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diff --git a/15492.txt b/15492.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7b2ac9d --- /dev/null +++ b/15492.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4398 @@ +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_.) + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL'S HOUSE*** + + +******* This file should be named 15492.txt or 15492.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/4/9/15492 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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