have
+suffered. And he left you nothing?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No.
+
+_Nora_. And no children?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No.
+
+_Nora_. Nothing at all, then?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon.
+
+_Nora_ (_looking incredulously at her_). But, Christine, is that
+possible?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_smiles sadly and strokes her hair_). It sometimes
+happens, Nora.
+
+_Nora_. So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have
+three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they are out
+with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, no; I want to hear about you.
+
+_Nora_. No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I must
+only think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do
+you know we have just had a great piece of good luck?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, what is it?
+
+_Nora_. Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank!
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Your husband? What good luck!
+
+_Nora_. Yes tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an uncertain
+thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavoury cases; and naturally
+Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him.
+You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the
+Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lots of
+commissions. For the future we can live quite differently--we can do
+just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be
+splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won't
+it?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what
+one needs.
+
+_Nora_. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_smiling_). Nora, Nora, haven't you learnt sense yet? In
+our schooldays you were a great spendthrift.
+
+_Nora_ (_laughing_). Yes, that is what Torvald says now. (_Wags her
+finger at her_.) But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think. We have
+not been in a position for me to waste money. We have both had to work.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You too?
+
+_Nora_. Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crochet-work, embroidery, and
+that kind of thing. (_Dropping her voice_.) And other things as well.
+You know Torvald left his office when we were married? There was no
+prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than
+before. But during the first year he overworked himself dreadfully. You
+see, he had to make money every way he could, and he worked early and
+late; but he couldn't stand it, and fell dreadfully ill, and the doctors
+said it was necessary for him to go south.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you?
+
+_Nora_. Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It was
+just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a
+wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's life. But it cost
+a tremendous lot of money, Christine.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. So I should think.
+
+_Nora_. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, isn't
+it?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the
+money.
+
+_Nora_. I ought to tell you that we had it from papa.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died,
+wasn't it?
+
+_Nora_. Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn't go and nurse him. I was
+expecting little Ivar's birth every day and I had my poor sick Torvald
+to look after. My dear, kind father--I never saw him again, Christine.
+That was the saddest time I have known since our marriage.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to
+Italy?
+
+_Nora_. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our
+going, so we started a month later.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. And your husband came back quite well?
+
+_Nora_. As sound as a bell!
+
+_Mrs Linde_. But--the doctor?
+
+_Nora_. What doctor?
+
+_Mrs Linde_. I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here
+just as I did, was the doctor?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here
+professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once
+every day. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since then, and our
+children are strong and healthy and so am I. (_Jumps up and claps her
+hands_.) Christine! Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!--But how
+horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. (_Sits on a
+stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees_.) You mustn't be angry
+with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband?
+Why did you marry him?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless,
+and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I
+was justified in refusing his offer.
+
+_Nora_. No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time,
+then?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a
+precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was
+nothing left.
+
+_Nora_. And then?--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could
+find--first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three
+years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at
+an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the
+boys do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift for
+themselves.
+
+_Nora_. What a relief you must feel it--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one
+to live for any more. (_Gets up restlessly_.) That is why I could not
+stand the life in my little backwater any longer. I hope it may be
+easier here to find something which will busy me and occupy my thoughts.
+If only I could have the good luck to get some regular work--office work
+of some kind--
+
+_Nora_. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look
+tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_walking to the window_). I have no father to give me
+money for a journey, Nora.
+
+_Nora_ (_rising_). Oh, don't be angry with me.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_going up to her_). It is you that must not be angry with
+me, dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so
+bitter. No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on the look-out
+for chances. One must live, and so one becomes selfish. When you told me
+of the happy turn your fortunes have taken--you will hardly believe
+it--I was delighted not so much on your account as on my own.
+
+_Nora_. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps
+Torvald could get you something to do.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, that was what I was thinking of.
+
+_Nora_. He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the
+subject very cleverly--I will think of something that will please him
+very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to you.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is
+doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles
+of life.
+
+_Nora_. I--? I know so little of them?
+
+_Mrs Linde_ (_smiling_). My dear! Small household cares and that sort of
+thing!--You are a child, Nora.
+
+_Nora_ (_tosses her head and crosses the stage_). You ought not to be so
+superior.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No?
+
+_Nora_. You are just like all the others. They all think that I am
+incapable of anything really serious--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Come, come--
+
+_Nora_.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your
+troubles.
+
+_Nora_. Pooh!--those were trifles. (_Lowering her voice_.) I have not
+told you the important thing.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. The important thing? What do you mean?
+
+_Nora_. You look down upon me altogether, Christine--but you ought not
+to. You are proud, aren't you, of having-worked so hard and so long for
+your mother?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Indeed, I don't look down on any one. But it is true that
+I am both proud and glad to think that I was privileged to make the end
+of my mother's life almost free from care.
+
+_Nora_. And you are proud to think of what you have done for your
+brothers.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I think I have the right to be.
+
+_Nora_. I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have something
+to be proud and glad of.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to?
+
+_Nora_. Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn't on any
+account--no one in the world must know, Christine, except you.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But what is it?
+
+_Nora_. Come here. (_Pulls her down on the sofa beside her_.) Now I will
+show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who
+saved Torvald's life.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. "Saved"? How?
+
+_Nora_. I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have
+recovered if he had not gone there--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds.
+
+_Nora_ (_smiling_). Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think,
+but--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But.--
+
+_Nora_. Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You? All that large sum?
+
+_Nora_. Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a
+prize in the Lottery?
+
+_Nora_ (_contemptuously_). In the Lottery? There would have been no
+credit in that.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But where did you get it from, then?
+
+_Nora_ (_humming and smiling with an air of mystery_). Hm, hu! Aha!
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Because you couldn't have borrowed it.
+
+_Nora_. Couldn't I? Why not?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband's consent.
+
+_Nora_ (_tossing her head_). Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for
+business--a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I don't understand it at all, Nora.
+
+_Nora_. There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed the
+money. I may have got it some other way. (_Lies back on the sofa._)
+Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is as attractive
+as I am--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You are a mad creature.
+
+_Nora_. Now, you know you're full of curiosity, Christine.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven't you been a little bit
+imprudent?
+
+_Nora_ (_sits up straight_). Is it imprudent to save your husband's
+life?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to--
+
+_Nora_. But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My
+goodness, can't you understand that? It was necessary he should have no
+idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctors
+came and said that his life was in danger, and that the only thing to
+save him was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn't try, first of
+all, to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much
+I should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and
+entreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition
+I was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even
+hinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry,
+Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my
+husband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices--as I believe he
+called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved--and that was how I
+came to devise a way out of the difficulty--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. And did your husband never get to know from your father
+that the money had not come from him?
+
+_Nora_. No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let him
+into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill
+then--alas, there never was any need to tell him.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. And since then have you never told your secret to your
+husband?
+
+_Nora_. Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has such
+strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful and
+humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to
+know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations
+altogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Do you mean never to tell him about it?
+
+_Nora_ (_meditatively, and with a half smile._) Yes--some day, perhaps,
+after many years, when I am no longer as nice-looking as I am now.
+Don't laugh at me! I mean, of course, when Torvald is no longer as
+devoted to me as he is now; when my dancing and dressing-up and reciting
+have palled on him; then it may be a good thing to have something in
+reserve--(_Breaking off,_) What nonsense! That time will never come.
+Now, what do you think of my great secret, Christine? Do you still think
+I am of no use? I can tell you, too, that this affair has caused me a
+lot of worry. It has been by no means easy for me to meet my engagements
+punctually. I may tell you that there is something that is called, in
+business, quarterly interest, and another thing called payment in
+instalments, and it is always so dreadfully difficult to manage them. I
+have had to save a little here and there, where I could, you understand.
+I have not been able to put aside much from my housekeeping money, for
+Torvald must have a good table. I couldn't let my children be shabbily
+dressed; I have felt obliged to use up all he gave me for them, the
+sweet little darlings!
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries of
+life, poor Nora?
+
+_Nora_. Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever
+Torvald has given me money for new dresses and such things, I have never
+spent more than half of it; I have always bought the simplest and
+cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, and so
+Torvald has never noticed it. But it was often very hard on me,
+Christine--because it is delightful to be really well dressed, isn't it?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Quite so.
+
+_Nora_. Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last winter
+I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I locked myself up
+and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I
+was desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to
+sit there working and earning money. It was like being a man.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. How much have you been able to pay off in that way?
+
+_Nora_. I can't tell you exactly. You see, it is very difficult to keep
+an account of a business matter of that kind. I only know that I have
+paid every penny that I could scrape together. Many a time I was at my
+wits' end. (_Smiles._) Then I used to sit here and imagine that a rich
+old gentleman had fallen in love with me--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. What! Who was it?
+
+_Nora_. Be quiet!--that he had died; and that when his will was opened
+it contained, written in big letters, the instruction: "The lovely Mrs.
+Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over to her at once in cash."
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But, my dear Nora--who could the man be?
+
+_Nora_. Good gracious, can't you understand? There was no old gentleman
+at all; it was only something that I used to sit here and imagine, when
+I couldn't think of any way of procuring money. But it's all the same
+now; the tiresome old person can stay where he is, as far as I am
+concerned; I don't care about him or his will either, for I am free from
+care now. (_Jumps up_.) My goodness, it's delightful to think of,
+Christine! Free from care! To be able to be free from care, quite free
+from care; to be able to play and romp with the children; to be able to
+keep the house beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it!
+And, think of it, soon the spring will come and the big blue sky!
+Perhaps we shall be able to take a little trip--perhaps I shall see the
+sea again! Oh, it's a wonderful thing to be alive and be happy. (_A bell
+is heard in the hall_.)
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_rising_). There is the bell; perhaps I had better go.
+
+_Nora_. No, don't go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be for
+Torvald.
+
+_Servant_ (_at the hall door_). Excuse me, ma'am--there is a gentleman
+to see the master, and as the doctor is with him--
+
+_Nora_. Who is it?
+
+_Krogstad_ (_at the door_). It is I, Mrs. Helmer. (_Mrs._ LINDE _starts,
+trembles, and turns to the window_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained low voice_).
+You? What is it? What do you want to see my husband about?
+
+_Krogstad_. Bank business--in a way. I have a small post in the Bank,
+and I hear your husband is to be our chief now--
+
+_Nora_. Then it is--
+
+_Krogstad_. Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs. Helmers; absolutely
+nothing else.
+
+_Nora_. Be so good as to go into the study then. (_She bows
+indifferently to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes back
+and makes up the fire in the stove_.)
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Nora--who was that man?
+
+_Nora_. A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Then it really was he.
+
+_Nora_. Do you know the man?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I used to--many years ago. At one time he was a
+solicitor's clerk in our town.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, he was.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. He is greatly altered.
+
+_Nora_. He made a very unhappy marriage.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. He is a widower now, isn't he?
+
+_Nora_. With several children. There now, it is burning up. (_Shuts the
+door of the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside_.)
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. They say he carries on various kinds of business.
+
+_Nora_. Really! Perhaps he does; I don't know anything about it. But
+don't let us think of business; it is so tiresome.
+
+_Doctor Rank_ (_comes out of_ HELMER'S _study. Before he shuts the door
+he calls to him_). No, my dear fellow, I won't disturb you; I would
+rather go in to your wife for a little while. (_Shuts the door and sees_
+Mrs. LINDE.) I beg your pardon; I am afraid I am disturbing you too.
+
+_Nora_. No, not at all. (_Introducing him_.) Doctor Rank, Mrs. Linde.
+
+_Rank_. I have often heard Mrs. Linde's name mentioned here. I think I
+passed you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs. Linde?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, I go up very slowly; I can't manage stairs well.
+
+_Rank_. Ah! some slight internal weakness?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, the fact is I have been overworking myself.
+
+_Rank_. Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to town to
+amuse yourself with our entertainments?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I have come to look for work.
+
+_Rank_. Is that a good cure for overwork?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. One must live, Doctor Rank.
+
+_Rank_. Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary.
+
+_Nora_. Look here, Doctor Rank--you know you want to live.
+
+_Rank_. Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong the
+agony as long as possible. All my patients are like that. And so are
+those who are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad case, too, is at
+this very moment with Helmer--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_sadly_). Ah!
+
+_Nora_. Whom do you mean?
+
+_Rank_. A lawyer of the name of Krogstad, a fellow you don't know at
+all. He suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs. Helmer; but even
+he began talking of its being highly important that he should live.
+
+_Nora_. Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about?
+
+_Rank_. I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about the
+Bank.
+
+_Nora_. I didn't know this--what's his name--Krogstad had anything to do
+with the Bank.
+
+_Rank_. Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. (_To_ Mrs. LINDE.) I
+don't know whether you find also in your part of the world that there
+are certain people who go zealously snuffing about to smell out moral
+corruption, and, as soon as they have found some, put the person
+concerned into some lucrative position where they can keep their eye on
+him. Healthy natures are left out in the cold.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care
+of.
+
+_Rank_ (_shrugging his shoulders_). Yes, there you are. That is the
+sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house.
+
+(NORA, _who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into smothered
+laughter and claps her hands_.)
+
+_Rank_. Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society
+really is?
+
+_Nora_. What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at
+something quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, Doctor
+Rank, are all the people who are employed in the Bank dependent on
+Torvald now?
+
+_Rank_. Is that what you find so extremely amusing?
+
+_Nora_ (_smiling and humming_). That's my affair! (_Walking about the
+room_.) It's perfectly glorious to think that we have--that Torvald has
+so much power over so many people. (_Takes the packet from her pocket_.)
+Doctor Rank, what do you say to a macaroon?
+
+_Rank_. What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, but these are some Christine gave me.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. What! I?--
+
+_Nora_. Oh, well, don't be alarmed! You couldn't know that Torvald had
+forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil my
+teeth. But, bah!--once in a way--That's so, isn't it, Doctor Rank? By
+your leave! (_Puts a macaroon into his mouth.)_ You must have one too,
+Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one--or at most two.
+(_Walking about_.) I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in
+the world now that I should dearly love to do.
+
+_Rank_. Well, what is that?
+
+_Nora_. It's something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald could
+hear me.
+
+_Rank_. Well, why can't you say it?
+
+_Nora_, No, I daren't; it's so shocking.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Shocking?
