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diff --git a/old/2542-h.htm b/old/2542-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 65cfcc0..0000000 --- a/old/2542-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6943 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" -"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> -<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen</title> - -<style type="text/css"> - -body { margin-left: 20%; - margin-right: 20%; - text-align: justify; } - -h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: -normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} - -h1 {font-size: 300%; - margin-top: 0.6em; - margin-bottom: 0.6em; - letter-spacing: 0.12em; - word-spacing: 0.2em; - text-indent: 0em;} -h2 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} -h3 {font-size: 130%; margin-top: 1em;} -h4 {font-size: 120%;} -h5 {font-size: 110%;} - -.no-break {page-break-before: avoid;} /* for epubs */ - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} - -hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} - -p {text-indent: 1em; - margin-top: 0.25em; - margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - -p.drama {text-indent: 0%; - margin-top: .5em; - margin-bottom: 0em; - line-height: 1.2; - text-align: justify;} - -p.noindent {text-indent: 0% } - -a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} -a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} -a:hover {color:red} - -</style> - -</head> - -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Doll’s House, by Henrik Ibsen</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: A Doll’s House</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Henrik Ibsen</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: March, 2001 [eBook #2542]<br /> -[Most recently updated: October 6, 2022]</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Martin Adamson and David Widger</div> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL’S HOUSE ***</div> - -<h1>A Doll’s House</h1> - -<h2 class="no-break">by Henrik Ibsen</h2> - -<hr /> - -<h2>Contents</h2> - -<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"> - -<tr> -<td> <a href="#act01">ACT I.</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td> <a href="#act02">ACT II.</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td> <a href="#act03">ACT III.</a></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -<hr /> - -<h3> DRAMATIS PERSONAE </h3> - -<p class="noindent"> -Torvald Helmer.<br/> -Nora, his wife.<br/> -Doctor Rank.<br/> -Mrs Linde.<br/> -Nils Krogstad.<br/> -Helmer’s three young children.<br/> -Anne, their nurse.<br/> -A Housemaid.<br/> -A Porter.<br/> -<br/> -<i>[The action takes place in Helmer’s house.]</i> -</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2>A DOLL’S HOUSE</h2> - -</div><!--end chapter--> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2><a name="act01"></a>ACT I</h2> - -<p> -<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, arm-chairs 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 walls; 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.</i> -</p> - -<p> -<i>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 outdoor 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.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it -until this evening, when it is dressed. <i>[To the PORTER, taking out her -purse.]</i> How much? -</p> - -<p class="drama">PORTER.<br/> -Sixpence. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -There is a shilling. No, keep the change. <i>[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.]</i> Yes, he is -in. <i>[Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[calls out from his room]</i>. Is that my little lark twittering out there? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[busy opening some of the parcels]</i>. Yes, it is! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Is it my little squirrel bustling about? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -When did my squirrel come home? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Just now. <i>[Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her -mouth.]</i> Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Don’t disturb me. <i>[A little later, he opens the door and looks into -the room, pen in hand.]</i> Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my -little spendthrift been wasting money again? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. This is -the first Christmas that we have not needed to economise. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Still, you know, we can’t spend money recklessly. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary -is due. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Pooh! we can borrow until then. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora! <i>[Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.]</i> 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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[putting her hands over his mouth]</i>. Oh! don’t say such horrid -things. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Still, suppose that happened,—what then? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -If that were to happen, I don’t suppose I should care whether I owed -money or not. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[moving towards the stove]</i>. As you please, Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[following her]</i>. Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. -What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? <i>[Taking out his -purse.]</i> Nora, what do you think I have got here? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[turning round quickly]</i>. Money! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -There you are. <i>[Gives her some money.]</i> Do you think I don’t know -what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[counting]</i>. Ten shillings—a pound—two pounds! Thank you, -thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Indeed it must. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have bought. And -all 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -And what is in this parcel? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[crying out]</i>. No, no! you mustn’t see that until this evening. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would you like -for yourself? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -For myself? Oh, I am sure I don’t want anything. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would particularly -like to have. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, I really can’t think of anything—unless, Torvald— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Well? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his]</i>. If -you really want to give me something, you might—you might— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Well, out with it! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[speaking quickly]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But, Nora— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What are little people called that are always wasting money? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[smiling]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Oh but, Torvald— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You can’t deny it, my dear little Nora. <i>[Puts his arm round her -waist.]</i> It’s a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of -money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It’s a shame to say that. I do really save all I can. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[laughing]</i>. That’s very true,—all you can. But you -can’t save anything! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[smiling quietly and happily]</i>. You haven’t any idea how many -expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa’s qualities. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Do I? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You do, really. Look straight at me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[looks at him]</i>. Well? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[wagging his finger at her]</i>. Hasn’t Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking -rules in town today? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No; what makes you think that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Hasn’t she paid a visit to the confectioner’s? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, I assure you, Torvald— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Not been nibbling sweets? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, certainly not. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, Torvald, I assure you really— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -There, there, of course I was only joking. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[going to the table on the right]</i>. I should not think of going against -your wishes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word— <i>[Going up to -her.]</i> Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will -all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It’s wonderful! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks beforehand you shut -yourself up every evening until 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! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I didn’t find it dull. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[smiling]</i>. But there was precious little result, Nora. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Oh, you shouldn’t tease me about that again. How could I help the -cat’s going in and tearing everything to pieces? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, it is really wonderful. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[clapping her hands]</i>. No, Torvald, I needn’t any longer, need I! -It’s wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! <i>[Taking his arm.]</i> Now -I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. -As soon as Christmas is over—<i>[A bell rings in the hall.]</i> -There’s the bell. <i>[She tidies the room a little.]</i> There’s -some one at the door. What a nuisance! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -If it is a caller, remember I am not at home. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -<i>[in the doorway]</i>. A lady to see you, ma’am,—a stranger. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Ask her to come in. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -<i>[to HELMER]</i>. The doctor came at the same time, sir. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Did he go straight into my room? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -Yes, sir. -</p> - -<p> -<i>[HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs Linde, who is in -travelling dress, and shuts the door.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[in a dejected and timid voice]</i>. How do you do, Nora? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[doubtfully]</i>. How do you do— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You don’t recognise me, I suppose. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, I don’t know—yes, to be sure, I seem -to—<i>[Suddenly.]</i> Yes! Christine! Is it really you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, it is I. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could I—<i>[In -a gentle voice.]</i> How you have altered, Christine! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I arrived by steamer this morning. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -<i>[Helps her.]</i> Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take -this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. <i>[Takes her hands.]</i> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -And much, much older, Nora. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. <i>[Stops -suddenly and speaks seriously.]</i> What a thoughtless creature I am, -chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -What do you mean, Nora? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[gently]</i>. Poor Christine, you are a widow. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes; it is three years ago now. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I quite understand, dear. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have suffered. And -he left you nothing? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And no children? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Nothing at all, then. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[looking incredulously at her]</i>. But, Christine, is that possible? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[smiles sadly and strokes her hair]</i>. It sometimes happens, Nora. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, no; I want to hear about you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, what is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Your husband? What good luck! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[smiling]</i>. Nora, Nora, haven’t you learned sense yet? In our -schooldays you were a great spendthrift. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[laughing]</i>. Yes, that is what Torvald says now. <i>[Wags her finger at -her.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You too? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind of -thing. <i>[Dropping her voice.]</i> 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 -over-worked 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You spent a whole year in Italy, didn’t you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -So I should think. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That’s a lot, isn’t it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the money. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I ought to tell you that we had it from papa. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn’t it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to Italy? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our going, so we -started a month later. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -And your husband came back quite well? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -As sound as a bell! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But—the doctor? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What doctor? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just as I did, was the -doctor? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. <i>[Jumps up and claps her hands.]</i> Christine! Christine! -it’s good to be alive and happy!—But how horrid of me; I am talking -of nothing but my own affairs. <i>[Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms -on her knees.]</i> 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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And then?— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What a relief you must feel if— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore. -<i>[Gets up restlessly.]