+
+_Rank_. Well, I should not advise you to say it. Still, with us you
+might. What is it you would so much like to say if Torvald could hear
+you?
+
+_Nora_. I should just love to say--Well, I'm damned!
+
+_Rank_. Are you mad?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Nora, dear--!
+
+_Rank_. Say it, here he is!
+
+_Nora_ (_hiding the packet_). Hush! Hush! Hush! (HELMER _comes out of
+his room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand_.)
+
+_Nora_. Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him?
+
+_Helmer_. Yes, he has just gone.
+
+_Nora_. Let me introduce you--this is Christine, who has come to town.
+
+_Helmer_. Christine--? Excuse me, but I don't know--
+
+_Nora_. Mrs. Linde, dear; Christine Linde.
+
+_Helmer_. Of course. A school friend of my wife's, I presume?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, we have known each other since then.
+
+_Nora_. And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see
+you.
+
+_Helmer_. What do you mean?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, really, I--
+
+_Nora_. Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is
+frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect
+herself--
+
+_Helmer_. Very sensible, Mrs. Linde.
+
+_Nora_. And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the
+Bank--the news was telegraphed, you know--she traveled here as quick as
+she could, Torvald, I am sure you will be able to do something for
+Christine, for my sake, won't you?
+
+_Helmer_. Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a
+widow, Mrs. Linde?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes.
+
+_Helmer_. And have had some experience of bookkeeping?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, a fair amount.
+
+_Helmer_. Ah! well it's very likely I may be able to find something for
+you--
+
+_Nora_ (_clapping her hands_). What did I tell you? What did I tell you?
+
+_Helmer_. You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs. Linde.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. How am I to thank you?
+
+_Helmer_. There is no need. (_Puts on his coat_.) But today you must
+excuse me--
+
+_Rank_. Wait a minute; I will come with you. (_Brings his fur coat from
+the hall and warms it at the fire_.)
+
+_Nora_. Don't be long away, Torvald dear.
+
+_Helmer_. About an hour, not more.
+
+_Nora_. Are you going too, Christine?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_putting on her cloak_). Yes, I must go and look for a
+room.
+
+_Helmer_. Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together.
+
+_Nora_ (_helping her_). What a pity it is we are so short of space here;
+I am afraid it is impossible for us--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Please don't think of it! Good-bye, Nora dear, and many
+thanks.
+
+_Nora_. Good-bye for the present. Of course you will come back this
+evening. And you too, Dr. Rank. What do you say? If you are well enough?
+Oh, you must be! Wrap yourself up well. (_They go to the door all
+talking together. Children's voices are heard on the staircase._)
+
+_Nora_. There they are. There they are! (_She runs to open the door.
+The_ NURSE _comes in with the children._) Come in! Come in! (_Stoops and
+kisses them._) Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren't
+they darlings?
+
+_Rank_. Don't let us stand here in the draught.
+
+_Helmer_. Come along, Mrs. Linde; the place will only be bearable for a
+mother now!
+
+(RANK, HELMER, _and_ MRS. LINDE _go downstairs. The_ NURSE _comes
+forward with the children;_ NORA _shuts the hall door._)
+
+_Nora_. How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks!--like apples and
+roses. (_The children all talk at once while she speaks to them._) Have
+you had great fun? That's splendid! What, you pulled both Emmy and Bob
+along on the sledge?--both at once?--that _was_ good. You are a clever
+boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, Anne. My sweet little baby
+doll! (_Takes the baby from the_ MAID _and dances it up and down._) Yes,
+yes, mother will dance with Bob too. What! Have you been snow-balling? I
+wish I had been there too! No, no, I will take their things off, Anne;
+please let me do it, it is such fun. Go in now, you look half frozen.
+There is some hot coffee for you on the stove.
+
+(_The_ NURSE _goes into the room on the left. Nora takes off the
+children's things and throws them about, while they all talk to her at
+once_.)
+
+_Nora._ Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn't bite you? No,
+dogs don't bite nice little dolly children. You mustn't look at the
+parcels, Ivar. What are they? Ah, I daresay you would like to know. No,
+no--it's something nasty! Come, let us have a game. What shall we play
+at? Hide and Seek? Yes, we'll play Hide and Seek. Bob shall hide first.
+Must I hide? Very well, I'll hide first. (_She and the children laugh
+and shout, and romp in and out of the room; at last Nora hides under the
+table the children rush in and look for her, but do not see her; they
+hear her smothered laughter run to the table, lift up the cloth and find
+her. Shouts of laughter. She crawls forward and pretends to frighten
+them. Fresh laughter. Meanwhile there has been a knock at the hall door,
+but none of them has noticed it. The door is half opened, and KROGSTAD
+appears. He waits a little; the game goes on._)
+
+_Krogstad_. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer.
+
+_Nora_ (_with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her knees_).
+Ah! what do you want?
+
+_Krogstad_. Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone forgot
+to shut it.
+
+_Nora_ (_rising_). My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad.
+
+_Krogstad_. I know that.
+
+_Nora_. What do you want here, then?
+
+_Krogstad_. A word with you.
+
+_Nora_. With me?--(_To the children, gently_.) Go in to nurse. What? No,
+the strange man won't do mother any harm. When he has gone we will have
+another game. (_She takes the children into the room on the left, and
+shuts the door after them._) You want to speak to me?
+
+_Krogstad_. Yes, I do.
+
+_Nora_. Today? It is not the first of the month yet.
+
+_Krogstad_. No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself what
+sort of a Christmas you will spend.
+
+_Nora_. What do you want? Today it is absolutely impossible for me--
+
+_Krogstad_. We won't talk about that till later on. This is something
+different. I presume you can give me a moment?
+
+_Nora_. Yes--yes, I can--although--
+
+_Krogstad_. Good. I was in Olsen's Restaurant and saw your husband going
+down the street--
+
+_Nora_. Yes?
+
+_Krogstad_. With a lady.
+
+_Nora_. What then?
+
+_Krogstad_. May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs. Linde?
+
+_Nora_. It was.
+
+_Krogstad_. Just arrived in town?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, today.
+
+_Krogstad_. She is a great friend of yours, isn't she?
+
+_Nora_: She is. But I don't see--
+
+_Krogstad_. I knew her too, once upon a time.
+
+_Nora_. I am aware of that.
+
+_Krogstad_. Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. Then I
+can ask you, without beating about the bush--is Mrs. Linde to have an
+appointment in the Bank?
+
+_Nora_. What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?--You, one of
+my husband's subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs.
+Linde _is_ to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause,
+Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that.
+
+_Krogstad_. I was right in what I thought, then.
+
+_Nora_ (_walking up and down the stage_). Sometimes one has a tiny
+little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does
+not necessarily follow that--. When anyone is in a subordinate position,
+Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone
+who--who--
+
+_Krogstad_. Who has influence?
+
+_Nora_. Exactly.
+
+_Krogstad_ (_changing his tone_). Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as to
+use your influence on my behalf.
+
+_Nora_. What? What do you mean?
+
+_Krogstad_. You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my
+subordinate position in the Bank.
+
+_Nora_. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away
+from you?
+
+_Krogstad_. Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of
+ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious
+to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I
+quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off.
+
+_Nora_. But I assure you--
+
+_Krogstad_. Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come
+when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that.
+
+_Nora_. But, Mr. Krogstad, I _have_ no influence.
+
+_Krogstad_. Haven't you? I thought you said yourself just now--
+
+_Nora_. Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I!
+What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my
+husband?
+
+_Krogstad_. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don't
+suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands.
+
+_Nora_. If you speak slightly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the
+house.
+
+_Krogstad_. You are bold, Mrs. Helmer.
+
+_Nora_. I am not afraid of you any longer, As soon as the New Year
+comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing.
+
+_Krogstad_ (_controlling himself_). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If
+necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I
+were fighting for my life.
+
+_Nora_. So it seems.
+
+_Krogstad_. It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that
+weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason--well, I may
+as well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like
+everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an
+indiscretion.
+
+_Nora_. I think I have heard something of the kind.
+
+_Krogstad_. The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be
+closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I
+had to do something; and, honestly, don't think I've been one of the
+worst. But now I must cut myself free from all that. My sons are growing
+up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in
+the town. This post in the Bank was like the first step up for me--and
+now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud.
+
+_Nora_. But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to
+help you at all.
+
+_Krogstad_. Then it is because you haven't the will; but I have means to
+compel you.
+
+_Nora_. You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you
+money?
+
+_Krogstad_. Hm!--suppose I were to tell him?
+
+_Nora_. It would be perfectly infamous of you. (_Sobbing_.) To think of
+his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an
+ugly, clumsy way--that he should learn it from you! And it would put me
+in a horribly disagreeable position--
+
+_Krogstad_. Only disagreeable?
+
+_Nora_ (_impetuously_). Well, do it, then!--and it will be the worse for
+you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you are, and you
+certainly won't keep your post then.
+
+_Krogstad_. I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that
+you were afraid of?
+
+_Nora_. If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once
+pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to do with
+you.
+
+_Krogstad_ (_coming a step nearer_). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. Either
+you have a very bad memory or you know very little of business. I shall
+be obliged to remind you of a few details.
+
+_Nora_. What do you mean?
+
+_Krogstad_. When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two
+hundred and fifty pounds.
+
+_Nora_. I didn't know any one else to go to.
+
+_Krogstad_. I promised to get you that amount--
+
+_Nora_. Yes, and you did so.
+
+_Krogstad_. I promised to get you that amount, on certain conditions.
+Your mind was so taken up with your husband's illness, and you were so
+anxious to get the money for your journey, that you seem to have paid no
+attention to the conditions of our bargain. Therefore it will not be
+amiss if I remind you of them. Now, I promised to get the money on the
+security of a bond which I drew up.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, and which I signed.
+
+_Krogstad_. Good. But below your signature there were a few lines
+constituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your father
+should have signed.
+
+_Nora_. Should? He did sign them.
+
+_Krogstad_. I had left the date blank; that is to say your father should
+himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. Do you
+remember that?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, I think I remember--
+
+_Krogstad_. Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is
+that not so?
+
+_Nora_. Yes.
+
+_Krogstad_. And you naturally did so at once, because five or six days
+afterwards you brought me the bond with your father's signature. And
+then I gave you the money.
+
+_Nora_. Well, haven't I been paying it off regularly?
+
+_Krogstad_. Fairly so, yes. But--to come back to the matter in
+hand--that must have been a very trying time for you, Mrs. Helmer?
+
+_Nora_. It was, indeed.
+
+_Krogstad_. Your father was very ill, wasn't he?
+
+_Nora_. He was very near his end.
+
+_Krogstad_. And died soon afterwards?
+
+_Nora_. Yes.
+
+_Krogstad_. Tell me, Mrs. Helmer, can you by any chance remember what
+day your father died?--on what day of the month, I mean.
+
+_Nora_. Papa died on the 29th of September.
+
+_Krogstad_. That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as
+that is so, there is a discrepancy (_taking a paper from his pocket_)
+which I cannot account for.
+
+_Nora_. What discrepancy? I don't know--
+
+_Krogstad_. The discrepancy consists, Mrs. Helmer, in the fact that your
+father signed this bond three days after his death.
+
+_Nora_. What do you mean? I don't understand--
+
+_Krogstad_. Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look here;
+your father dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is a discrepancy,
+isn't it? (NORA _is silent_.) Can you explain it to me? (NORA _is still
+silent_.) It is a remarkable thing, too, that the words "2nd of
+October," as well as the year, are not written in your father's
+handwriting but in one that I think I know. Well, of course it can be
+explained; your father may have forgotten to date his signature, and
+someone else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of his death.
+There is no harm in that. It all depends on the signature of the name;
+and _that_ is genuine, I suppose, Mrs. Helmer? It was your father
+himself who signed his name here?
+
+_Nora_ (_after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly at
+him_). No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa's name.
+
+_Krogstad_. Are you aware that is a dangerous confession?
+
+_Nora_. In what way? You shall have your money soon.
+
+_Krogstad_. Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to
+your father?
+
+_Nora_. It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him for his
+signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was to be used
+for; and when he was so ill himself I couldn't tell him that my
+husband's life was in danger--it was impossible.
+
+_Krogstad_. It would have been better for you if you had given up your
+trip abroad.
+
+_Nora_. No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband's
+life; I couldn't give that up.
+
+_Krogstad_. But did it never occur to you that you were committing a
+fraud on me?
+
+_Nora_. I couldn't take that into account; I didn't trouble myself about
+you at all. I couldn't bear you, because you put so many heartless
+difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous condition my
+husband was in.
+
+_Krogstad_. Mrs. Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly what it is
+that you have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my one false
+step, which lost me all my reputation, was nothing more or nothing worse
+than what you have done.
+
+_Nora_. You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run
+a risk to save your wife's life.
+
+_Krogstad_. The law cares nothing about motives.
+
+_Nora_. Then it must be a very foolish law.
+
+_Krogstad_. Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged,
+if I produce this paper in court.
+
+_Nora_. I don't believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to spare her
+dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be allowed to save her
+husband's life? I don't know much about law; but I am certain that there
+must be laws permitting such things as that. Have you no knowledge of
+such laws--you who are a lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr.
+Krogstad.
+
+_Krogstad_. Maybe. But matters of business--such business as you and I
+have had together--do you think I don't understand that? Very well. Do
+as you please. But let me tell you this--if I lose my position a second
+time, you shall lose yours with me. (_He bows, and goes out through the
+hall_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her
+head)_. Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!--I am not so silly as
+he thinks. (_Begins to busy herself putting the children's things in
+order_.) And yet--? No, it's impossible! I did it for love's sake.
+
+_The Children_ (_in the doorway on the left.)_ Mother, the stranger man
+has gone out through the gate.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, dears, I know. But, don't tell anyone about the stranger
+man. Do you hear? Not even papa.
+
+_Children_. No, mother; but will you come and play again?
+
+_Nora_. No no,--not now.
+
+_ Children_. But, mother, you promised us.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, but I can't now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run
+away in, sweet little darlings. (_She gets them into the room by degrees
+and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes up a piece
+of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops_.) No! (_Throws
+down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out_.) Helen,
+bring the Tree in. (_Goes to the table on the left, opens a drawer, and
+stops again_.) No, no! it is quite impossible!
+
+_Maid_ (_coming in with the Tree_). Where shall I put it, ma'am?
+
+_Nora_. Here, in the middle of the floor.
+
+_Maid_. Shall I get you anything else?
+
+_Nora_. No, thank you. I have all I want.
+
+[_Exit_ MAID
+
+_Nora_ (_begins dressing the tree_). A candle here--and flowers here--.
+The horrible man! It's all nonsense--there's nothing wrong. The Tree
+shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to please you,
+Torvald!--I will sing for you, dance for you--(HELMER _comes in with
+some papers under his arm_.) Oh! are you back already?
+
+_Helmer_. Yes. Has anyone been here?
+
+_Nora_. Here? No.
+
+_Helmer_. That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate.
+
+_Nora_. Did you? Oh yes, I forgot Krogstad was here for a moment.
+
+_Helmer_. Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging
+you to say a good word for him.
+
+_Nora_. Yes.
+
+_Helmer_. And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were
+to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn't he beg that
+of you too?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, Torvald, but--
+
+_Helmer_. Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To
+have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise?
+And to tell me a lie into the bargain?
+
+_Nora_. A lie--?
+
+_Helmer_. Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (_Shakes his finger
+at her_.) My little song-bird must never do that again. A song-bird must
+have a clean beak to chirp with--no false notes! (_Puts his arm round
+her waist._) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure it is. (_Lets her
+go_.) We will say no more about it. (_Sits down by the stove_.) How warm
+and snug it is here! (_Turns over his papers_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the
+Christmas Tree_). Torvald!
+
+_Helmer_. Yes.
+
+_Nora_: I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy dress ball at the
+Stensborgs' the day after tomorrow.
+
+_Helmer_. And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to
+surprise me with.
+
+_Nora_. It was very silly of me to want to do that.
+
+_Helmer_. What do you mean?
+
+_Nora_. I can't hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of
+seems so silly and insignificant.
+
+_Helmer_. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last?
+
+_Nora_ (_standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it_).
+Are you very busy, Torvald?
+
+_Helmer_. Well--
+
+_Nora_. What are all those papers?
+
+_Helmer_. Bank business.
+
+_Nora_. Already?
+
+_Helmer_. I have got authority from the retiring manager to undertake
+the necessary changes in the staff and in the rearrangement of the work;
+and I must make use of the Christmas week for that, so as to have
+everything in order for the new year.
+
+_Nora_. Then that was why this poor Krogstad--
+
+_Helmer_. Hm!
+
+_Nora_ (_leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair_). If
+you hadn't been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big
+favour, Torvald.
+
+_Helmer_. What is that? Tell me.
+
+_Nora_. There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so want to
+look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn't you take me in hand
+and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shall wear?
+
+_Helmer_. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to
+come to her rescue?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, Torvald, I can't get along a bit without your help.
+
+_Helmer_ Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon
+something.
+
+_Nora_. That _is_ nice of you. (_Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short
+pause.)_ How pretty the red flowers look--. But, tell me, was it really
+something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of?
+
+_Helmer_. He forged someone's name. Have you any idea what that means?
+
+_Nora_. Isn't it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity?
+
+_Helmer_. Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so
+heartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false step
+of that kind.
+
+_Nora_. No you wouldn't, would you, Torvald?
+
+_Helmer_. Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has
+openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment.
+
+_Nora_. Punishment--?
+
+_Helmer_. But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out of
+it by a cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether.
+
+_Nora_. But do you think it would--?
+
+_Helmer_. Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the
+hypocrite with everyone, how he has to wear a mask in the presence of
+those near and dear to him, even before his own wife and children. And
+about the children--that is the most terrible part of it all, Nora.
+
+_Nora_. How?
+
+_Helmer_. Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the
+whole life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a house is
+full of the germs of evil.
+
+_Nora_ (_coming nearer him_). Are you sure of that?
+
+_Helmer_. My dear, I have often seen it in the course of my life as a
+lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has had a
+deceitful mother.
+
+_Nora_. Why do you only say--mother?
+
+_Helmer_. It seems most commonly to be the mother's influence, though
+naturally a bad father's would have the same result. Every lawyer is
+familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been persistently
+poisoning his own children with lies and dissimulation; that is why I
+say he has lost all moral character. (_Holds out his hands to her.)_
+That is why my sweet little Nora must promise me not to plead his cause.
+Give me your hand on it. Come, come, what is this? Give me your hand.
+There now, that's settled. I assure you it would be quite impossible for
+me to work with him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the
+company of such people.
+
+_Nora_ (_takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of the
+Christmas Tree_). How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot to do.
+
+_Helmer_ (_getting up and putting his papers in order_). Yes, and I must
+try and read through some of these before dinner; and I must think about
+your costume, too. And it is just possible I may have something ready in
+gold paper to hang up on the Tree. (_Puts his hand on her head.)_ My
+precious little singing-bird! (_He goes into his room and shuts the door
+after him.)_
+
+_Nora_ (_after a pause, whispers_). No, no--it isn't true. It's
+impossible; it must be impossible.
+
+(_The_ NURSE _opens the door on the left._)
+
+_Nurse_. The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come in to
+mamma.
+
+_Nora_. No, no, no! Don't let them come in to me! You stay with them,
+Anne.
+
+_Nurse_. Very well, ma'am. (_Shuts the door._)
+
+_Nora_ (_pale with terror_). Deprave my little children? Poison my home?
+(_A short pause. Then she tosses her head._) It's not true. It can't
+possibly be true.
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+(THE SAME SCENE--_The Christmas Tree is in the corner by the piano,
+stripped of its ornaments and with burnt-down candle-ends on its
+dishevelled branches._ NORA'S _cloak and hat are lying on the sofa. She
+is alone in the room, walking about uneasily. She stops by the sofa and
+takes up her cloak._)
+
+_Nora_ (_drops the cloak_). Someone is coming now! (_Goes to the door
+and listens._) No--it is no one. Of course, no one will come today,
+Christmas Day--nor tomorrow either. But, perhaps--(_opens the door and
+looks out_.) No, nothing in the letter-box; it is quite empty. (_Comes
+forward._) What rubbish! of course he can't be in earnest about it. Such
+a thing couldn't happen; it is impossible--I have three little children.
+
+(_Enter the_ NURSE _from the room on the left, carrying a big cardboard
+box._)
+
+_Nurse_. At last I have found the box with the fancy dress.
+
+_Nora_. Thanks; put it on the table.
+
+_Nurse_ (_doing so_). But it is very much in want of mending.
+
+_Nora_. I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces.
+
+_Nurse_. What an idea! It can easily be put in order--just a little
+patience.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, I will go and get Mrs. Linde to come and help me with it.
+
+_Nurse_. What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch cold,
+ma'am, and make yourself ill.
+
+_Nora_. Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children?
+
+_Nurse_. The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas
+presents, but--
+
+_Nora_. Do they ask much for me?
+
+_Nurse_. You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now
+as I was before.
+
+_Nurse_. Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything.
+
+_Nora_. Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if
+she went away altogether?
+
+_Nurse_. Good heavens!--went away altogether?
+
+_Nora_. Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often wondered
+about--how could you have the heart to put your own child out among
+strangers?
+
+_Nurse_. I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora's nurse.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, but how could you be willing to do it?
+
+_Nurse_. What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A poor
+girl who has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, that wicked
+man didn't do a single thing for me.
+
+_Nora_. But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you.
+
+_Nurse_. No, indeed she hasn't. She wrote to me when she was confirmed,
+and when she was married.
+
+_Nora_ (_putting her arms round her neck_). Dear old Anne, you were a
+good mother to me when I was little.
+
+_Nurse_. Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me.
+
+_Nora_. And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you
+would--What nonsense I am talking! (_Opens the box._) Go in to them. Now
+I must--. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look.
+
+_Nurse_. I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as you,
+ma'am. (_Goes into the room on the left._)
+
+_Nora_ (_begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from her_).
+If only I dared go out. If only no one would come. If only I could be
+sure nothing would happen here in the meantime. Stuff and nonsense! No
+one will come. Only I mustn't think about it. I will brush my muff. What
+lovely, lovely gloves! Out of my thoughts, out of my thoughts! One, two,
+three, four, five, six--(_Screams._) Ah! there is someone coming--.
+(_Makes a movement towards the door, but stands irresolute_.)
+
+(_Enter_ MRS. LINDE _from the hall, where she has taken off her cloak
+and hat_.)
+
+_Nora_. Oh, it's you, Christine. There is no one else out there, is
+there? How good of you to come!
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I heard you were up asking for me.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, I was passing by. As a matter of fact, it is something you
+could help me with. Let us sit down here on the sofa. Look here.
+Tomorrow evening there is to be a fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs',
+who live above us; and Torvald wants me to go as a Neapolitan
+fisher-girl, and dance the Tarantella that I learnt at Capri.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I see; you are going to keep up the character.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, Torvald wants me to. Look, here is the dress; Torvald had
+it made for me there, but now it is all so torn, and I haven't any
+idea--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. We will easily put that right. It is only some of the
+trimming come unsewn here and there. Needle and thread? Now then, that's
+all we want.
+
+_Nora_. It _is_ nice of you.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_sewing_). So you are going to be dressed up tomorrow,
+Nora. I will tell you what--I shall come in for a moment and see you in
+your fine feathers. But I have completely forgotten to thank you for a
+delightful evening yesterday.
+
+_Nora_ (_gets up, and crosses the stage_). Well I don't think yesterday
+was as pleasant as usual. You ought to have come to town a little
+earlier, Christine. Certainly Torvald does understand how to make a
+house dainty and attractive.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. And so do you, it seems to me; you are not your father's
+daughter for nothing. But tell me, is Doctor Rank always as depressed as
+he was yesterday?
+
+_Nora_. No; yesterday it was very noticeable. I must tell you that he
+suffers from a _very_ dangerous disease. He has consumption of the
+spine, poor creature. His father was a horrible man who committed all
+sorts of excesses; and that is why his son was sickly from childhood, do
+you understand?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_dropping her sewing_). But, my dearest Nora, how do you
+know anything about such things?
+
+_Nora_ (_walking about_). Pooh! When you have three children, you get
+visits now and then from--from married women, who know something of
+medical matters, and they talk about one thing and another.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_goes on sewing. A short silence_). Does Doctor Rank come
+here every day?
+
+_Nora_. Every day regularly. He is Torvald's most intimate friend, and a
+great friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But tell me this--is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn't
+he the kind of a man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable?
+
+_Nora_. Not in the least. What makes you think that?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he
+had often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I
+noticed that your husband hadn't the slightest idea who I was. So how
+could Doctor Rank--?
+
+_Nora_. That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of
+me that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first he used
+to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk at home, so
+naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about such things with
+Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in
+many ways, and I am older than you in many ways and have a little more
+experience. Let me tell you this--you ought to make an end of it with
+Doctor Rank.
+
+_Nora_. What ought I to make an end of?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense
+about a rich admirer who was to leave you money--
+
+_Nora_. An admirer who doesn't exist, unfortunately! But what then?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Is Doctor Rank a man of means?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, he is.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. And has no one to provide for?
+
+_Nora_. No, no one; but--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. And comes here every day?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, I told you so.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But how can this well-bred man be so tactless?
+
+_Nora_. I don't understand you at all.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Don't prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don't guess who
+lent you the two hundred and fifty pounds.
+
+_Nora_. Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! A
+friend of ours, who comes here every day! Do you realise what a horribly
+painful position that would be?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Then it really isn't he?
+
+_Nora_. No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head for
+a moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into his money
+afterwards.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora.
+
+_Nora_. No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank.
+Although I am quite sure that if I had asked him--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But of course you won't.
+
+_Nora_. Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly be
+necessary. But I am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Behind your husband's back?
+
+_Nora_. I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will be
+behind his back too. I _must_ make an end of it with him.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but--
+
+_Nora_ (_walking up and down_). A man can put a thing like that straight
+much easier than a woman--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. One's husband, yes.
+
+_Nora_. Nonsense! (_Standing still_.) When you pay off a debt you get
+your bond back, don't you?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, as a matter of course.
+
+_Nora_. And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it
+up--the nasty, dirty paper!
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up
+slowly_). Nora, you are concealing something from me.
+
+_Nora_. Do I look as if I were?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Something has happened to you since yesterday morning.
+Nora, what is it?
+
+_Nora_ (_going nearer to her_). Christine! (_Listens_.) Hush! there's
+Torvald come home. Do you mind going in to the children for the present?
+Torvald can't bear to see dressmaking going on. Let Anne help you.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_gathering some of the things together_). Certainly--but I
+am not going away from here till we have had it out with one another.
+(_She goes into the room, on the left, as Helmer comes in from, the
+hall_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_going up to_ HELMAR). I have wanted you so much, Torvald dear.
+
+_Helmer_. Was that the dressmaker?
+
+_Nora_. No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in
+order. You will see I shall look quite smart.
+
+_Helmer_. Wasn't that a happy thought of mine, now?
+
+_Nora_. Splendid! But don't you think it is nice of me, too, to do as
+you wish?
+
+_Helmer_. Nice?--because you do as your husband wishes? Well, well, you
+little rogue, I am sure you did not mean it in that way. But I am not
+going to disturb you; you will want to be trying on your dress, I
+expect.
+
+_Nora_. I suppose you are going to work.
+
+_Helmer_. Yes. (_Shows her a bundle of papers_.) Look at that. I have
+just been into the bank. (_Turns to go into his room_.)
+
+_Nora_. Torvald.
+
+_Helmer_. Yes.
+
+_Nora_. If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, very
+prettily--?
+
+_Helmer_. What then?
+
+_Nora_. Would you do it?
+
+_Helmer_. I should like to hear what it is, first.
+
+_Nora_. Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you would
+be nice, and do what she wants.
+
+_Helmer_. Speak plainly.
+
+_Nora_. Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song
+rising and falling--
+
+_Helmer_. Well, my skylark does that anyhow.
+
+_Nora_. I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight,
+Torvald.
+
+_Helmer_. Nora--you surely don't mean that request you made of me this
+morning?
+
+_Nora_ (_going near him_). Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly--
+
+_Helmer_. Have you really the courage to open up that question again?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, dear, you _must_ do as I ask; you _must_ let Krogstad keep
+his post in the bank.