</i> That was 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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired out now. You -had far better go away to some watering-place. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[walking to the window]</i>. I have no father to give me money for a -journey, Nora. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[rising]</i>. Oh, don’t be angry with me! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[going up to her]</i>. 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 lookout 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -How do you mean?—Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could -get you something to do. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, that was what I was thinking of. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I—? I know so little of them? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[smiling]</i>. My dear! Small household cares and that sort of -thing!—You are a child, Nora. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[tosses her head and crosses the stage]</i>. You ought not to be so -superior. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable of anything -really serious— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Come, come— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -—that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Pooh!—those were trifles. <i>[Lowering her voice.]</i> I have not told -you the important thing. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -The important thing? What do you mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Indeed, I don’t look down on anyone. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And you are proud to think of what you have done for your brothers? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I think I have the right to be. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have something to be proud and -glad of. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn’t on any -account—no one in the world must know, Christine, except you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But what is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Come here. <i>[Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.]</i> Now I will show you -that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who saved -Torvald’s life. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -“Saved”? How? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have recovered if he -had not gone there— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[smiling]</i>. Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, -but— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Papa didn’t give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You? All that large sum? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a prize in the Lottery? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[contemptuously]</i>. In the Lottery? There would have been no credit in -that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But where did you get it from, then? Nora <i>[humming and smiling with an air -of mystery]</i>. Hm, hm! Aha! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Because you couldn’t have borrowed it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Couldn’t I? Why not? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband’s consent. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[tossing her head]</i>. Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for -business—a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I don’t understand it at all, Nora. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed the money. I may have -got it some other way. <i>[Lies back on the sofa.]</i> Perhaps I got it from -some other admirer. When anyone is as attractive as I am— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You are a mad creature. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Now, you know you’re full of curiosity, Christine. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven’t you been a little bit imprudent? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[sits up straight]</i>. Is it imprudent to save your husband’s life? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -And did your husband never get to know from your father that the money had not -come from him? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -And since then have you never told your secret to your husband? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Do you mean never to tell him about it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[meditatively, and with a half smile]</i>. Yes—someday, 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—<i>[Breaking off.]</i> -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 -installments, 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! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries of life, poor Nora? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Quite so. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -How much have you been able to pay off in that way? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -<i>[Smiles.]</i> Then I used to sit here and imagine that a rich old gentleman -had fallen in love with me— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -What! Who was it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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.” -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But, my dear Nora—who could the man be? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -<i>[Jumps up.]</i> 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. <i>[A bell is heard in the hall.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[rising]</i>. There is the bell; perhaps I had better go. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, don’t go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be for Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">SERVANT.<br/> -<i>[at the hall door]</i>. Excuse me, ma’am—there is a gentleman to -see the master, and as the doctor is with him— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Who is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[at the door]</i>. It is I, Mrs Helmer. <i>[Mrs LINDE starts, trembles, and -turns to the window.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low voice]</i>. You? -What is it? What do you want to see my husband about? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Bank business—in a way. I have a small post in the Bank, and I hear your -husband is to be our chief now— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Then it is— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs Helmer; absolutely nothing else. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Be so good as to go into the study, then. <i>[She bows indifferently to him and -shuts the door into the hall; then comes back and makes up the fire in the -stove.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Nora—who was that man? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Then it really was he. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Do you know the man? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I used to—many years ago. At one time he was a solicitor’s clerk in -our town. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, he was. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -He is greatly altered. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -He made a very unhappy marriage. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -He is a widower now, isn’t he? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -With several children. There now, it is burning up. [Shuts the door of the -stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.] -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -They say he carries on various kinds of business. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Really! Perhaps he does; I don’t know anything about it. But don’t -let us think of business; it is so tiresome. -</p> - -<p class="drama">DOCTOR RANK.<br/> -<i>[comes out of HELMER’S study. Before he shuts the door he calls to -him]</i>. No, my dear fellow, I won’t disturb you; I would rather go in -to your wife for a little while. <i>[Shuts the door and sees Mrs LINDE.]</i> I -beg your pardon; I am afraid I am disturbing you too. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, not at all. <i>[Introducing him]</i>. Doctor Rank, Mrs Linde. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -I have often heard Mrs Linde’s name mentioned here. I think I passed you -on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs Linde? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, I go up very slowly; I can’t manage stairs well. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Ah! some slight internal weakness? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, the fact is I have been overworking myself. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to town to amuse yourself -with our entertainments? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I have come to look for work. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Is that a good cure for overwork? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -One must live, Doctor Rank. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Look here, Doctor Rank—you know you want to live. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[sadly]</i>. Ah! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Whom do you mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about the Bank. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I didn’t know this—what’s his name—Krogstad had -anything to do with the Bank. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. <i>[To Mrs Linde.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care of. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[shrugging his shoulders]</i>. Yes, there you are. That is the sentiment -that is turning Society into a sick-house. -</p> - -<p> -<i>[NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into smothered -laughter and claps her hands.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society really is? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Is that what you find so extremely amusing? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[smiling and humming]</i>. That’s my affair! <i>[Walking about the -room.]</i> It’s perfectly glorious to think that we have—that -Torvald has so much power over so many people. <i>[Takes the packet from her -pocket.]</i> Doctor Rank, what do you say to a macaroon? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, but these are some Christine gave me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -What! I?— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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! <i>[Puts a macaroon into his mouth.]</i> You must have one -too, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one—or at most two. -<i>[Walking about.]</i> I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in the -world now that I should dearly love to do. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Well, what is that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It’s something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald could hear me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Well, why can’t you say it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, I daren’t; it’s so shocking. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Shocking? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I should just love to say—Well, I’m damned! -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Are you mad? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Nora, dear—! -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Say it, here he is! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[hiding the packet]</i>. Hush! Hush! Hush! <i>[HELMER comes out of his room, -with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes, he has just gone. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Let me introduce you—this is Christine, who has come to town. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Christine—? Excuse me, but I don’t know— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Mrs Linde, dear; Christine Linde. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Of course. A school friend of my wife’s, I presume? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, we have known each other since then. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What do you mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, really, I— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is frightfully -anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect herself— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Very sensible, Mrs Linde. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank—the news -was telegraphed, you know—she travelled 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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a widow, Mrs Linde? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -And have had some experience of book-keeping? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, a fair amount. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Ah! well, it’s very likely I may be able to find something for you— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[clapping her hands]</i>. What did I tell you? What did I tell you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs Linde. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -How am I to thank you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -There is no need. <i>[Puts on his coat.]</i> But today you must excuse -me— -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Wait a minute; I will come with you. <i>[Brings his fur coat from the hall and -warms it at the fire.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Don’t be long away, Torvald dear. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -About an hour, not more. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Are you going too, Christine? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[putting on her cloak]</i>. Yes, I must go and look for a room. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[helping her]</i>. What a pity it is we are so short of space here; I am -afraid it is impossible for us— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Please don’t think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and many thanks. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Goodbye 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. <i>[They go to the door all talking together. -Children’s voices are heard on the staircase.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -There they are! There they are! <i>[She runs to open the door. The NURSE comes -in with the children.]</i> Come in! Come in! <i>[Stoops and kisses them.]</i> -Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren’t they darlings? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Don’t let us stand here in the draught. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Come along, Mrs Linde; the place will only be bearable for a mother now! -</p> - -<p> -<i>[RANK, HELMER, and Mrs Linde go downstairs. The NURSE comes forward with the -children; NORA shuts the hall door.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples and roses. <i>[The -children all talk at once while she speaks to them.]</i> 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! <i>[Takes the -baby from the MAID and dances it up and down.]</i> Yes, yes, mother will dance -with Bob too. What! Have you been snowballing? 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. -</p> - -<p> -<i>[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.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. <i>[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 out 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.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Excuse me, Mrs Helmer. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her knees]</i>. Ah! what -do you want? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone forgot to shut it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[rising]</i>. My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I know that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you want here, then? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -A word with you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -With me?—<i>[To the children, gently.]</i> Go in to nurse. What? No, the -strange man won’t do mother any harm. When he has gone we will have -another game. <i>[She takes the children into the room on the left, and shuts -the door after them.]</i> You want to speak to me? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Yes, I do. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Today? It is not the first of the month yet. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself what sort of a -Christmas you will spend. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -We won’t talk about that until later on. This is something different. I -presume you can give me a moment? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes—yes, I can—although— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Good. I was in Olsen’s Restaurant and saw your husband going down the -street— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -With a lady. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What then? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs Linde? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It was. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Just arrived in town? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, today. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -She is a great friend of yours, isn’t she? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -She is. But I don’t see— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I knew her too, once upon a time. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I am aware of that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I was right in what I thought, then. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[walking up and down the stage]</i>. 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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Who has influence? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Exactly. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[changing his tone]</i>. Mrs Helmer, you will be so good as to use your -influence on my behalf. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What? What do you mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position -in the Bank. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -But I assure you— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should advise -you to use your influence to prevent that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Haven’t you? I thought you said yourself just now— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don’t suppose he -is any more unassailable than other husbands. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -You are bold, Mrs Helmer. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[controlling himself]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -So it seems. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I think I have heard something of the kind. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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, I 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at -all. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -You don’t mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Hm!—suppose I were to tell him? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It would be perfectly infamous of you. <i>[Sobbing.]</i> 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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Only disagreeable? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[impetuously]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid -of? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[coming a step nearer]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two hundred and fifty -pounds. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I didn’t know anyone else to go to. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I promised to get you that amount— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, and you did so. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, and which I signed. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Should? He did sign them. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, I think I remember— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is that not so? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Well, haven’t I been paying it off regularly? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Fairly so, yes. But—to come back to the matter in hand—that must -have been a very trying time for you, Mrs Helmer? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It was, indeed. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Your father was very ill, wasn’t he? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -He was very near his end. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -And died soon afterwards? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Tell me, Mrs Helmer, can you by any chance remember what day your father -died?—on what day of the month, I mean. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Papa died on the 29th of September. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as that is so, there is -a discrepancy <i>[taking a paper from his pocket]</i> which I cannot account -for. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What discrepancy? I don’t know— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -The discrepancy consists, Mrs Helmer, in the fact that your father signed this -bond three days after his death. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you mean? I don’t understand— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look here; your father has -dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is a discrepancy, isn’t it? -<i>[NORA is silent.]</i> Can you explain it to me? <i>[NORA is still -silent.]</i> 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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly at him]</i>. -No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa’s name. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Are you aware that is a dangerous confession? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -In what way? You shall have your money soon. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to your father? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -It would have been better for you if you had given up your trip abroad. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband’s life; I -couldn’t give that up. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -But did it never occur to you that you were committing a fraud on me? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run a risk to save -your wife’s life? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -The law cares nothing about motives. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Then it must be a very foolish law. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if I produce this -paper in court. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. <i>[He bows, and goes out through the hall.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her head]</i>. -Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!—I am not so silly as he -thinks. <i>[Begins to busy herself putting the children’s things in -order.]</i> And yet—? No, it’s impossible! I did it for -love’s sake. -</p> - -<p class="drama">THE CHILDREN.<br/> -<i>[in the doorway on the left]</i>. Mother, the stranger man has gone out -through the gate. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, dears, I know. But, don’t tell anyone about the stranger man. Do you -hear? Not even papa. -</p> - -<p class="drama">CHILDREN.<br/> -No, mother; but will you come and play again? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, no,—not now. -</p> - -<p class="drama">CHILDREN.<br/> -But, mother, you promised us. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, but I can’t now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run away in, -my sweet little darlings. <i>[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.]</i> No! <i>[Throws down the work, -gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.]</i> Helen! bring the Tree in. -<i>[Goes to the table on the left, opens a drawer, and stops again.]</i> No, -no! it is quite impossible! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -<i>[coming in with the Tree]</i>. Where shall I put it, ma’am? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Here, in the middle of the floor. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -Shall I get you anything else? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit MAID.] -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[begins dressing the tree]</i>. 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—<i>[HELMER comes in -with some papers under his arm.]</i> Oh! are you back already? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes. Has anyone been here? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Here? No. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging you to say a -good word for him. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, Torvald, but— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -A lie—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Didn’t you tell me no one had been here? <i>[Shakes his finger at -her.]</i> My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a -clean beak to chirp with—no false notes! <i>[Puts his arm round her -waist.]</i> That is so, isn’t it? Yes, I am sure it is. <i>[Lets her -go.]</i> We will say no more about it. <i>[Sits down by the stove.]</i> How -warm and snug it is here! <i>[Turns over his papers.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the Christmas -Tree.]</i> Torvald! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the -Stenborgs’ the day after tomorrow. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It was very silly of me to want to do that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What do you mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I can’t hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of seems so -silly and insignificant. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it]</i>. Are you -very busy, Torvald? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Well— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What are all those papers? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Bank business. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Already? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Then that was why this poor Krogstad— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Hm! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair]</i>. If you -hadn’t been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, -Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What is that? Tell me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to her -rescue? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, Torvald, I can’t get along a bit without your help. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon something. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -That is nice of you. <i>[Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short pause.]</i> How -pretty the red flowers look—. But, tell me, was it really something very -bad that this Krogstad was guilty of? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -He forged someone’s name. Have you any idea what that means? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Isn’t it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, you wouldn’t, would you, Torvald? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has openly confessed -his fault and taken his punishment. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Punishment—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -But do you think it would—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the hypocrite with -every one, 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -How? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[coming nearer him]</i>. Are you sure of that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Why do you only say—mother? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -<i>[Holds out his hands to her.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of the Christmas -Tree]</i>. How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot to do. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[getting up and putting his papers in order]</i>. 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. <i>[Puts his hand on her head.]</i> My precious little -singing-bird! <i>[He goes into his room and shuts the door after him.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[after a pause, whispers]</i>. No, no—it isn’t true. It’s -impossible; it must be impossible. -</p> - -<p> -<i>[The NURSE opens the door on the left.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come in to mamma. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, no, no! Don’t let them come in to me! You stay with them, Anne. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -Very well, ma’am. <i>[Shuts the door.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[pale with terror]</i>. Deprave my little children? Poison my home? <i>[A -short pause. Then she tosses her head.]</i> It’s not true. It can’t -possibly be true. <br/> <br/> -</p> - -</div><!--end chapter--> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2><a name="act02"></a>ACT II</h2> - -<p> -<i>[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.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[drops her cloak]</i>. Someone is coming now! <i>[Goes to the door and -listens.]