+
+_Helmer_. My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs. Linde
+shall have.
+
+_Nora._ Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could just
+as well dismiss some other clerk instead of Krogstad.
+
+_Helmer._ This is simply incredible obstinacy! Because you chose to give
+him a thoughtless promise that you would speak for him, I am expected
+to--
+
+_Nora._ That isn't the reason, Torvald. It is for your own sake. This
+fellow writes in the most scurrilous newspapers; you have told me so
+yourself. He can do you an unspeakable amount of harm. I am frightened
+to death of him--
+
+_Helmer._ Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that scare
+you.
+
+_Nora._ What do you mean?
+
+_Helmer._ Naturally you are thinking of your father.
+
+_Nora._ Yes--yes, of course. Just recall to your mind what these
+malicious creatures wrote in the papers about papa, and how horribly
+they slandered him. I believe they would have procured his dismissal if
+the Department had not sent you over to inquire into it, and if you had
+not been so kindly disposed and helpful to him.
+
+_Helmer._ My little Nora, there is an important difference between your
+father and me. Your father's reputation as a public official was not
+above suspicion. Mine is, and I hope it will continue to be so, as long
+as I hold my office.
+
+_Nora._ You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We
+ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home,
+and have no cares--you and I and the children, Torvald! That is why I
+beg you so earnestly--
+
+_Helmer_. And it is just by interceding for him that you make it
+impossible for me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank that I
+mean to dismiss Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the new manager
+has changed his mind at his wife's bidding--
+
+_Nora_. And what if it did?
+
+_Helmer_. Of course!--if only this obstinate little person can get her
+way! Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole
+staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of
+outside influence? I should very soon feel the consequences of it, I can
+tell you. And besides, there is one thing that makes it quite impossible
+for me to have Krogstad in the bank as long as I am manager.
+
+_Nora_. Whatever is that?
+
+_Helmer_. His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if
+necessary--
+
+_Nora_. Yes, you could--couldn't you?
+
+_Helmer_. And, I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when we
+were boys. It was one of those rash friendships that so often prove an
+incubus in after life. I may as well tell you plainly, we were once on
+very intimate terms with one another. But this tactless fellow lays no
+restraint upon himself when other people are present. On the contrary,
+he thinks it gives him the right to adopt a familiar tone with me, and
+every minute it is "I say, Helmer, old fellow!" and that sort of thing.
+I assure you it is extremely painful to me. He would make my position in
+the bank intolerable.
+
+_Nora_. Torvald, I don't believe you mean that.
+
+_Helmer_. Don't you? Why not?
+
+_Nora_. Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at things.
+
+_Helmer_. What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am
+narrow-minded?
+
+_Nora_. No, just the opposite, dear--and it is exactly for that reason.
+
+_Helmer_. It's the same thing. You say my point of view is
+narrow-minded, so I must be so, too. Narrow-minded! Very well--I must
+put an end to this. (_Goes to the hall door and calls.)_ Helen!
+
+_Nora_. What are you going to do?
+
+_Helmer_ (_looking among his papers)_. Settle it. (_Enter_ MAID.) Look
+here; take this letter and go downstairs with it at once. Find a
+messenger and tell him to deliver it, and be quick. The address is on
+it, and here is the money.
+
+_Maid_. Very well, sir. (_Exit with the letter_.)
+
+_Helmer_ (_putting his papers together_). Now, then, little Miss
+Obstinate.
+
+_Nora_ (_breathlessly_). Torvald--what was that letter?
+
+_Helmer_. Krogstad's dismissal.
+
+_Nora_. Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald, call
+her back! Do it for my sake--for your own sake, for the children's sake!
+Do you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You don't know what that letter
+can bring upon us.
+
+_Helmer_. It's too late.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, it's too late.
+
+_Helmer_. My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although
+really it is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn't it an insult to think
+that I should be afraid of a starving quill-driver's vengeance? But I
+forgive you, nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your
+great love for me. (_Takes her in his arms.)_ And that is as it should
+be, my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall have
+both courage and strength if they be needed. You will see I am man
+enough to take everything upon myself.
+
+_Nora_ (_in a horror-stricken voice_). What do you mean by that?
+
+_Helmer_. Everything I say--
+
+_Nora_ (_recovering herself_). You will never have to do that.
+
+_Helmer_. That's right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man and wife
+should. That is how it shall be. (_Caressing her_.) Are you content now?
+There! There!--not these frightened dove's eyes! The whole thing is only
+the wildest fancy!--Now, you must go and play through the Tarantella and
+practice with your tambourine. I shall go into the inner office and shut
+the door, and I shall hear nothing; you can make as much noise as you
+please. (_Turns back at the door.)_ And when Rank comes, tell him where
+he will find me. (_Nods to her, takes his papers and goes into his room,
+and shuts the door after him_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, and
+whispers_). He was capable of doing it. He will do it. He will do it in
+spite of everything.--No, not that! Never, never! Anything rather than
+that! Oh, for some help, some way out of it. (_The door-bell rings_.)
+Doctor Rank! Anything rather than that--anything, whatever it is! (_She
+puts her hands over her face, pulls herself together, goes to the door
+and opens it. _RANK_ is standing without, hanging up his coat. During
+the following dialogue it begins to grow dark_.)
+
+_Nora_. Good-day, Doctor Rank. I knew your ring. But you mustn't go into
+Torvald now; I think he is busy with something.
+
+_Rank_. And you?
+
+_Nora_ (_brings him in and shuts the door after him_). Oh, you know very
+well I always have time for you.
+
+_Rank_. Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can.
+
+_Nora_. What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can.
+
+_Rank_. Well, does that alarm you?
+
+_Nora_. It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely to
+happen?
+
+_Rank_. Nothing but what I have long been prepared for. But I certainly
+didn't expect it to happen so soon.
+
+_Nora_ (_gripping him by the arm_). What have you found out? Doctor
+Rank, you must tell me.
+
+_Rank_ (_sitting down by the stove_). It is all up with me. And it can't
+be helped.
+
+_Nora_ (_with a sigh of relief_). Is it about yourself?
+
+_Rank_. Who else? It is no use lying to one's self. I am the most
+wretched of all my patients, Mrs. Helmer. Lately I have been taking
+stock of my internal economy. Bankrupt! Probably within a month I shall
+lie rotting in the church-yard.
+
+_Nora_. What an ugly thing to say!
+
+_Rank_. The thing itself is cursedly ugly, and the worst of it is that I
+shall have to face so much more that is ugly before that. I shall only
+make one more examination of myself; when I have done that, I shall know
+pretty certainly when it will be that the horrors of dissolution will
+begin. There is something I want to tell you. Helmer's refined nature
+gives him an unconquerable disgust of everything that is ugly; I won't
+have him in my sick-room.
+
+_Nora_. Oh, but, Doctor Rank--
+
+_Rank_. I won't have him there. Not on any account. I bar my door to
+him. As soon as I am quite certain that the worst has come, I shall send
+you my card with a black cross on it, and then you will know that the
+loathsome end has begun.
+
+_Nora_. You are quite absurd to-day. And I wanted you so much to be in a
+really good humour.
+
+_Rank_. With death stalking beside me?--To have to pay this penalty for
+another man's sin! Is there any justice in that? And in every single
+family, in one way or another, some such inexorable retribution is being
+exacted--
+
+_Nora_ (_putting her hands over her ears_). Rubbish! Do talk of
+something cheerful.
+
+_Rank_. Oh, it's a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor
+innocent spine has to suffer for my father's youthful amusements.
+
+_Nora_ (_sitting at the table on the left_). I suppose you mean that he
+was too partial to asparagus and pate de foie gras, don't you?
+
+_Rank_. Yes, and to truffles.
+
+_Nora_. Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose?
+
+_Rank_. Oysters, of course, that goes without saying.
+
+_Nora_. And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these nice
+things should take their revenge on our bones.
+
+_Rank_. Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky
+bones of those who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, that's the saddest part of it all.
+
+_Rank_ (_with a searching look at her_). Hm!--
+
+_Nora_ (_after a short pause_). Why did you smile?
+
+_Rand_. No, it was you that laughed.
+
+_Nora_. No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank!
+
+_Rank_ (_rising_). You are a greater rascal than I thought.
+
+_Nora_. I am in a silly mood today.
+
+_Rank_. So it seems.
+
+_Nora_ (_putting her hands on his shoulders_). Dear, dear Doctor Rank,
+death mustn't take you away from Torvald and me.
+
+_Rank_. It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are gone
+are soon forgotten.
+
+_Nora_ (_looking at him anxiously_). Do you believe that?
+
+_Rank_. People form new ties, and then--
+
+_Nora_. Who will form new ties?
+
+_Rank_. Both you and Helmer, when I am gone. You yourself are already on
+the high road to it, I think. What did that Mrs. Linde want here last
+night?
+
+_Nora_. Oho!--you don't mean to say you are jealous of poor Christine?
+
+_Rank_. Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am
+done for, this woman will--
+
+_Nora_. Hush! don't speak so loud. She is in that room.
+
+_Rank_. To-day again. There, you see.
+
+_Nora_. She has only come to sew my dress for me. Bless my soul, how
+unreasonable you are! (_Sits down on the sofa_.) Be nice now, Doctor
+Rank, and to-morrow you will see how beautifully I shall dance, and you
+can imagine I am doing it all for you--and for Torvald too, of course.
+(_Takes various things out of the box._) Doctor Rank, come and sit down
+here, and I will show you something.
+
+_Rank_ (_sitting down_). What is it?
+
+_Nora_. Just look at those.
+
+_Rank_. Silk stockings.
+
+_Nora_. Flesh-coloured. Aren't they lovely? It is so dark here now, but
+to-morrow--. No, no, no! you must only look at the feet. Oh, well, you
+may have leave to look at the legs too.
+
+_Rank_. Hm!--
+
+_Nora_. Why are you looking so critical? Don't you think they will fit
+me?
+
+_Rank_. I have no means of forming an opinion about that.
+
+_Nora_ (_looks at him for a moment_). For shame! (_Hits him lightly on
+the ear with the stockings_.) That's to punish you. (_Folds them up
+again_.)
+
+_Rank_. And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see?
+
+_Nora_. Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. (_She looks among
+the things, humming to herself_.)
+
+_Rank_ (_after a short silence_). When I am sitting here, talking to you
+as intimately as this, I cannot imagine for a moment what would have
+become of me if I had never come into this house.
+
+_Nora_ (_smiling_). I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us.
+
+_Rank_ (_in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him_). And to be
+obliged to leave it all--
+
+_Nora_. Nonsense, you are not going to leave it.
+
+_Rank_ (_as before_). And not be able to leave behind one the slightest
+token of one's gratitude, scarcely even a fleeting regret--nothing but
+an empty place which the first comer can fill as well as any other.
+
+_Nora_. And if I asked you now for a--? No!
+
+_Rank_. For what?
+
+_Nora_. For a big proof of your friendship--
+
+_Rank_. Yes, yes.
+
+_Nora_. I mean a tremendously big favour--
+
+_Rank_. Would you really make me so happy for once?
+
+_Nora_. Ah, but you don't know what it is yet.
+
+_Rank_. No--but tell me.
+
+_Nora_. I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason;
+it means advice, and help, and a favour--
+
+_Rank_. The bigger a thing it is the better. I can't conceive what it is
+you mean. Do tell me. Haven't I your confidence?
+
+_Nora_. More than anyone else. I know you are my truest and best friend,
+and so I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it is something
+you must help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, how inexpressibly
+deeply Torvald loves me; he would never for a moment hesitate to give
+his life for me.
+
+_Rank_ (_leaning toward her_). Nora--do you think he is the only one--?
+
+_Nora_ (_with a slight start_). The only one--?
+
+_Rank_. The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake.
+
+_Nora_ (_sadly_). Is that it?
+
+_Rank_. I was determined you should know it before I went away, and
+there will never be a better opportunity than this. Now you know it,
+Nora. And now you know, too, that you can trust me as you would trust no
+one else.
+
+_Nora_ (_rises deliberately and quietly_). Let me pass.
+
+_Rank_ (_makes room for her to pass him, but sits still_). Nora!
+
+_Nora_ (_at the hall door_). Helen, bring in the lamp. (_Goes over to
+the stove_.) Dear Doctor Rank, that was really horrid of you.
+
+_Rank_. To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that horrid?
+
+_Nora_. No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need--
+
+_Rank_. What do you mean? Did you know--? (MAID _enters with lamp, puts
+it down on the table, and goes out_.) Nora--Mrs. Helmer--tell me, had
+you any idea of this?
+
+_Nora_. Oh, how do I know whether I had or whether I hadn't. I really
+can't tell you--To think you could be so clumsy, Doctor Rank! We were
+getting on so nicely.
+
+_Bank_. Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, body
+and soul. So won't you speak out?
+
+_Nora_ (_looking at him_). After what happened?
+
+_Rank_. I beg you to let me know what it is.
+
+_Nora_. I can't tell you anything now.
+
+_Rank_. Yes, yes. You mustn't punish me in that way. Let me have
+permission to do for you whatever a man may do.
+
+_Nora_. You can do nothing for me now. Besides, I really don't need any
+help at all. You will find that the whole thing is merely fancy on my
+part. It really is so--of course it is! (_Sits down in the
+rocking-chair, and looks at him with a smile_.) You are a nice sort of
+man, Doctor Rank!--don't you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lamp has
+come?
+
+_Rank_. Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go--forever?
+
+_Nora_. No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here just as
+before. You know very well Torvald can't do without you.
+
+_Rank_. Yes, but you?
+
+_Nora_. Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come.
+
+_Rank_. It is just that, that put me on the wrong track. You are a
+riddle to me. I have often thought that you would almost as soon be in
+my company as in Helmer's.
+
+_Nora_. Yes--you see there are some people one loves best, and others
+whom one would almost always rather have as companions.
+
+_Rank_. Yes, there is something in that.
+
+_Nora_. When I was at home, of course I loved papa best. But I always
+thought it tremendous fun if I could steal down into the maids' room,
+because they never moralized at all, and talked to each other about such
+entertaining things.
+
+_Rank_. I see--it is their place I have taken.
+
+_Nora_ (_jumping-up and going to him_). Oh, dear, nice Doctor Rank, I
+never meant that at all. But surely you can understand that being with
+Torvald is a little like being with papa--(_Enter_ MAID _from the hall_.)
+
+_Maid_. If you please, ma'am. (_Whispers and hands her a card_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_glancing at the card_). Oh! (_Puts it in her pocket_.)
+
+_Rank_. Is there anything wrong?
+
+_Nora_. No, no, not in the least. It is only something--It is my new
+dress--
+
+_Rank_. What? Your dress is lying there.
+
+_Nora_. Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald
+mustn't know about it--
+
+_Rank_. Oho! Then that was the great secret.
+
+_Nora_. Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room.
+Keep him as long as--
+
+_Rank_. Make your mind easy; I won't let him escape. (_Goes into_
+HELMER'S _room_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_to the_ MAID). And he is standing waiting in the kitchen?
+
+_Maid_. Yes; he came up the back stairs.
+
+_Nora_. But didn't you tell him no one was in?
+
+_Maid_. Yes, but it was no good.
+
+_Nora_. He won't go away?
+
+_Maid_. No; he says he won't until he has seen you, ma'am.
+
+_Nora_. Well, let him come in--but quietly. Helen, you mustn't say
+anything about it to any one. It is a surprise for my husband.
+
+_Maid_. Yes, ma'am, I quite understand. (_Exit_.)
+
+_Nora_. This dreadful thing is going to happen. It will happen in spite
+of me! No, no, no, it can't happen--it shan't happen! (_She bolts the
+door of_ HELMER'S _room. The_ MAID _opens the hall door for_ KROGSTAD
+_and shuts it after him. He is wearing a fur coat, high boots and a fur
+cap_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_advancing towards him_). Speak low--my husband is at home.
+
+_Krogstad_. No matter about that.
+
+_Nora_. What do you want of me?
+
+_Krogstad_. An explanation of something.
+
+_Nora_. Make haste then. What is it?
+
+_Krogstad_. You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal.
+
+_Nora_. I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought as hard as I could
+on your side, but it was no good.
+
+_Krogstad_. Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I
+can expose you to, and yet he ventures--
+
+_Nora_. How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort?
+
+_Krogstad_. I didn't suppose so at all. It would not be the least like
+our dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage--
+
+_Nora_. Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please.
+
+_Krogstad_. Certainly--all the respect he deserves. But since you have
+kept the matter so carefully to yourself, I make bold to suppose that
+you have a little clearer idea than you had yesterday, of what it
+actually is that you have done?
+
+_Nora_. More than you could ever teach me.
+
+_Krogstad_. Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am.
+
+_Nora_. What is it you want of me?
+
+_Krogstad_. Only to see how you were, Mrs. Helmer. I have been thinking
+about you all day long. A mere cashier--a quill-driver, a--well, a man
+like me--even he has a little of what is called feeling, you know.
+
+_Nora_. Show it, then; think of my little children.
+
+_Krogstad_. Have you and your husband thought of mine? But never mind
+about that. I only wanted to tell you that you need not take this matter
+too seriously. In the first place there will be no accusation made on my
+part.
+
+_Nora_. No, of course not; I was sure of that.
+
+_Krogstad_. The whole thing can be arranged amicably; there is no reason
+why anyone should know anything about it. It will remain a secret
+between us three.
+
+_Nora_. My husband must never get to know anything about it.
+
+_Krogstad_. How will you be able to prevent it? Am I to understand that
+you can pay the balance that is owing?
+
+_Nora_. No, not just at present.
+
+_Krogstad_. Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the
+money soon?
+
+_Nora_. No expedient that I mean to make use of.
+
+_Krogstad_. Well, in any case, it would have been of no use to you now.
+If you stood there with ever so much money in your hand, I would never
+part with your bond.
+
+_Nora_. Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to.
+
+_Krogstad_. I shall only preserve it--keep it in my possession. No one
+who is not concerned in the matter shall have the slightest hint of it.
+So that if the thought of it has driven you to any desperate
+resolution--
+
+_Nora_. It has.
+
+_Krogstad_. If you had it in your mind to run away from your home--
+
+_Nora_. I had.
+
+_Krogstad_. Or even something worse--
+
+_Nora_. How could you know that?
+
+_Krogstad_. Give up the idea.
+
+_Nora_. How did you know I had thought of _that?_
+
+_Krogstad_. Most of us think of that at first. I did, too--but I hadn't
+the courage.
+
+_Nora_ (_faintly_). No more had I.
+
+_Krogstad_ (_in a tone of relief)_. No, that's it, isn't it--you hadn't
+the courage either?
+
+_Nora_. No, I haven't--I haven't.
+
+_Krogstad_. Besides, it would have been a great piece of folly. Once the
+first storm at home is over--. I have a letter for your husband in my
+pocket.
+
+_Nora_. Telling him everything?
+
+_Krogstad_. In as lenient a manner as I possibly could.
+
+_Nora_ (_quickly)_. He mustn't get the letter. Tear it up. I will find
+some means of getting money.
+
+_Krogstad_. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer, but I think I told you just how--
+
+_Nora_. I am not speaking of what I owe you. Tell me what sum you are
+asking my husband for, and I will get the money.
+
+_Krogstad_. I am not asking your husband for a penny.
+
+_Nora_. What do you want, then?
+
+_Krogstad_. I will tell you. I want to rehabilitate myself, Mrs. Helmer;
+I want to get on; and in that your husband must help me. For the last
+year and a half I have not had a hand in anything dishonourable, and all
+that time I have been struggling in most restricted circumstances. I was
+content to work my way up step by step. Now I am turned out, and I am
+not going to be satisfied with merely being taken into favour again. I
+want to get on, I tell you. I want to get into the Bank again, in a
+higher position. Your husband must make a place for me--
+
+_Nora_. That he will never do!
+
+_Krogstad_. He will; I know him; he dare not protest. And as soon as I
+am in there again with him, then you will see! Within a year I shall be
+the manager's right hand. It will be Nils Krogstad and not Torvald
+Helmer who manages the Bank.
+
+_Nora_. That's a thing you will never see!
+
+_Krogstad_. Do you mean that you will--?
+
+_Nora_. I have courage enough for it now.
+
+_Krogstad_. Oh, you can't frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you--
+
+_Nora_. You will see, you will see.
+
+_Krogstad_. Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, coal-black
+water? And then, in the spring, to float up to the surface, all horrible
+and unrecognizable, with your hair fallen out--
+
+_Nora_. You can't frighten me.
+
+_Krogstad_. Nor you me. People don't do such things, Mrs. Helmer.
+Besides, what use would it be? I should have him completely in my power
+all the same.
+
+_Nora_. Afterwards? When I am no longer--
+
+_Krogstad_. Have you forgot that it is I who have the keeping of your
+reputation? (_Nora stands speechlessly looking at him.)_ Well, now, I
+have warned you. Do not do anything foolish. When Helmer has had my
+letter, I shall expect a message from him. And be sure you remember that
+it is your husband himself who has forced me into such ways as this
+again. I will never forgive him for that. Good-bye, Mrs. Helmer. (_Exit
+through the hall.)_
+
+_Nora_ (_goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens_). He is
+going. He is not putting the letter in the box. Oh, no, no, that's
+impossible! (_Opens the door by degrees._) What is that? He is standing
+outside. He is not going downstairs. Is he hesitating? Can he--? (_A
+letter drops into the box; then_ KROGSTAD'S _footsteps are heard, till
+they die away as he goes downstairs._ NORA _utters a stifled cry, and
+runs across the room to the table by the sofa. A short pause_.)
+
+_Nora_. In the letter-box. (_Steals across to the hall-door_.) There it
+lies--Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now!
+
+(MRS. LINDE _comes in from the room on the left, carrying the dress_.)
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. There, I can't see anything more to mend now. Would you
+like to try it on--?
+
+_Nora_ (_in a hoarse whisper_). Christine, come here.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_throwing the dress down on the sofa_). What is the matter
+with you? You look so agitated!
+
+_Nora_. Come here. Do you see that letter? There, look--you can see it
+through the glass in the letter-box.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, I see it.
+
+_Nora_. That letter is from Krogstad.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Nora--it was Krogstad who lent you the money!
+
+_Nora_. Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Believe me, Nora, that's the best thing for both of you.
+
+_Nora_. You don't know all. I forged a name.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Good heavens--!
+
+_Nora_. I only want to say this to you, Christine--you must be my witness.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Your witness! What do you mean? What am I to--?
+
+_Nora_. If I should go out of my mind--and it might easily happen--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Nora!
+
+_Nora_. Or if anything else should happen to me--anything, for instance,
+that might prevent my being here--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind.
+
+_Nora_. And if it should happen that there were someone who wanted to
+take all the responsibility, all the blame, you understand--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, yes--but how can you suppose--?
+
+_Nora_. Then you must be my witness, that it is not true, Christine. I
+am not out of my mind at all; I am in my right senses now, and I tell
+you no one else has known anything about it; I and I alone, did the
+whole thing. Remember that.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I will, indeed. But I don't understand all this.
+
+_Nora_. How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going to
+happen.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. A wonderful thing?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, a wonderful thing!--But it is so terrible, Christine; it
+_mustn't_ happen, not for all the world.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I will go at once and see Krogstad.
+
+_Nora_. Don't go to him; he will do you some harm.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. There was a time when he would gladly do anything for my
+sake.
+
+_Nora_. He?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Where does he live?
+
+_Nora_. How should I know--? Yes (_feeling in her pocket_) here is his
+card. But the letter, the letter--!
+
+_Helmer_ (_calls from his room, knocking at the door_). Nora.
+
+_Nora_ (_cries out anxiously_). Oh, what's that? What do you want?
+
+_Helmer_. Don't be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked
+the door. Are you trying on your dress?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, that's it. I look so nice, Torvald.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_who has read the card_) I see he lives at the corner
+here.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, but it's no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying there
+in the box.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. And your husband keeps the key?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, always.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must find
+some pretence--
+
+_Nora_. But it is just at this time that Torvald generally--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I will
+come back as soon as I can. (_She goes out hurriedly through the hall
+door_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_goes to_ HELMER'S _door, opens it and peeps in_). Torvald!
+
+_Helmer_ (_from the inner room_). Well? May I venture at last to come
+into my own room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see--(_ Halting
+in the doorway_.) But what is this?
+
+_Nora_. What is what, dear?
+
+_Helmer_. Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation.
+
+_Rank_ (_in the doorway_). I understood so, but evidently I was
+mistaken.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress
+until to-morrow.
+
+_Helmer_. But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been
+practising too much?
+
+_Nora_. No, I have not practised at all.
+
+_Helmer_. But you will need to--
+
+_Nora_. Yes, indeed I shall, Torvald. But I can't get on a bit without
+you to help me; I have absolutely forgotten the whole thing.
+
+_Helmer_. Oh, we will soon work it up again.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise that you will! I am so nervous
+about it--all the people--. You must give yourself up to me entirely
+this evening. Not the tiniest bit of business--you mustn't even take a
+pen in your hand. Will you promise, Torvald dear?
+
+_Helmer_. I promise. This evening I will be wholly and absolutely at
+your service, you helpless little mortal. Ah, by the way, first of all I
+will just--(_Goes toward the hall-door_.)
+
+_Nora_. What are you going to do there?
+
+_Helmer_. Only see if any letters have come.
+
+_Nora_. No, no! don't do that, Torvald!
+
+_Helmer_. Why not?
+
+_Nora_. Torvald, please don't. There is nothing there.
+
+_Helmer_. Well, let me look. (_Turns to go to the letter-box._ NORA, _at
+the piano, plays the first bars of the Tarantella_. HELMER _stops in the
+doorway_.) Aha!
+
+_Nora_. I can't dance to-morrow if I don't practise with you.
+
+_Helmer_ (_going up to her_). Are you really so afraid of it, dear?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, so dreadfully afraid of it. Let me practise at once; there
+is time now, before we go to dinner. Sit down and play for me, Torvald
+dear; criticise me, and correct me as you play.
+
+_Helmer_. With great pleasure, if you wish me to. (_Sits down at the
+piano_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_takes out of the box a tambourine and a long variegated shawl.
+She hastily drapes the shawl round her. Then she springs to the front of
+the stage and calls out_). Now play for me! I am going to dance!
+
+(HELMER _plays and_ NORA _dances_. RANK _stands by the piano behind_
+HELMER, _and looks on_.)
+
+_Helmer_ (_as he plays_). Slower, slower!
+
+_Nora_. I can't do it any other way.
+
+_Helmer_. Not so violently, Nora!
+
+_Nora_. This is the way.
+
+_Helmer_ (_stops playing_). No, no--that is not a bit right.
+
+_Nora_ (_laughing and swinging the tambourine_). Didn't I tell you so?
+
+_Rank_. Let me play for her.
+
+_Helmer_ (_getting up_). Yes, do. I can correct her better then.
+
+(RANK _sits down at the piano and plays. Nora dances more and more
+wildly_. HELMER _has taken up a position beside the stove, and during
+her dance gives her frequent instructions. She does not seem to hear
+him; her hair comes down and falls over her shoulders; she pays no
+attention to it, but goes on dancing. Enter_ MRS. LINDE.)
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_standing as if spell-bound in the doorway_). Oh!--
+
+_Nora_ (_as she dances_). Such fun, Christine!
+
+_Helmer_. My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended
+on it.
+
+_Nora_. So it does.
+
+_Helmer_. Stop, Rank; this is sheer madness. Stop, I tell you. (RANK
+_stops playing, and,_ NORA _suddenly stands still_. HELMER _goes up to
+her._) I could never have believed it. You have forgotten everything I
+taught you.
+
+_Nora_ (_throwing away the tambourine_). There, you see.
+
+_Helmer_. You will want a lot of coaching.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to the
+last minute. Promise me that, Torvald!
+
+_Helmer_. You can depend on me.
+
+_Nora_. You must not think of anything but me, either to-day or
+to-morrow; you mustn't open a single letter--not even open the
+letter-box--
+
+_Helmer_. Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow----
+
+_Nora_. Yes, indeed I am.
+
+_Helmer_. Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter from
+him lying there.