</i> No—it is no one. Of course, no one will come today, -Christmas Day—nor tomorrow either. But, perhaps—<i>[opens the door -and looks out]</i>. No, nothing in the letterbox; it is quite empty. <i>[Comes -forward.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p> -<i>[Enter the NURSE from the room on the left, carrying a big cardboard -box.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -At last I have found the box with the fancy dress. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Thanks; put it on the table. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -<i>[doing so]</i>. But it is very much in want of mending. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -What an idea! It can easily be put in order—just a little patience. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, I will go and get Mrs Linde to come and help me with it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch cold, ma’am, -and make yourself ill. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, but— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Do they ask much for me? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now as I was -before. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if she went away -altogether? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -Good heavens!—went away altogether? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora’s nurse. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -No, indeed she hasn’t. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, and when -she was married. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[putting her arms round her neck]</i>. Dear old Anne, you were a good mother -to me when I was little. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would—What -nonsense I am talking! <i>[Opens the box.]</i> Go in to them. Now I -must—. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> -I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as you, ma’am. -<i>[Goes into the room on the left.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from her]</i>. 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— -<i>[Screams.]</i> Ah! there is someone coming—. <i>[Makes a movement -towards the door, but stands irresolute.]</i> -</p> - -<p> -<i>[Enter Mrs Linde from the hall, where she has taken off her cloak and -hat.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Oh, it’s you, Christine. There is no one else out there, is there? How -good of you to come! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I heard you were up asking for me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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 -learned at Capri. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I see; you are going to keep up the character. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It is nice of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[sewing]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[gets up, and crosses the stage]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[dropping her sewing]</i>. But, my dearest Nora, how do you know anything -about such things? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[walking about]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[goes on sewing. A short silence]</i>. Does Doctor Rank come here everyday? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Everyday regularly. He is Torvald’s most intimate friend, and a great -friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But tell me this—is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn’t he the kind -of man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Not in the least. What makes you think that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in many things, 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What ought I to make an end of? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense about a rich admirer -who was to leave you money— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -An admirer who doesn’t exist, unfortunately! But what then? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Is Doctor Rank a man of means? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, he is. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -And has no one to provide for? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, no one; but— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -And comes here everyday? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, I told you so. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But how can this well-bred man be so tactless? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I don’t understand you at all. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Don’t prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don’t guess who lent you -the two hundred and fifty pounds? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! A friend of -ours, who comes here everyday! Do you realise what a horribly painful position -that would be? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Then it really isn’t he? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank. Although I am -quite sure that if I had asked him— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But of course you won’t. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Behind your husband’s back? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[walking up and down]</i>. A man can put a thing like that straight much -easier than a woman— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -One’s husband, yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Nonsense! <i>[Standing still.]</i> When you pay off a debt you get your bond -back, don’t you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, as a matter of course. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up—the nasty -dirty paper! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly]</i>. Nora, you -are concealing something from me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Do I look as if I were? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, what is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[going nearer to her]</i>. Christine! <i>[Listens.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[gathering some of the things together]</i>. Certainly—but I am not -going away from here until we have had it out with one another. <i>[She goes -into the room on the left, as HELMER comes in from the hall.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[going up to HELMER]</i>. I have wanted you so much, Torvald dear. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Was that the dressmaker? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in order. You will see -I shall look quite smart. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Wasn’t that a happy thought of mine, now? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Splendid! But don’t you think it is nice of me, too, to do as you wish? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I suppose you are going to work. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes. <i>[Shows her a bundle of papers.]</i> Look at that. I have just been into -the bank. <i>[Turns to go into his room.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, very -prettily—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What then? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Would you do it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -I should like to hear what it is, first. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you would be nice, and -do what she wants. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Speak plainly. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song rising and -falling— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Well, my skylark does that anyhow. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora—you surely don’t mean that request you made to me this -morning? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[going near him]</i>. Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Have you really the courage to open up that question again? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, dear, you must do as I ask; you must let Krogstad keep his post in the -bank. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs Linde shall have. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could just as well dismiss -some other clerk instead of Krogstad. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -This is simply incredible obstinacy! Because you chose to give him a -thoughtless promise that you would speak for him, I am expected to— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that scare you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Naturally you are thinking of your father. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And what if it did? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Whatever is that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if necessary— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, you could—couldn’t you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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 afterlife. I -may as well tell you plainly, we were once on very intimate terms with one -another. But this tactless fellow lays no restraint on 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 for -me. He would make my position in the Bank intolerable. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Torvald, I don’t believe you mean that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Don’t you? Why not? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at things. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am narrow-minded? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, just the opposite, dear—and it is exactly for that reason. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. <i>[Goes -to the hall door and calls.]</i> Helen! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What are you going to do? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[looking among his papers]</i>. Settle it. <i>[Enter MAID.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -Very well, sir. <i>[Exit with the letter.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[putting his papers together]</i>. Now then, little Miss Obstinate. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[breathlessly]</i>. Torvald—what was that letter? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Krogstad’s dismissal. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -It’s too late. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, it’s too late. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -<i>[Takes her in his arms.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[in a horror-stricken voice]</i>. What do you mean by that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Everything, I say— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[recovering herself]</i>. You will never have to do that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -That’s right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man and wife should. That -is how it shall be. <i>[Caressing her.]</i> 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 -practise 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. -<i>[Turns back at the door.]</i> And when Rank comes, tell him where he will -find me. <i>[Nods to her, takes his papers and goes into his room, and shuts -the door after him.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, and -whispers]</i>. 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! <i>[The door-bell rings.]</i> -Doctor Rank! Anything rather than that—anything, whatever it is! <i>[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.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Good day, Doctor Rank. I knew your ring. But you mustn’t go in to Torvald -now; I think he is busy with something. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -And you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[brings him in and shuts the door after him]</i>. Oh, you know very well I -always have time for you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Well, does that alarm you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely to happen? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Nothing but what I have long been prepared for. But I certainly didn’t -expect it to happen so soon. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[gripping him by the arm]</i>. What have you found out? Doctor Rank, you -must tell me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[sitting down by the stove]</i>. It is all up with me. And it can’t be -helped. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[with a sigh of relief]</i>. Is it about yourself? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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 -churchyard. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What an ugly thing to say! -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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 at everything that is ugly; I won’t have him in my sick-room. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Oh, but, Doctor Rank— -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -You are quite absurd today. And I wanted you so much to be in a really good -humour. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[putting her hands over her ears]</i>. Rubbish! Do talk of something -cheerful. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Oh, it’s a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor innocent spine -has to suffer for my father’s youthful amusements. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[sitting at the table on the left]</i>. I suppose you mean that he was too -partial to asparagus and pate de foie gras, don’t you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, and to truffles. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Oysters, of course, that goes without saying. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these nice things should -take their revenge on our bones. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky bones of those -who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, that’s the saddest part of it all. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[with a searching look at her]</i>. Hm!— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[after a short pause]</i>. Why did you smile? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -No, it was you that laughed. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank! -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[rising]</i>. You are a greater rascal than I thought. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I am in a silly mood today. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -So it seems. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[putting her hands on his shoulders]</i>. Dear, dear Doctor Rank, death -mustn’t take you away from Torvald and me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are gone are soon -forgotten. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[looking at him anxiously]</i>. Do you believe that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -People form new ties, and then— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Who will form new ties? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Oho!—you don’t mean to say you are jealous of poor Christine? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am done for, this -woman will— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Hush! don’t speak so loud. She is in that room. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Today again. There, you see. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -She has only come to sew my dress for me. Bless my soul, how unreasonable you -are! <i>[Sits down on the sofa.]</i> Be nice now, Doctor Rank, and tomorrow 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. <i>[Takes various things out of -the box.]</i> Doctor Rank, come and sit down here, and I will show you -something. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[sitting down]</i>. What is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Just look at those! -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Silk stockings. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Flesh-coloured. Aren’t they lovely? It is so dark here now, but -tomorrow—. No, no, no! you must only look at the feet. Oh well, you may -have leave to look at the legs too. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Hm!— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Why are you looking so critical? Don’t you think they will fit me? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -I have no means of forming an opinion about that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[looks at him for a moment]</i>. For shame! <i>[Hits him lightly on the ear -with the stockings.]</i> That’s to punish you. <i>[Folds them up -again.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. <i>[She looks among the things, -humming to herself.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[after a short silence]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[smiling]</i>. I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him]</i>. And to be obliged -to leave it all— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Nonsense, you are not going to leave it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[as before]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And if I asked you now for a—? No! -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -For what? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -For a big proof of your friendship— -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, yes! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I mean a tremendously big favour— -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Would you really make me so happy for once? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Ah, but you don’t know what it is yet. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -No—but tell me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I really can’t, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason; it means -advice, and help, and a favour— -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[leaning towards her]</i>. Nora—do you think he is the only -one—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[with a slight start]</i>. The only one—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[sadly]</i>. Is that it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[rises, deliberately and quietly]</i>. Let me pass. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[makes room for her to pass him, but sits still]</i>. Nora! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[at the hall door]</i>. Helen, bring in the lamp. <i>[Goes over to the -stove.]</i> Dear Doctor Rank, that was really horrid of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that horrid? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need— -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -What do you mean? Did you know—? <i>[MAID enters with lamp, puts it down -on the table, and goes out.]</i> Nora—Mrs Helmer—tell me, had you -any idea of this? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, body and soul. So -won’t you speak out? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[looking at him]</i>. After what happened? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -I beg you to let me know what it is. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I can’t tell you anything now. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, yes. You mustn’t punish me in that way. Let me have permission to do -for you whatever a man may do. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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! <i>[Sits down in the rocking-chair, and looks at -him with a smile.]</i> You are a nice sort of man, Doctor -Rank!—don’t you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lamp has come? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go—for ever? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here just as before. You -know very well Torvald can’t do without you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, but you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes—you see there are some people one loves best, and others whom one -would almost always rather have as companions. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, there is something in that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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 moralised at all, and talked to each other about such entertaining -things. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -I see—it is their place I have taken. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[jumping up and going to him]</i>. 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—<i>[Enter MAID from the hall.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -If you please, ma’am. <i>[Whispers and hands her a card.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[glancing at the card]</i>. Oh! <i>[Puts it in her pocket.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Is there anything wrong? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, no, not in the least. It is only something—it is my new dress— -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -What? Your dress is lying there. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn’t -know about it— -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Oho! Then that was the great secret. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room. Keep him as long -as— -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Make your mind easy; I won’t let him escape. -</p> - -<p> -<i>[Goes into HELMER’S room.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[to the MAID]</i>. And he is standing waiting in the kitchen? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -Yes; he came up the back stairs. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -But didn’t you tell him no one was in? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -Yes, but it was no good. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -He won’t go away? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -No; he says he won’t until he has seen you, ma’am. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Well, let him come in—but quietly. Helen, you mustn’t say anything -about it to anyone. It is a surprise for my husband. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -Yes, ma’am, I quite understand. <i>[Exit.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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! <i>[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.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[advancing towards him]</i>. Speak low—my husband is at home. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -No matter about that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you want of me? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -An explanation of something. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Make haste then. What is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I couldn’t prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought as hard as I could on your -side, but it was no good. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I can expose you to, -and yet he ventures— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I didn’t suppose so at all. It would not be the least like our dear -Torvald Helmer to show so much courage— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -More than you could ever teach me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What is it you want of me? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Show it, then; think of my little children. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, of course not; I was sure of that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -My husband must never get to know anything about it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -How will you be able to prevent it? Am I to understand that you can pay the -balance that is owing? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, not just at present. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the money soon? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No expedient that I mean to make use of. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It has. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -If you had it in your mind to run away from your home— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I had. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Or even something worse— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -How could you know that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Give up the idea. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -How did you know I had thought of that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Most of us think of that at first. I did, too—but I hadn’t the -courage. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[faintly]</i>. No more had I. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[in a tone of relief]</i>. No, that’s it, isn’t it—you -hadn’t the courage either? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, I haven’t—I haven’t. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Telling him everything? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -In as lenient a manner as I possibly could. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[quickly]</i>. He mustn’t get the letter. Tear it up. I will find some -means of getting money. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Excuse me, Mrs Helmer, but I think I told you just now— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I am not asking your husband for a penny. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you want, then? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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, amid 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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -That he will never do! -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -That’s a thing you will never see! -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Do you mean that you will—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I have courage enough for it now. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Oh, you can’t frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -You will see, you will see. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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 unrecognisable, with your -hair fallen out— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -You can’t frighten me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Afterwards? When I am no longer— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of your reputation? -<i>[NORA stands speechlessly looking at him.]</i> 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. -Goodbye, Mrs Helmer. <i>[Exit through the hall.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens.]</i> He is going. He -is not putting the letter in the box. Oh no, no! that’s impossible! -<i>[Opens the door by degrees.]</i> What is that? He is standing outside. He is -not going downstairs. Is he hesitating? Can he—? <i>[A letter drops into -the box; then KROGSTAD’S footsteps are heard, until 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.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -In the letter-box. <i>[Steals across to the hall door.]</i> There it -lies—Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now! -</p> - -<p> -<i>[Mrs Linde comes in from the room on the left, carrying the dress.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -There, I can’t see anything more to mend now. Would you like to try it -on—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[in a hoarse whisper]</i>. Christine, come here. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[throwing the dress down on the sofa]</i>. What is the matter with you? You -look so agitated! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Come here. Do you see that letter? There, look—you can see it through the -glass in the letter-box. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, I see it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -That letter is from Krogstad. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Nora—it was Krogstad who lent you the money! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Believe me, Nora, that’s the best thing for both of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -You don’t know all. I forged a name. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Good heavens—! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I only want to say this to you, Christine—you must be my witness. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -If I should go out of my mind—and it might easily happen— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Nora! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Or if anything else should happen to me—anything, for instance, that -might prevent my being here— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And if it should happen that there were some one who wanted to take all the -responsibility, all the blame, you understand— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, yes—but how can you suppose—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I will, indeed. But I don’t understand all this. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going to happen! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -A wonderful thing? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, a wonderful thing!—But it is so terrible, Christine; it -mustn’t happen, not for all the world. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I will go at once and see Krogstad. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Don’t go to him; he will do you some harm. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -There was a time when he would gladly do anything for my sake. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -He? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Where does he live? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -How should I know—? Yes <i>[feeling in her pocket]</i>, here is his card. -But the letter, the letter—! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[calls from his room, knocking at the door]</i>. Nora! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[cries out anxiously]</i>. Oh, what’s that? What do you want? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Don’t be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked the door. -Are you trying on your dress? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, that’s it. I look so nice, Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[who has read the card]</i>. I see he lives at the corner here. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, but it’s no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying there in the -box. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -And your husband keeps the key? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, always. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must find some pretence— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -But it is just at this time that Torvald generally— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I will come back as soon as I -can. <i>[She goes out hurriedly through the hall door.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[goes to HELMER’S door, opens it and peeps in]</i>. Torvald! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[from the inner room]</i>. Well? May I venture at last to come into my own -room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see— <i>[Halting in the -doorway.]</i> But what is this? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What is what, dear? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[in the doorway]</i>. I understood so, but evidently I was mistaken. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress until tomorrow. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been practising too much? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, I have not practised at all. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But you will need to— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Oh, we will soon work it up again. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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— -<i>[Goes towards the hall door.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What are you going to do there? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Only see if any letters have come. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, no! don’t do that, Torvald! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Why not? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Torvald, please don’t. There is nothing there. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Well, let me look. <i>[Turns to go to the letter-box. NORA, at the piano, plays -the first bars of the Tarantella. HELMER stops in the doorway.]</i> Aha! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I can’t dance tomorrow if I don’t practise with you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[going up to her]</i>. Are you really so afraid of it, dear? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -With great pleasure, if you wish me to. <i>[Sits down at the piano.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[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]</i>. Now play for me! I am going to dance! -</p> - -<p> -<i>[HELMER plays and NORA dances. RANK stands by the piano behind HELMER, and -looks on.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[as he plays]</i>. Slower, slower! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I can’t do it any other way. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Not so violently, Nora! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -This is the way. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[stops playing]</i>. No, no—that is not a bit right. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[laughing and swinging the tambourine]</i>. Didn’t I tell you so? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Let me play for her. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[getting up]</i>. Yes, do. I can correct her better then. -</p> - -<p> -<i>[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.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[standing as if spell-bound in the doorway]</i>. Oh!— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[as she dances]</i>. Such fun, Christine! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -So it does. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Stop, Rank; this is sheer madness. Stop, I tell you! <i>[RANK stops playing, -and NORA suddenly stands still. HELMER goes up to her.]</i> I could never have -believed it. You have forgotten everything I taught you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[throwing away the tambourine]</i>. There, you see. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You will want a lot of coaching. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to the last minute. -Promise me that, Torvald! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You can depend on me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -You must not think of anything but me, either today or tomorrow; you -mustn’t open a single letter—not even open the letter-box— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, indeed I am. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter from him lying there. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I don’t know; I think there is; but you must not read anything of that -kind now. Nothing horrid must come between us until this is all over. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[whispers to HELMER]</i>. You mustn’t contradict her. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[taking her in his arms]</i>. The child shall have her way. But tomorrow -night, after you have danced— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Then you will be free. <i>[The MAID appears in the doorway to the right.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -Dinner is served, ma’am. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -We will have champagne, Helen. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -Very good, ma’am. [Exit. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Hullo!—are we going to have a banquet? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, a champagne banquet until the small hours. <i>[Calls out.]</i> And a few -macaroons, Helen—lots, just for once! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Come, come, don’t be so wild and nervous. Be my own little skylark, as -you used. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. Christine, you must -help me to do up my hair. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[whispers to HELMER as they go out]</i>. I suppose there is -nothing—she is not expecting anything? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Far from it, my dear fellow; it is simply nothing more than this childish -nervousness I was telling you of. <i>[They go into the right-hand room.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Well! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Gone out of town. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I could tell from your face. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note for him. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. After all, it is -splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to happen. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -What is it that you are waiting for? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Oh, you wouldn’t understand. Go in to them, I will come in a moment. -<i>[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.]</i> Five o’clock. -Seven hours until midnight; and then four-and-twenty hours until the next -midnight. Then the Tarantella will be over. Twenty-four and seven? Thirty-one -hours to live. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[from the doorway on the right]</i>. Where’s my little skylark? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[going to him with her arms outstretched]</i>. Here she is! <br/> <br/> -</p> - -</div><!--end chapter--> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2><a name="act03"></a>ACT III</h2> - -<p> -<i>[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.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[looking at her watch]</i>. Not yet—and the time is nearly up. If only -he does not—. <i>[Listens again.]</i> Ah, there he is. <i>[Goes into the -hall and opens the outer door carefully. Light footsteps are heard on the -stairs. She whispers.]</i> Come in. There is no one here. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[in the doorway]</i>. I found a note from you at home. What does this mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should be here? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[coming into the room]</i>. Are the Helmers really at a dance tonight? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, why not? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Certainly—why not? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Now, Nils, let us have a talk. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Can we two have anything to talk about? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -We have a great deal to talk about. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I shouldn’t have thought so. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, you have never properly understood me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Do you believe I am as absolutely heartless as all that? And do you believe -that I did it with a light heart? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Didn’t you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Nils, did you really think that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at the time? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[wringing his hands]</i>. So that was it. And all this—only for the -sake of money! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for anyone else’s -sake. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Indeed I don’t know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had the right to -do it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[more gently]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -But help may be near. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -It was near; but then you came and stood in my way. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I learned it was your place I was -going to take in the Bank. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, are you not going to -give it up to me? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, because that would not benefit you in the least. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Oh, benefit, benefit—I would have done it whether or no. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I have learned to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter necessity have taught -me that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Then life has taught you something very reasonable. But deeds you must believe -in? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -What do you mean by that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to some wreckage. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I had good reason to say so. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Well, I am like a shipwrecked woman clinging to some wreckage—no one to -mourn for, no one to care for. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -It was your own choice. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -There was no other choice—then. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Well, what now? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people could join forces? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -What are you saying? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a better chance than each on -their own. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Christine I... -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -What do you suppose brought me to town? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Do you mean that you gave me a thought? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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 yourself. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Could you really do it? Tell me—do you know all about my past life? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -And do you know what they think of me here? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite another man. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I am certain of it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Is it too late now? -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure you are. I see it -in your face. Have you really the courage, then—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[grasps her hands]</i>. Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find a way to -clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[listening]</i>. Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go! -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Why? What is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may expect them back. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, I know all about that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -And in spite of that have you the courage to—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -I understand very well to what lengths a man like you might be driven by -despair. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -If I could only undo what I have done! -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box now. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Are you sure of that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Quite sure, but— -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -<i>[with a searching look at her]</i>. Is that what it all means?—that -you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. Is that it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another’s sake, doesn’t -do it a second time. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I will ask for my letter back. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, no. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -Yes, of course I will. I will wait here until 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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -But, tell me, wasn’t it for that very purpose that you asked me to meet -you here? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -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 disclosed; they must have a -complete understanding between them, which is impossible with all this -concealment and falsehood going on. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[listening]</i>. You must be quick and go! The dance is over; we are not -safe a moment longer. -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I will wait for you below. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, do. You must see me back to my door... -</p> - -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> -I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life! <i>[Goes out -through the outer door. The door between the room and the hall remains -open.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak ready]</i>. 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—<i>[Listens.]</i> Ah, there they are now. I must put on my things. -<i>[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 around her; he is -in evening dress, and a black domino which is flying open.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him]</i>. No, no, -no!—don’t take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don’t -want to leave so early. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But, my dearest Nora— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Please, Torvald dear—please, please—only an hour more. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our agreement. Come along -into the room; you are catching cold standing there. <i>[He brings her gently -into the room, in spite of her resistance.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Good evening. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Christine! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You here, so late, Mrs Linde? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora in her dress. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Have you been sitting here waiting for me? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, unfortunately I came too late, you had already gone upstairs; and I -thought I couldn’t go away again without having seen you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[taking off NORA’S shawl]</i>. Yes, take a good look at her. I think -she is worth looking at. Isn’t she charming, Mrs Linde? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, indeed she is. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it were only for half -an hour. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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—a 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. <i>[Throws his domino on -a chair, and opens the door of his room.]</i> Hullo! it’s all dark in -here. Oh, of course—excuse me—. <i>[He goes in, and lights some -candles.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[in a hurried and breathless whisper]</i>. Well? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[in a low voice]</i>. I have had a talk with him. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, and— -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Nora, you must tell your husband all about it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[in an expressionless voice]</i>. I knew it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -You have nothing to be afraid of as far as Krogstad is concerned; but you must -tell him. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I won’t tell him. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Then the letter will. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush—! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[coming in again]</i>. Well, Mrs Linde, have you admired her? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, and now I will say goodnight. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What, already? Is this yours, this knitting? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -<i>[taking it]</i>. Yes, thank you, I had very nearly forgotten it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -So you knit? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Of course. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Do you know, you ought to embroider. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Really? Why? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Yes, perhaps— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Well,—goodnight, Nora, and don’t be self-willed any more. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -That’s right, Mrs Linde. -</p> - -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> -Goodnight, Mr. Helmer. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[accompanying her to the door]</i>. Goodnight, goodnight. I hope you will -get home all right. I should be very happy to—but you haven’t any -great distance to go. Goodnight, goodnight. <i>[She goes out; he shuts the door -after her, and comes in again.]</i> Ah!—at last we have got rid of her. -She is a frightful bore, that woman. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Aren’t you very tired, Torvald? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -No, not in the least. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Nor sleepy? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Not a bit. On the contrary, I feel extraordinarily lively. And you?—you -really look both tired and sleepy. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, I am very tired. I want to go to sleep at once. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -There, you see it was quite right of me not to let you stay there any longer. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Everything you do is quite right, Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[kissing her on the forehead]</i>. Now my little skylark is speaking -reasonably. Did you notice what good spirits Rank was in this evening? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Really? Was he? I didn’t speak to him at all. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -And I very little, but I have not for a long time seen him in such good form. -<i>[Looks for a while at her and then goes nearer to her.]</i> It is delightful -to be at home by ourselves again, to be all alone with you—you -fascinating, charming little darling! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Don’t look at me like that, Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Why shouldn’t I look at my dearest treasure?—at all the beauty that -is mine, all my very own? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[going to the other side of the table]</i>. You mustn’t say things -like that to me tonight. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[following her]</i>. 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. <i>[In a lower voice.]</i> Nora—soon the whole house -will be quiet. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, I hope so. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, yes—I know very well your thoughts are with me all the time. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won’t— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What’s that? You’re joking, my little Nora! You -won’t—you won’t? Am I not your husband—? <i>[A knock is -heard at the outer door.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[starting]</i>. Did you hear—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[going into the hall]</i>. Who is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[outside]</i>. It is I. May I come in for a moment? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[in a fretful whisper]</i>. Oh, what does he want now? <i>[Aloud.]</i> Wait -a minute! <i>[Unlocks the door.]</i> Come, that’s kind of you not to pass -by our door. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -I thought I heard your voice, and felt as if I should like to look in. <i>[With -a swift glance round.]</i> Ah, yes!—these dear familiar rooms. You are -very happy and cosy in here, you two. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -It seems to me that you looked after yourself pretty well upstairs too. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Especially the champagne. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -So you noticed that too? It is almost incredible how much I managed to put -away! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Torvald drank a great deal of champagne tonight too. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Did he? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Well, why should one not enjoy a merry evening after a well-spent day? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Well spent? I am afraid I can’t take credit for that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[clapping him on the back]</i>. But I can, you know! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Doctor Rank, you must have been occupied with some scientific investigation -today. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Exactly. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Just listen!—little Nora talking about scientific investigations! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And may I congratulate you on the result? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Indeed you may. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Was it favourable, then? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -The best possible, for both doctor and patient—certainty. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[quickly and searchingly]</i>. Certainty? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Absolute certainty. So wasn’t I entitled to make a merry evening of it -after that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -I think so too, so long as you don’t have to pay for it in the morning. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Oh well, one can’t have anything in this life without paying for it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Doctor Rank—are you fond of fancy-dress balls? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Tell me—what shall we two wear at the next? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Little featherbrain!—are you thinking of the next already? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume for that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Let your wife go dressed just as she is in everyday life. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -That was really very prettily turned. But can’t you tell us what you will -be? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Well? -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -That’s a good joke! -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[suppressing a smile]</i>. Yes, you are quite right. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me a cigar—one of -the dark Havanas. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -With the greatest pleasure. <i>[Offers him his case.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -<i>[takes a cigar and cuts off the end]</i>. Thanks. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[striking a match]</i>. Let me give you a light. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Thank you. <i>[She holds the match for him to light his cigar.]</i> And now -goodbye! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Goodbye, goodbye, dear old man! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Sleep well, Doctor Rank. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -Thank you for that wish. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Wish me the same. -</p> - -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> -You? Well, if you want me to sleep well! And thanks for the light. <i>[He nods -to them both and goes out.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[in a subdued voice]</i>. He has drunk more than he ought. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[absently]</i>. Maybe. <i>[HELMER takes a bunch of keys out of his pocket -and goes into the hall.]</i> Torvald! what are you going to do there? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Emptying the letter-box; it is quite full; there will be no room to put the -newspaper in tomorrow morning. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Are you going to work tonight? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You know quite well I’m not. What is this? Someone has been at the lock. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -At the lock—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[quickly]</i>. Then it must have been the children— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Then you must get them out of those ways. There, at last I have got it open. -<i>[Takes out the contents of the letter-box, and calls to the kitchen.]</i> -Helen!—Helen, put out the light over the front door. <i>[Goes back into -the room and shuts the door into the hall. He holds out his hand full of -letters.]</i> Look at that—look what a heap of them there are. -<i>[Turning them over.]</i> What on earth is that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[at the window]</i>. The letter—No! Torvald, no! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Two cards—of Rank’s. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Of Doctor Rank’s? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[looking at them]</i>. Doctor Rank. They were on the top. He must have put -them in when he went out. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Is there anything written on them? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -There is a black cross over the name. Look there—what an uncomfortable -idea! It looks as if he were announcing his own death. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It is just what he is doing. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What? Do you know anything about it? Has he said anything to you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -If it has to happen, it is best it should be without a word—don’t -you think so, Torvald? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[walking up and down]</i>. He had 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. <i>[Standing still.]</i> And perhaps for us -too, Nora. We two are thrown quite upon each other now. <i>[Puts his arms round -her.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[disengages herself, and says firmly and decidedly]</i>. Now you must read -your letters, Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -No, no; not tonight. I want to be with you, my darling wife. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -With the thought of your friend’s death— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[hanging on his neck]</i>. Goodnight, Torvald—Goodnight! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[kissing her on the forehead]</i>. Goodnight, my little singing-bird. Sleep -sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters through. <i>[He takes his letters and -goes into his room, shutting the door after him.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[gropes distractedly about, seizes HELMER’S domino, throws it round -her, while she says in quick, hoarse, spasmodic whispers]</i>. Never to see him -again. Never! Never! <i>[Puts her shawl over her head.]