+
+_Nora_. I don't know; I think there is; but you must not read anything
+of that kind now. Nothing horrid must come between us till this is all
+over.
+
+_Rank_ (_whispers to_ HELMER). You mustn't contradict her.
+
+_Helmer_ (_taking her in his arms_). The child shall have her way. But
+to-morrow night, after you have danced--
+
+_Nora_. Then you will be free. (_The_ MAID _appears in the doorway to
+the right_.)
+
+_Maid_. Dinner is served, ma'am.
+
+_Nora_. We will have champagne, Helen.
+
+_Maid_. Very good, ma'am.
+
+_Helmer_. Hullo!--are we going to have a banquet? (_Exit._)
+
+_Nora_. Yes, a champagne banquet till the small hours. (_Calls out_.)
+And a few macaroons, Helen--lots, just for once!
+
+_Helmer_. Come, come, don't be so wild and nervous. Be my own little
+skylark, as you used.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank.
+Christine, you must, help me to do up my hair.
+
+_Rank_ (_whispers to_ HELMER _as they go out_). I suppose there is
+nothing--she is not expecting anything?
+
+_Helmer_. Far from it, my dear fellow; it is simply nothing more than
+this childish nervousness I was telling you of. (_They go into the
+right-hand room_.)
+
+_Nora_. Well!
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Gone out of town.
+
+_Nora_. I could tell from your face.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note for
+him.
+
+_Nora_. You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. After
+all, it is splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to happen.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. What is it that you are waiting for?
+
+_Nora_, Oh, you wouldn't understand. Go in to them. I will come in a
+moment. (MRS. LINDE _goes into the dining-room._ NORA _stands still for
+a little while, as if to compose herself. Then she looks at her watch_.)
+Five o'clock. Seven hours till midnight; and then four-and-twenty hours
+till the next midnight. Then the Tarantella will be over. Twenty-four
+and seven? Thirty-one hours to live.
+
+_Helmer_ (_from the doorway on the right_). Where's my little skylark?
+
+_Nora_ (_going to him with her arms out-stretched_). Here she is!
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+(THE SAME SCENE--_The table has been placed in the middle of the stage,
+with chairs around it. A lamp is burning on the table. The door into the
+hall stands open. Dance music is heard in the room above_. MRS. LINDE
+_is sitting at the table idly turning over the leaves of a book; she
+tries to read, but does not seem able to collect her thoughts. Every now
+and then she listens intently for a sound at the outer door_.)
+
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_looking at her watch_). Not yet--and the time is nearly
+up. If only he does not--. (_Listens again_.) Ah, there he is. (_Goes
+into the hall and opens the outer door carefully. Light footsteps are
+heard on the stairs. She whispers_.) Come in. There is no one here.
+
+_Krogstad_ (_in the doorway_). I found a note from you at home. What
+does this mean?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with
+you.
+
+_Krogstad_. Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should be
+here?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. It is impossible where I live; there is no private
+entrance to my rooms. Come in; we are quite alone. The maid is asleep,
+and the Helmers are at the dance upstairs.
+
+_Krogstad_ (_coming into the room_). Are the Helmers really at a dance
+tonight?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, why not?
+
+_Krogstad_. Certainly--why not?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Now, Nils, let us have a talk.
+
+_Krogstad_. Can we two have anything to talk about?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. We have a great deal to talk about.
+
+_Krogstad_. I shouldn't have thought so.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, you have never properly understood me.
+
+_Krogstad_. Was there anything else to understand except what was
+obvious to all the world--a heartless woman jilts a man when a more
+lucrative chance turns up.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Do you believe I am as absolutely heartless as all that?
+And do you believe that I did it with a light heart?
+
+_Krogstad_. Didn't you?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Nils, did you really think that?
+
+_Krogstad_. If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at
+the time?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, it
+was my duty also to put an end to all that you felt for me.
+
+_Krogstad_ (_wringing his hands_). So that was it. And all this--only
+for the sake of money.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two
+little brothers. We couldn't wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed
+hopeless then.
+
+_Krogstad_. That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for
+any one else's sake.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Indeed I don't know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had
+a right to do it.
+
+_Krogstad_ (_more gently_). When I lost you, it was as if all the solid
+ground went from under my feet. Look at me now--I am a shipwrecked man
+clinging to a bit of wreckage.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. But help may be near.
+
+_Krogstad_. It _was_ near; but then you came and stood in my way.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I learnt it
+was your place I was going to take in the bank.
+
+_Krogstad_. I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, are
+you not going to give it up to me?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, because that would not benefit you in the least.
+
+_Krogstad_. Oh, benefit, benefit--I would have done it whether or no.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I have learnt to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter
+necessity have taught me that.
+
+_Krogstad_. And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Then life has taught you something very reasonable. But
+deeds you must believe in?
+
+_Krogstad_. What do you mean by that?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to some
+wreckage.
+
+_Krogstad_. I had good reason to say so.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Well, I am like a shipwrecked woman clinging to some
+wreckage--no one to mourn for, no one to care for.
+
+_Krogstad_. It was your own choice.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. There was no other choice, then.
+
+_Krogstad_. Well, what now?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people could
+join forces?
+
+_Krogstad_. What are you saying?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a better
+chance than each on their own.
+
+_Krogstad_. Christine!
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. What do you suppose brought me to town?
+
+_Krogstad_. Do you mean that you gave me a thought?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I could not endure life without work. All my life, as long
+as I can remember, I have worked, and it has been my greatest and only
+pleasure. But now I am quite alone in the world--my life is so dreadfully
+empty and I feel so forsaken. There is not the least pleasure in working
+for one's self. Nils, give me someone and something to work for.
+
+_Krogstad_. I don't trust that. It is nothing but a woman's overstrained
+sense of generosity that prompts you to make such an offer of your self.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me?
+
+_Krogstad_. Could you really do it? Tell me--do you know all about my
+past life?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes.
+
+_Krogstad_. And do you know what they think of me here?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been
+quite another man.
+
+_Krogstad_. I am certain of it.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Is it too late now?
+
+_Krogstad_. Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure
+you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then--?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need a
+mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real
+character--I can dare anything together with you.
+
+_Krogstad_ (_grasps her hands_). Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall
+find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_listening_). Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go!
+
+_Krogstad_. Why? What is it?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may
+expect them back.
+
+_Krogstad_. Yes, yes--I will go. But it is all no use. Of course you are
+not aware what steps I have taken in the matter of the Helmers.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, I know all about that.
+
+_Krogstad_. And in spite of that have you the courage to--?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. I understand very well to what lengths a man like you
+might be driven by despair.
+
+_Krogstad_. If I could only undo what I have done!
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box now.
+
+_Krogstad_. Are you sure of that?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Quite sure, but--
+
+_Krogstad_ (_with a searching look at her_). Is that what it all
+means?--that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly.
+Is that it?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's
+sake, doesn't do it a second time.
+
+_Krogstad_. I will ask for my letter back.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, no.
+
+_Krogstad_. Yes, of course I will. I will wait here till Helmer comes; I
+will tell him he must give me my letter back--that it only concerns my
+dismissal--that he is not to read it--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. No, Nils, you must not recall your letter.
+
+_Krogstad._ But, tell me, wasn't it for that very purpose that you asked
+me to meet you here?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four
+hours have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed
+incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This
+unhappy secret must be enclosed; they must have a complete understanding
+between them, which is impossible with all this concealment and
+falsehood going on.
+
+_Krogstad_. Very well, if you will take the responsibility. But there is
+one thing I can do in any case, and I shall do it at once.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_listening_). You must be quick and go! The dance is over;
+we are not safe a moment longer.
+
+_Krogstad_. I will wait for you below.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, do. You must see me back to my door.
+
+_Krogstad_. I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my
+life! (_Goes out through the outer door. The door between the room and
+the hall remains open_.)
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak ready_).
+What a difference! What a difference! Someone to work for and live
+for--a home to bring comfort into. That I will do, indeed. I wish they
+would be quick and come. (_Listens._) Ah, there they are now. I must put
+on my things. (_Takes up her hat and cloak_. HELMER'S _and_ NORA'S
+_voices are heard outside; a key is turned, and_ HELMER _brings_ NORA
+_almost by force into the hall. She is in an Italian costume with a
+large black shawl round her; he is in evening dress, and a black domino
+which is flying open_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him_). No, no,
+no!--don't take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don't want to
+leave so early.
+
+_Helmer_. But, my dearest Nora--
+
+_Nora_. Please, Torvald dear--please, _please_--only an hour more.
+
+_Helmer_. Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our
+agreement. Come along into the room; you are catching cold standing
+there. (_He brings her gently into the room, in spite of her
+resistance_.)
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Good evening.
+
+_Nora_. Christine!
+
+_Helmer_. You here, so late, Mrs. Linde?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora in
+her dress.
+
+_Nora_. Have you been sitting here waiting for me?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, unfortunately I came too late, you had already gone
+upstairs; and I thought I couldn't go away again without having seen
+you.
+
+_Helmer_ (_taking off_ NORA'S _shawl_). Yes, take a good look at her. I
+think she is worth looking at. Isn't she charming, Mrs. Linde?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, indeed she is.
+
+_Helmer_. Doesn't she look remarkably pretty? Everyone thought so at the
+dance. But she is terribly self-willed, this sweet little person. What
+are we to do with her? You will hardly believe that I had almost to
+bring her away by force.
+
+_Nora_. Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it were
+only for half an hour.
+
+_Helmer_. Listen to her, Mrs. Linde! She had danced her Tarantella, and
+it had been a tremendous success, as it deserved--although possibly the
+performance was a trifle too realistic--little more so, I mean, than
+was strictly compatible with the limitations of art. But never mind
+about that! The chief thing is, she had made a success--she had made a
+tremendous success. Do you think I was going to let her remain there
+after that, and spoil the effect? No, indeed! I took my charming little
+Capri maiden--my capricious little Capri maiden, I should say--on my
+arm; took one quick turn round the room; a curtsey on either side, and,
+as they say in novels, the beautiful apparition disappeared. An exit
+ought always to be effective, Mrs. Linde; but that is what I cannot make
+Nora understand. Pooh! this room is hot. (_Throws his domino on a chair,
+and opens the door of his room_.) Hullo! it's all dark in here. Oh, of
+course--excuse me--. (_He goes in, and lights some candles_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_in a hurried and breathless whisper_). Well?
+
+_Mrs. Linde._ (_in a low voice_). I have had a talk with him.
+
+_Nora._ Yes, and--
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Nora, you must tell your husband all about it.
+
+_Nora_ (_in an expressionless voice_). I knew it.
+
+_Mrs. Linde._ You have nothing to be afraid of as far as Krogstad is
+concerned; but you must tell him.
+
+_Nora_. I won't tell him.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Then the letter will.
+
+_Nora_. Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush--!
+
+_Helmer_ (_coming in again_). Well, Mrs. Linde, have you admired her?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, and now I will say good-night.
+
+_Helmer_. What, already? Is this yours, this knitting?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_ (_taking it_). Yes, thank you, I had very nearly forgotten
+it.
+
+_Helmer_. So you knit?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Of course.
+
+_Helmer_. Do you know, you ought to embroider?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Really? Why?
+
+_Helmer_. Yes, it's far more becoming. Let me show you. You hold the
+embroidery thus in your left hand, and use the needle with the
+right--like this--with a long, easy sweep. Do you see?
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Yes, perhaps--
+
+_Helmer_. But in the case of knitting--that can never be anything but
+ungraceful; look here--the arms close together, the knitting-needles
+going up and down--it has a sort of Chinese effect--. That was really
+excellent champagne they gave us.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Well,--good-night, Nora, and don't be self-willed any
+more.
+
+_Helmer_. That's right, Mrs. Linde.
+
+_Mrs. Linde_. Good-night, Mr. Helmer.
+
+_Helmer_ (_accompanying her to the door_). Good-night, good-night. I
+hope you will get home all right. I should be very happy to--but you
+haven't any great distance to go. Good-night, good-night. (_She goes
+out; he shuts the door after her and comes in again_.) Ah!--at last we
+have got rid of her. She is a frightful bore, that woman.
+
+_Nora_. Aren't you very tired, Torvald?
+
+_Helmer_. No, not in the least.
+
+_Nora_. Nor sleepy?
+
+_Helmer_. Not a bit. On the contrary, I feel extraordinarily lively. And
+you?--you really look both tired and sleepy.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, I am very tired. I want to go to sleep at once.
+
+_Helmer_. There, you see it was quite right of me not to let you stay
+there any longer.
+
+_Nora_. Everything you do is quite right, Torvald.
+
+_Helmer_ (_kissing her on the forehead_). Now my little skylark is
+speaking reasonably. Did you notice what good spirits Rank was in this
+evening?
+
+_Nora_. Really? Was he? I didn't speak to him at all.
+
+_Helmer_. And I very little, but I have not for a long time seen him in
+such good form. (_Looks for a while at her and then goes nearer to
+her_.) It is delightful to be at home by ourselves again, to be all
+alone with you--you fascinating, charming little darling!
+
+_Nora_. Don't look at me like that, Torvald.
+
+_Helmer_. Why shouldn't I look at my dearest treasure?--at all the
+beauty that is mine, all my very own?
+
+_Nora_ (_going to the other side of the table_). You mustn't say things
+like that to me tonight.
+
+_Helmer_ (_following her_). You have still got the Tarantella in your
+blood, I see. And it makes you more captivating than ever. Listen--the
+guests are beginning to go now. (_In a lower voice_.) Nora--soon the
+whole house will be quiet.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, I hope so.
+
+_Helmer_. Yes, my own darling Nora. Do you know, when I am out at a
+party with you like this, why I speak so little to you, keep away from
+you, and only send a stolen glance in your direction now and then?--do
+you know why I do that? It is because I make believe to myself that we
+are secretly in love, and you are my secretly promised bride, and that
+no one suspects there is anything between us.
+
+_Nora_. Yes, yes--I know very well your thoughts are with me all the
+time.
+
+_Helmer_. And when we are leaving, and I am putting the shawl over your
+beautiful young shoulders--on your lovely neck--then I imagine that you
+are my young bride and that we have just come from the wedding, and I am
+bringing you for the first time into our home--to be alone with you for
+the first time--quite alone with my shy little darling! All this evening
+I have longed for nothing but you. When I watched the seductive figures
+of the Tarantella, my blood was on fire; I could endure it no longer,
+and that was why I brought you down so early--
+
+_Nora_. Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won't--
+
+_Helmer_. What's that? You're joking, my little Nora! You won't--you
+won't? Am I not your husband--? (_A knock is heard at the outer door_.)
+
+_Nora_ (_starting_). Did you hear--?
+
+_Helmer_ (_going into the hall_). Who is it?
+
+_Rank_ (_outside_). It is I. May I come in for a moment?
+
+_Helmer_ (_in a fretful whisper_). Oh, what does he want now? (_Aloud_.)
+Wait a minute? (_Unlocks the door_.) Come, that's kind of you not to
+pass by our door.
+
+_Rank_. I thought I heard your voice, and felt as if I should like to
+look in. (_With a swift glance round_.) Ah, yes!--these dear familiar
+rooms. You are very happy and cosy in here, you two.
+
+_Helmer_. It seems to me that you looked after yourself pretty well
+upstairs too.
+
+_Rank_. Excellently. Why shouldn't I? Why shouldn't one enjoy everything
+in this world?--at any rate as much as one can, and as long as one can.
+The wine was capital--
+
+_Helmer_. Especially the champagne.
+
+_Rank_. So you noticed that too? It is almost incredible how much I
+managed to put away!
+
+_Nora_. Torvald drank a great deal of champagne tonight, too.
+
+_Rank_. Did he?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards.
+
+_Rank_. Well, why should one not enjoy a merry evening after a
+well-spent day?
+
+_Helmer_. Well spent? I am afraid I can't take credit for that.
+
+_Rank_ (_clapping him on the back_). But I can, you know!
+
+_Nora_. Doctor Rank, you must have been occupied with some scientific
+investigation today.
+
+_Rank_. Exactly.
+
+_Helmer_. Just listen!--little Nora talking about scientific
+investigations!
+
+_Nora_. And may I congratulate you on the result?
+
+_Rank_. Indeed you may.
+
+_Nora_. Was it favourable, then.
+
+_Rank_. The best possible, for both doctor and patient--certainty.
+
+_Nora_ (_quickly and searchingly_). Certainty?
+
+_Rank_. Absolute certainty. So wasn't I entitled to make a merry evening
+of it after that?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank.
+
+_Helmer_. I think so too, so long as you don't have to pay for it in the
+morning.
+
+_Rank_. Oh well, one can't have anything in this life without paying for
+it.
+
+_Nora_. Doctor Rank--are you fond of fancy-dress balls?
+
+_Rank_. Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes.
+
+_Nora_. Tell me--what shall we two wear at the next?
+
+_Helmer_. Little featherbrain!--are you thinking of the next already?
+
+_Rank_. We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy--
+
+_Helmer_. Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume for
+that?
+
+_Rank_. Let your wife go dressed just as she is in every-day life.
+
+_Helmer_. That was really very prettily turned. But can't you tell us
+what you will be?
+
+_Rank_. Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that.
+
+_Helmer_. Well?
+
+_Rank_. At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible.
+
+_Helmer_ That's a good joke!
+
+_Rank_. There is a big black hat--have you never heard of hats that make
+you invisible? If you put one on, no one can see you.
+
+_Helmer_ (_suppressing a smile_). Yes, you are quite right.
+
+_Rank_. But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me a
+cigar--one of the dark Havanas.
+
+_Helmer_. With the greatest pleasure. (_Offers him his case_.)
+
+_Rank_ (_takes a cigar and cuts off the end_). Thanks.
+
+_Nora_ (_striking a match_). Let me give you a light.
+
+_Rank_. Thank you. (_She holds the match for him to light his cigar_.)
+And now good-bye!
+
+_Helmer_. Good-bye, good-bye, dear old man!
+
+_Nora_. Sleep well, Doctor Rank.
+
+_Rank_. Thank you for that wish.
+
+_Nora_. Wish me the same.
+
+_Rank_. You? Well, if you want me to sleep well! And thanks for the
+light. (_He nods to them both and goes out_.)
+
+_Helmer_ (_in a subdued voice_). He has drunk more than he ought.
+
+_Nora_ (_absently_). Maybe. (HELMER _takes a bunch of keys out of his
+pocket and goes into the hall_.) Torvald! what are you going to do
+there?
+
+_Helmer_. Empty the letter-box; it is quite full; there will be no room
+to put the newspaper in to-morrow morning.
+
+_Nora._ Are you going to work to-night?
+
+_Helmer_. You know quite well I'm not. What is this? Some one has been
+at the lock.
+
+_Nora_. At the lock?
+
+_Helmer_. Yes, someone has. What can it mean? I should never have
+thought the maid--. Here is a broken hairpin. Nora, it is one of yours.
+
+_Nora_ (_quickly_). Then it must have been the children--
+
+_Helmer_. Then you must get them out of those ways. There, at last I
+have got it open. (_Takes out the contents of the letter-box, and calls
+to the kitchen_.) Helen!--Helen, put out the light over the front door.
+(_Goes back into the room and shuts the door into the hall. He holds out
+his hand full of letters_.) Look at that--look what a heap of them there
+are. (_Turning them over_.) What on earth is that?
+
+_Nora_ (_at the window_). The letter--No! Torvald, no!
+
+_Helmer._ Two cards--of Rank's.
+
+_Nora._ Of Doctor Rank's?
+
+_Helmer_ (_looking at them_). Doctor Rank. They were on the top. He must
+have put them in when he went out.
+
+_Nora._ Is there anything written on them?
+
+_Helmer._ There is a black cross over the name. Look there--what an
+uncomfortable idea! It looks as If he were announcing his own death.
+
+_Nora._ It is just what he is doing.
+
+_Helmer._ What? Do you know anything about it? Has he said anything to
+you?
+
+_Nora._ Yes. He told me that when the cards came it would be his
+leave-taking from us. He means to shut himself up and die.
+
+_Helmer._ My poor old friend. Certainly I knew we should not have him
+very long with us. But so soon! And so he hides himself away like a
+wounded animal.
+
+_Nora._ If it has to happen, it is best it should be without a
+word--don't you think so, Torvald?
+
+_Helmer_ (_walking up and down_). He has so grown into our lives. I
+can't think of him as having gone out of them. He, with his sufferings
+and his loneliness, was like a cloudy background to our sunlit
+happiness. Well, perhaps it is best so. For him, anyway. (_Standing
+still._) And perhaps for us too, Nora. We two are thrown quite upon each
+other now. (_Puts his arms around her._) My darling wife, I don't feel
+as if I could hold you tight enough. Do you know, Nora, I have often
+wished that you might be threatened by some great danger, so that I
+might risk my life's blood, and everything, for your sake.
+
+_Nora_ (_disengages herself, and says firmly and decidedly_). Now you
+must read your letters, Torvald.
+
+_Helmer._ No, no; not tonight. I want to be with you, my darling wife.
+
+_Nora._ With the thought of your friend's death--
+
+_Helmer._ You are right, it has affected us both. Something ugly has
+come between us--the thought of the horrors of death. We must try and
+rid our minds of that. Until then--we will each go to our own room.
+
+_Nora_ (_hanging on his neck_). Good-night, Torvald--Good-night!
+
+_Helmer_ (_kissing her on the forehead_). Good-night, my little
+singing-bird. Sleep sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters through.
+(_He takes his letters and goes into his room, shutting the door after
+him._)
+
+_Nora_ (_gropes distractedly about, seizes_ HELMER'S _domino, throws it
+round her, while she says in quick, hoarse, spasmodic whispers_). Never
+to see him again. Never! Never! (_Puts her shawl over her head._) Never
+to see my children again either--never again. Never! Never!--Ah! the
+icy, black water--the unfathomable depths--If only it were over! He has
+got it now--now he is reading it. Good-bye, Torvald and my children!
+(_She is about to rush out through the hall, when_ HELMER _opens his
+door hurriedly and stands with an open letter in his hand._)
+
+_Helmer._ Nora!
+
+_Nora._ Ah!--
+
+_Helmer._ What is this? Do you know what is in this letter?
+
+_Nora._ Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me get out!
+
+_Helmer_ (_holding her back_). Where are you going?
+
+_Nora_ (_trying to get free_). You shan't save me, Torvald!
+
+_Helmer_ (_reeling_). True? Is this true, that I read here? Horrible!
+No, no--it is impossible that it can be true.
+
+_Nora._ It is true. I have loved you above everything else in the world.
+
+_Helmer._ Oh, don't let us have any silly excuses.
+
+_Nora_ (_taking a step towards him_). Torvald--!
+
+_Helmer._ Miserable creature--what have you done?
+
+_Nora._ Let me go. You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not take
+it upon yourself.
+
+_Helmer._ No tragedy airs, please. (_Locks the hall door._) Here you
+shall stay and give me an explanation. Do you understand what you have
+done? Answer me? Do you understand what you have done?
+
+_Nora_ (_looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of coldness
+in her face_). Yes, now I am beginning to understand thoroughly.
+
+_Helmer_ (_walking about the room_). What a horrible awakening! All
+these eight years--she who was my joy and pride--a hypocrite, a
+liar--worse, worse--a criminal! The unutterable ugliness of it all!--For
+shame! For shame! (NORA _is silent and looks steadily at him. He stops
+in front of her._) I ought to have suspected that something of the sort
+would happen. I ought to have foreseen it. All your father's want of
+principle--be silent!--all your father's want of principle has come out
+in you. No religion, no morality, no sense of duty--How I am punished
+for having winked at what he did! I did it for your sake, and this is
+how you repay me.
+
+_Nora._ Yes, that's just it.
+
+_Helmer._ Now you have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined
+all my future. It is horrible to think of! I am in the power of an
+unscrupulous man; he can do what he likes with me, ask anything he likes
+of me, give me any orders he pleases--I dare not refuse. And I must sink
+to such miserable depths because of a thoughtless woman!
+
+_Nora._ When I am out of the way, you will be free.
+
+_Helmer._ No fine speeches, please. Your father had always plenty of
+those ready, too. What good would it be to me if you were out of the
+way, as you say? Not the slightest. He can make the affair known
+everywhere; and if he does, I may be falsely suspected of having been
+a party to your criminal action. Very likely people will think I was
+behind it all--that it was I who prompted you! And I have to thank you
+for all this--you whom I have cherished during the whole of our married
+life. Do you understand now what it is you have done for me?
+
+_Nora_ (_coldly and quietly_). Yes.
+
+_Helmer._ It is so incredible that I can't take it in. But we must come
+to some understanding. Take off that shawl. Take it off, I tell you. I
+must try and appease him some way or another. The matter must be hushed
+up at any cost. And as for you and me, it must appear as if everything
+between us were as before--but naturally only in the eyes of the world.
+You will still remain in my house, that is a matter of course. But I
+shall not allow you to bring up the children; I dare not trust them to
+you. To think that I should be obliged to say so to one whom I have
+loved so dearly, and whom I still--. No, that is all over. From this
+moment happiness is not the question; all that concerns us is to save
+the remains, the fragments, the appearance--
+
+(_A ring is heard at the front-door bell._)
+
+_Helmer_ (_with a start_). What is that? So late! Can the worst--? Can
+he--? Hide yourself, Nora. Say you are ill.
+
+(NORA _stands motionless._ HELMER _goes and unlocks the hall door._)
+
+_Maid_ (_half-dressed, comes to the door_). A letter for the mistress.
+
+_Helmer._ Give it to me. (_Takes the letter, and shuts the door._) Yes,
+it is from him. You shall not have it; I will read it myself.
+
+_Nora._ Yes, read it.
+
+_Helmer_ (_standing by the lamp_). I scarcely have the courage to do it.
+It may mean ruin for both of us. No, I must know. (_Tears open the
+letter, runs his eye over a few lines, looks at a paper enclosed, and
+gives a shout of joy._) Nora! (_She looks at him, questioningly._) Nora!
+No, I must read it once again--. Yes, it is true! I am saved! Nora, I am
+saved!
+
+_Nora._ And I?
+
+_Helmer._ You too, of course; we are both saved, both saved, both you
+and I. Look, he sends you your bond back. He says he regrets and
+repents--that a happy change in his life--never mind what he says! We
+are saved, Nora! No one can do anything to you. Oh, Nora, Nora!--no,
+first I must destroy these hateful things. Let me see--. (_Takes a look
+at the bond._) No, no, I won't look at it. The whole thing shall be
+nothing but a bad dream to me. (_Tears up the bond and both letters,
+throws them all into the stove, and watches them burn._) There--now it
+doesn't exist any longer. He says that since Christmas Eve you--. These
+must have been three dreadful days for you, Nora.
+
+_Nora._ I have fought a hard fight these three days.
+
+_Helmer._ And suffered agonies, and seen no way out but--. No, we won't
+call any of the horrors to mind. We will only shout with joy, and keep
+saying, "It's all over! It's all over!" Listen to me, Nora. You don't
+seem to realise that it is all over. What is this?--such a cold, set
+face! My poor little Nora, I quite understand; you don't feel as if you
+could believe that I have forgiven you. But it is true, Nora, I swear
+it; I have forgiven you everything. I know that what you did, you did
+out of love for me.
+
+_Nora._ That is true.
+
+_Helmer._ You have loved me as a wife ought to love her husband. Only
+you had not sufficient knowledge to judge of the means you used. But do
+you suppose you are any the less dear to me, because you don't
+understand how to act on your own responsibility? No, no; only lean on
+me; I will advise you and direct you. I should not be a man if this
+womanly helplessness did not just give you a double attractiveness in my
+eyes. You must not think any more about the hard things I said in my
+first moment of consternation, when I thought everything was going to
+overwhelm me. I have forgiven you, Nora; I swear to you I have forgiven
+you.
+
+_Nora._ Thank you for your forgiveness. (_She goes out through the door
+to the right._)
+
+_Helmer._ No, don't go--. (_Looks in._) What are you doing in there?
+
+_Nora_ (_from within_). Taking off my fancy dress.