</i> 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. Goodbye, Torvald and my children! <i>[She is -about to rush out through the hall, when HELMER opens his door hurriedly and -stands with an open letter in his hand.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Ah!— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What is this? Do you know what is in this letter? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me get out! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[holding her back]</i>. Where are you going? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[trying to get free]</i>. You shan’t save me, Torvald! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[reeling]</i>. True? Is this true, that I read here? Horrible! No, -no—it is impossible that it can be true. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It is true. I have loved you above everything else in the world. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Oh, don’t let us have any silly excuses. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[taking a step towards him]</i>. Torvald—! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Miserable creature—what have you done? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Let me go. You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not take it upon -yourself. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -No tragic airs, please. <i>[Locks the hall door.]</i> 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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of coldness in her -face]</i>. Yes, now I am beginning to understand thoroughly. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[walking about the room]</i>. 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! <i>[NORA is silent and looks steadily at him. He stops in front of -her.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, that’s just it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -When I am out of the way, you will be free. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[coldly and quietly]</i>. Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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 just 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— -</p> - -<p> -<i>[A ring is heard at the front-door bell.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[with a start]</i>. What is that? So late! Can the worst—? Can -he—? Hide yourself, Nora. Say you are ill. -</p> - -<p> -<i>[NORA stands motionless. HELMER goes and unlocks the hall door.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> -<i>[half-dressed, comes to the door]</i>. A letter for the mistress. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Give it to me. <i>[Takes the letter, and shuts the door.]</i> Yes, it is from -him. You shall not have it; I will read it myself. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, read it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[standing by the lamp]</i>. I scarcely have the courage to do it. It may -mean ruin for both of us. No, I must know. <i>[Tears open the letter, runs his -eye over a few lines, looks at a paper enclosed, and gives a shout of joy.]</i> -Nora! <i>[She looks at him questioningly.]</i> Nora!—No, I must read it -once again—. Yes, it is true! I am saved! Nora, I am saved! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And I? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You too, of course; we are 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—. <i>[Takes a look at the bond.]</i> No, no, I won’t -look at it. The whole thing shall be nothing but a bad dream to me. <i>[Tears -up the bond and both letters, throws them all into the stove, and watches them -burn.]</i> 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I have fought a hard fight these three days. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -That is true. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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 anymore 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Thank you for your forgiveness. <i>[She goes out through the door to the -right.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -No, don’t go—. <i>[Looks in.]</i> What are you doing in there? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[from within]</i>. Taking off my fancy dress. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[standing at the open door]</i>. 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. <i>[Walks up and down by the -door.]</i> 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. Tomorrow 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 has 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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[in everyday dress]</i>. Yes, Torvald, I have changed my things now. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But what for?—so late as this. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I shall not sleep tonight. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But, my dear Nora— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[looking at her watch]</i>. It is not so very late. Sit down here, Torvald. -You and I have much to say to one another. <i>[She sits down at one side of the -table.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora—what is this?—this cold, set face? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Sit down. It will take some time; I have a lot to talk over with you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[sits down at the opposite side of the table]</i>. You alarm me, -Nora!—and I don’t understand you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What do you mean by that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[after a short silence]</i>. Isn’t there one thing that strikes you as -strange in our sitting here like this? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What is that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What do you mean by serious? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Was it likely that I would be continually and forever telling you about worries -that you could not help me to bear? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been greatly wronged, -Torvald—first by papa and then by you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What! By us two—by us two, who have loved you better than anyone else in -the world? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[shaking her head]</i>. You have never loved me. You have only thought it -pleasant to be in love with me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora, what do I hear you saying? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What sort of an expression is that to use about our marriage? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[undisturbed]</i>. 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -How unreasonable and how ungrateful you are, Nora! Have you not been happy -here? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, I have never been happy. I thought I was, but it has never really been so. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Not—not happy! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Whose lessons? Mine, or the children’s? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Both yours and the children’s, my darling Nora. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being a proper wife for -you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -And you can say that! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -And I—how am I fitted to bring up the children? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Didn’t you say so yourself a little while ago—that you dare not -trust me to bring them up? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[springing up]</i>. What do you say? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora, Nora! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I am going away from here now, at once. I am sure Christine will take me in for -the night— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You are out of your mind! I won’t allow it! I forbid you! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What sort of madness is this! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Tomorrow I shall go home—I mean, to my old home. It will be easiest for -me to find something to do there. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You blind, foolish woman! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I must try and get some sense, Torvald. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -To desert your home, your husband and your children! And you don’t -consider what people will say! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I cannot consider that at all. I only know that it is necessary for me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -It’s shocking. This is how you would neglect your most sacred duties. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What do you consider my most sacred duties? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your husband and your -children? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I have other duties just as sacred. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -That you have not. What duties could those be? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Duties to myself. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -What are you saying? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You talk like a child. You don’t understand the conditions of the world -in which you live. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You are ill, Nora; you are delirious; I almost think you are out of your mind. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I have never felt my mind so clear and certain as tonight. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -And is it with a clear and certain mind that you forsake your husband and your -children? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, it is. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Then there is only one possible explanation. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -What is that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -You do not love me anymore. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No, that is just it. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora!—and you can say that? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[regaining his composure]</i>. Is that a clear and certain conviction too? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, absolutely clear and certain. That is the reason why I will not stay here -any longer. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Yes, indeed I can. It was tonight, when the wonderful thing did not happen; -then I saw you were not the man I had thought you were. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Explain yourself better. I don’t understand you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Yes, what then?—when I had exposed my wife to shame and disgrace? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora—! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. <i>[Getting -up.]</i> 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! -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[sadly]</i>. 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? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -As I am now, I am no wife for you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -I have it in me to become a different man. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Perhaps—if your doll is taken away from you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But to part!—to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can’t understand -that idea. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[going out to the right]</i>. That makes it all the more certain that it -must be done. <i>[She comes back with her cloak and hat and a small bag which -she puts on a chair by the table.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora, Nora, not now! Wait until tomorrow. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[putting on her cloak]</i>. I cannot spend the night in a strange -man’s room. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But can’t we live here like brother and sister—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[putting on her hat]</i>. You know very well that would not last long. -<i>[Puts the shawl round her.]</i> Goodbye, 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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But some day, Nora—some day? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -How can I tell? I have no idea what is going to become of me. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -That too? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -That too. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Here it is. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -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. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -All over! All over!—Nora, shall you never think of me again? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -I know I shall often think of you, the children, and this house. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -May I write to you, Nora? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No—never. You must not do that. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But at least let me send you— -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Nothing—nothing— -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Let me help you if you are in want. -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -No. I can receive nothing from a stranger. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Nora—can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -<i>[taking her bag]</i>. Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of all would -have to happen. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -Tell me what that would be! -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -Both you and I would have to be so changed that—. Oh, Torvald, I -don’t believe any longer in wonderful things happening. -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -But I will believe in it. Tell me! So changed that—? -</p> - -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> -That our life together would be a real wedlock. Goodbye. <i>[She goes out -through the hall.]</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> -<i>[sinks down on a chair at the door and buries his face in his hands]</i>. -Nora! Nora! <i>[Looks round, and rises.]</i> Empty. She is gone. <i>[A hope -flashes across his mind.]</i> The most wonderful thing of all—? -</p> - -<p> -<i>[The sound of a door shutting is heard from below.]</i> -</p> - -</div><!--end chapter--> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL’S HOUSE ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. 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