+
+_Helmer_ (_standing at the open door_). Yes, do. Try and calm yourself,
+and make your mind easy again, my frightened little singing-bird. Be at
+rest, and feel secure; I have broad wings to shelter you under. (_Walks
+up and down by the door._) How warm and cosy our home is, Nora. Here is
+shelter for you; here I will protect you like a hunted dove that I have
+saved from a hawk's claws; I will bring peace to your poor beating
+heart. It will come, little by little, Nora, believe me. To-morrow
+morning you will look upon it all quite differently; soon everything
+will be just as it was before. Very soon you won't need me to assure you
+that I have forgiven you; you will yourself feel the certainty that I
+have done so. Can you suppose I should ever think of such a thing as
+repudiating you, or even reproaching you? You have no idea what a true
+man's heart is like, Nora. There is something so indescribably sweet and
+satisfying, to a man, in the knowledge that he has forgiven his
+wife--forgiven her freely, and with all his heart. It seems as if that
+had made her, as it were, doubly his own; he has given her a new life,
+so to speak; and she is in a way become both wife and child to him. So
+you shall be for me after this, my little scared, helpless darling. Have
+no anxiety about anything, Nora; only be frank and open with me, and I
+will serve as will and conscience both to you--. What is this? Not gone
+to bed? Have you changed your things?
+
+_Nora_ (_in everyday dress_). Yes, Torvald, I have changed my things
+now.
+
+_Helmer._ But what for?--so late as this.
+
+_Nora._ I shall not sleep tonight.
+
+_Helmer._ But, my dear Nora--
+
+_Nora_ (_looking at her watch_). It is not so very late. Sit down here,
+Torvald. You and I have much to say to one another. (_She sits down at
+one side of the table_.)
+
+_Helmer._ Nora--what is this?--this cold, set face?
+
+_Nora._ Sit down. It will take some time; I have a lot to talk over with
+you.
+
+_Helmer_ (_sits down at the opposite side of the table_). You alarm me,
+Nora!--and I don't understand you.
+
+_Nora._ No, that is just it. You don't understand me, and I have never
+understood you either--before tonight. No, you mustn't interrupt me. You
+must simply listen to what I say. Torvald, this is a settling of
+accounts.
+
+_Helmer._ What do you mean by that?
+
+_Nora_ (_after a short silence_). Isn't there one thing that strikes you
+as strange in our sitting here like this?
+
+_Helmer._ What is that?
+
+_Nora._ We have been married now eight years. Does it not occur to you
+that this is the first time we two, you and I, husband and wife, have
+had a serious conversation?
+
+_Helmer._ What do you mean by serious?
+
+_Nora._ In all these eight years--longer than that--from the very
+beginning of our acquaintance, we have never exchanged a word on any
+serious subject.
+
+_Helmer._ Was it likely that I would be continually and forever telling
+you about worries that you could not help me to bear?
+
+_Nora._ I am not speaking about business matters. I say that we have
+never sat down in earnest together to try and get at the bottom of
+anything.
+
+_Helmer._ But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you?
+
+_Nora._ That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been
+greatly wronged, Torvald--first by papa and then by you.
+
+_Helmer._ What! By us two--by us two, who have loved you better than
+anyone else in in the world?
+
+_Nora_ (_shaking her head_). You have never loved me. You have only
+thought it pleasant to be in love with me.
+
+_Helmer._ Nora, what do I hear you saying?
+
+_Nora._ It is perfectly true, Torvald. When I was at home with papa, he
+told me his opinion about everything, and so I had the same opinions;
+and if I differed from him I concealed the fact, because he would not
+have liked it. He called me his doll-child, and he played with me just
+as I used to play with my dolls. And when I came to live with you--
+
+_Helmer._ What sort of an expression is that to use about our marriage?
+
+_Nora_ (_undisturbed_). I mean that I was simply transferred from papa's
+hands into yours. You arranged everything according to your own taste,
+and so I got the same tastes as you--or else I pretended to, I am really
+not quite sure which--I think sometimes the one and sometimes the other.
+When I look back on it, it seems to me as if I had been living here like
+a poor woman--just from hand to mouth. I have existed merely to perform
+tricks for you, Torvald. But you would have it so. You and papa have
+committed a great sin against me. It is your fault that I have made
+nothing of my life.
+
+_Helmer_. How unreasonable and how ungrateful you are, Nora! Have you
+not been happy here?
+
+_Nora_. No, I have never been happy. I thought I was, but it has never
+really been so.
+
+_Helmer_. Not--not happy!
+
+_Nora_. No, only merry. And you have always been so kind to me. But our
+home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been your doll-wife, just
+as at home I was papa's doll-child; and here the children have been my
+dolls. I thought it great fun when you played with me, just as they
+thought it great fun when I played with them. That is what our marriage
+has been, Torvald.
+
+_Helmer_. There is some truth in what you say--exaggerated and strained
+as your view of it is. But for the future it shall be different.
+Playtime shall be over, and lesson-time shall begin.
+
+_Nora_. Whose lessons? Mine, or the children's?
+
+_Helmer_. Both yours and the children's, my darling Nora.
+
+_Nora_. Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being a
+proper wife for you.
+
+_Helmer_. And you can say that!
+
+_Nora_. And I--how am I fitted to bring up the children?
+
+_Helmer_. Nora!
+
+_Nora_. Didn't you say so yourself a little while ago--that you dare not
+trust me to bring them up?
+
+_Helmer_. In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that?
+
+_Nora_. Indeed, you were perfectly right. I am not fit for the task.
+There is another task I must undertake first. I must try and educate
+myself--you are not the man to help me in that. I must do that for
+myself. And that is why I am going to leave you now.
+
+_Helmer_ (_springing up_). What do you say?
+
+_Nora_. I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and
+everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you
+any longer.
+
+_Helmer_. Nora, Nora!
+
+_Nora_. I am going away from here now, at once. I am sure Christine will
+take me in for the night--
+
+_Helmer_. You are out of your mind! I won't allow it! I forbid you!
+
+_Nora_. It is no use forbidding me anything any longer. I will take with
+me what belongs to myself. I will take nothing from you, either now or
+later.
+
+_Helmer_. What sort of madness is this!
+
+_Nora_. Tomorrow I shall go home--I mean to my old home. It will be
+easiest for me to find something to do there.
+
+_Helmer_. You blind, foolish woman!
+
+_Nora_. I must try and get some sense, Torvald.
+
+_Helmer_. To desert your home, your husband and your children! And you
+don't consider what people will say!
+
+_Nora_. I cannot consider that at all. I only know that it is necessary
+for me.
+
+_Helmer_. It's shocking. This is how you would neglect your most sacred
+duties.
+
+_Nora_. What do you consider my most sacred duties?
+
+_Helmer_. Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your
+husband and your children?
+
+_Nora_. I have other duties just as sacred.
+
+_Helmer_. That you have not. What duties could those be?
+
+_Nora_. Duties to myself.
+
+_Helmer_. Before all else, you are a wife and mother.
+
+_Nora_. I don't believe that any longer. I believe that before all else
+I am a reasonable human being, just as you are--or, at all events, that
+I must try and become one. I know quite well, Torvald, that most people
+would think you right, and that views of that kind are to be found in
+books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or
+with what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get
+to understand them.
+
+_Helmer_. Can you not understand your place in your own home? Have you
+not a reliable guide in such matters as that?--have you no religion?
+
+_Nora_. I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is.
+
+_Helmer_. What are you saying?
+
+_Nora_. I know nothing but what the clergyman said, when I went to be
+confirmed. He told us that religion was this, and that, and the other.
+When I am away from all this, and am alone, I will look into that matter
+too. I will see if what the clergyman said is true, or at all events if
+it is true for me.
+
+_Helmer_. This is unheard of in a girl of your age! But if religion
+cannot lead you aright, let me try and awaken your conscience. I suppose
+you have some moral sense? Or--answer me--am I to think you have none?
+
+_Nora_. I assure you, Torvald, that is not an easy question to answer.
+I really don't know. The thing perplexes me altogether. I only know that
+you and I look at it in quite a different light. I am learning, too,
+that the law is quite another thing from what I supposed; but I find it
+impossible to convince myself that the law is right. According to it a
+woman has no right to spare her old dying father, or to save her
+husband's life. I can't believe that.
+
+_Helmer_. You talk like a child. You don't understand the conditions of
+the world in which you live.
+
+_Nora_. No, I don't. But now I am going to try. I am going to see if I
+can make out who is right, the world or I.
+
+_Helmer_. You are ill, Nora; you are delirious; I almost think you are
+out of your mind.
+
+_Nora_. I have never felt my mind so clear and certain as to-night.
+
+_Helmer_. And is it with a clear and certain mind that you forsake your
+husband and your children?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, it is.
+
+_Helmer_. Then there is only one possible explanation.
+
+_Nora_. What is that?
+
+_Helmer_. You do not love me any more.
+
+_Nora_. No, that is just it.
+
+_Helmer_. Nora!--and you can say that?
+
+_Nora_. It gives me great pain, Torvald, for you have always been so
+kind to me, but I cannot help it. I do not love you any more.
+
+_Helmer_ (_regaining his composure_). Is that a clear and certain
+conviction too?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, absolutely clear and certain. That is the reason why I will
+not stay here any longer.
+
+_Helmer_. And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love?
+
+_Nora_. Yes, indeed I can. It was to-night, when the wonderful thing did
+not happen; then I saw you were not the man I had thought you.
+
+_Helmer_. Explain yourself better--I don't understand you.
+
+_Nora_. I have waited so patiently for eight years; for, goodness knows,
+I knew very well that wonderful things don't happen every day. Then this
+horrible misfortune came upon me; and then I felt quite certain that the
+wonderful thing was going to happen at last. When Krogstad's letter was
+lying out there, never for a moment did I imagine that you would consent
+to accept this man's conditions. I was so absolutely certain that you
+would say to him: Publish the thing to the whole world. And when that
+was done--
+
+_Helmer_. Yes, what then?--when I had exposed my wife to shame and
+disgrace?
+
+_Nora_. When that was done, I was so absolutely certain, you would come
+forward and take everything upon yourself, and say: I am the guilty one.
+
+_Helmer_. Nora--!
+
+_Nora_. You mean that I would never have accepted such a sacrifice on
+your part? No, of course not. But what would my assurances have been
+worth against yours? That was the wonderful thing which I hoped for and
+feared; and it was to prevent that, that I wanted to kill myself.
+
+_Helmer_. I would gladly work night and day for you, Nora--bear sorrow
+and want for your sake. But no man would sacrifice his honour for the
+one he loves.
+
+_Nora_. It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done.
+
+_Helmer_. Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child.
+
+_Nora_. Maybe. But you neither think nor talk like the man I could bind
+myself to. As soon as your fear was over--and it was not fear for what
+threatened me, but for what might happen to you--when the whole thing
+was past, as far as you were concerned it was exactly as if nothing at
+all had happened. Exactly as before, I was your little skylark, your
+doll, which you would in future treat with doubly gentle care, because
+it was so brittle and fragile. (_Getting up_.) Torvald--it was then it
+dawned upon me that for eight years I had been living here with a
+strange man, and had borne him three children--. Oh! I can't bear to
+think of it! I could tear myself into little bits!
+
+_Helmer_ (_sadly_). I see, I see. An abyss has opened between us--there
+is no denying it. But, Nora, would it not be possible to fill it up?
+
+_Nora_. As I am now, I am no wife for you.
+
+_Helmer_. I have it in me to become a different man.
+
+_Nora_. Perhaps--if your doll is taken away from you.
+
+_Helmer_. But to part!--to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can't
+understand that idea.
+
+_Nora_ (_going out to the right_). That makes it all the more certain
+that it must be done. (_She comes back with her cloak and hat and a
+small bag which she puts on a chair by the table_.)
+
+_Helmer_. Nora, Nora, not now! Wait till tomorrow.
+
+_Nora_ (_putting on her cloak_). I cannot spend the night in a strange
+man's room.
+
+_Helmer_. But can't we live here like brother and sister--?
+
+_Nora_ (_putting on her hat_). You know very well that would not last
+long. (_Puts the shawl round her_.) Good-bye, Torvald. I won't see the
+little ones. I know they are in better hands than mine. As I am now, I
+can be of no use to them.
+
+_Helmer_. But some day, Nora--some day?
+
+_Nora_. How can I tell? I have no idea what is going to become of me.
+
+_Helmer_. But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you.
+
+_Nora_. Listen, Torvald. I have heard that when a wife deserts her
+husband's house, as I am doing now, he is legally freed from all
+obligations towards her. In any case I set you free from all your
+obligations. You are not to feel yourself bound in the slightest way,
+any more than I shall. There must be perfect freedom on both sides.
+See, here is your ring back. Give me mine.
+
+_Helmer_. That too?
+
+_Nora_. That too.
+
+_Helmer_. Here it is.
+
+_Nora_. That's right. Now it is all over. I have put the keys here.
+The maids know all about everything in the house--better than I do.
+Tomorrow, after I have left her, Christine will come here and pack up
+my own things that I brought with me from home. I will have them sent
+after me.
+
+_Helmer_. All over! All over!--Nora, shall you never think of me again?
+
+_Nora_. I know I shall often think of you and the children and this
+house.
+
+_Helmer_. May I write to you, Nora?
+
+_Nora_. No--never. You must not do that.
+
+_Helmer_. But at least let me send you--
+
+_Nora_. Nothing--nothing--
+
+_Helmer_. Let me help you if you are in want.
+
+_Nora_. No. I can receive nothing from a stranger.
+
+_Helmer_. Nora--can I never be anything more than a stranger to you?
+
+_Nora_ (_taking her bag_). Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of all
+would have to happen.
+
+_Helmer_. Tell me what that would be!
+
+_Nora_. Both you and I would have to be so changed that--. Oh, Torvald,
+I don't believe any longer in wonderful things happening.
+
+_Helmer_. But I will believe in it. Tell me? So changed that--?
+
+_Nora_. That our life together would be a real wedlock. Good-bye. (_She
+goes out through the hall_.)
+
+_Helmer_ (_sinks down on a chair at the door and buries his face in his
+hands_). Nora! Nora! (_Looks round, and rises_.) Empty. She is gone. (_A
+hope flashes across his mind_.) The most wonderful thing of all--?
+
+(_The sound of a door shutting is heard from below_.)
+
+
+
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