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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes index 6833f05..d7b82bc 100644 --- a/.gitattributes +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -1,3 +1,4 @@ -* text=auto -*.txt text -*.md text +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 2542 *** +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 2542 *** diff --git a/2542-0.zip b/2542-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 8c9d1de..0000000 --- a/2542-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/2542-h.zip b/2542-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1f210c7..0000000 --- a/2542-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/2542-h/2542-h.htm b/2542-h/2542-h.htm index 6c3ba6a..b6c3201 100644 --- a/2542-h/2542-h.htm +++ b/2542-h/2542-h.htm @@ -1,15 +1,12 @@ -<!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"> +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html 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%; +<meta charset="utf-8"> +<title>A Doll's House | Project Gutenberg</title> +<link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> +<style> +body { margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify; } h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: @@ -59,11 +56,11 @@ a:hover {color:red} <h2 class="no-break">by Henrik Ibsen</h2> -<hr /> +<hr > <h2>Contents</h2> -<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"> +<table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"> <tr> <td> <a href="#act01">ACT I.</a></td> @@ -79,25 +76,25 @@ a:hover {color:red} </table> -<hr /> +<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/> +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 /> +<hr > <div class="chapter"> @@ -107,7 +104,7 @@ A Porter.<br/> <div class="chapter"> -<h2><a name="act01"></a>ACT I</h2> +<h2><a id="act01"></a>ACT I</h2> <p> <i>[SCENE.—A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not @@ -131,17 +128,17 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">PORTER.<br> Sixpence. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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; @@ -149,91 +146,91 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[busy opening some of the parcels]</i>. Yes, it is! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Is it my little squirrel bustling about? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> When did my squirrel come home? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Still, you know, we can’t spend money recklessly. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Pooh! we can borrow until then. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Still, suppose that happened,—what then? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -241,35 +238,35 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[moving towards the stove]</i>. As you please, Torvald. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[turning round quickly]</i>. Money! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Indeed it must. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -278,101 +275,101 @@ dress-lengths and handkerchiefs for the maids; old Anne ought really to have something better. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> And what is in this parcel? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> For myself? Oh, I am sure I don’t want anything. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, I really can’t think of anything—unless, Torvald— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Well? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Well, out with it! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But, Nora— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What are little people called that are always wasting money? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Oh but, Torvald— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -380,135 +377,135 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa’s qualities. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Do I? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> You do, really. Look straight at me. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[looks at him]</i>. Well? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No; what makes you think that? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Hasn’t she paid a visit to the confectioner’s? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, I assure you, Torvald— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Not been nibbling sweets? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, certainly not. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, Torvald, I assure you really— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> There, there, of course I was only joking. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> It’s wonderful! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I didn’t find it dull. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[smiling]</i>. But there was precious little result, Nora. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, it is really wonderful. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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. @@ -517,27 +514,27 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> If it is a caller, remember I am not at home. </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Ask her to come in. </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> <i>[to HELMER]</i>. The doctor came at the same time, sir. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Did he go straight into my room? </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> Yes, sir. </p> @@ -546,47 +543,47 @@ Yes, sir. travelling dress, and shuts the door.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[doubtfully]</i>. How do you do— </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> You don’t recognise me, I suppose. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, it is I. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I arrived by steamer this morning. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -595,100 +592,100 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> And much, much older, Nora. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> What do you mean, Nora? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[gently]</i>. Poor Christine, you are a widow. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes; it is three years ago now. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I quite understand, dear. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> And no children? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Nothing at all, then. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[looking incredulously at her]</i>. But, Christine, is that possible? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> <i>[smiles sadly and strokes her hair]</i>. It sometimes happens, Nora. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No, no; I want to hear about you. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No, what is it? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank! </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Your husband? What good luck! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -699,30 +696,30 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> You too? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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, @@ -732,75 +729,75 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> You spent a whole year in Italy, didn’t you? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> So I should think. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I ought to tell you that we had it from papa. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> And your husband came back quite well? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> As sound as a bell! </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> But—the doctor? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What doctor? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -811,26 +808,26 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> And then?— </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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 @@ -838,11 +835,11 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What a relief you must feel if— </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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 @@ -850,21 +847,21 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[rising]</i>. Oh, don’t be angry with me! </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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, @@ -873,209 +870,209 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, that was what I was thinking of. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I—? I know so little of them? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Come, come— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> —that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> The important thing? What do you mean? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I think I have the right to be. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> But what is it? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> “Saved”? How? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> But— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> You? All that large sum? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Because you couldn’t have borrowed it. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Couldn’t I? Why not? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband’s consent. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I don’t understand it at all, Nora. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> You are a mad creature. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Now, you know you’re full of curiosity, Christine. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -1091,22 +1088,22 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> And since then have you never told your secret to your husband? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -1114,11 +1111,11 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Do you mean never to tell him about it? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -1136,11 +1133,11 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -1149,11 +1146,11 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Quite so. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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; @@ -1161,11 +1158,11 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> How much have you been able to pay off in that way? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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. @@ -1173,21 +1170,21 @@ penny that I could scrape together. Many a time I was at my wits’ end. had fallen in love with me— </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> What! Who was it? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> But, my dear Nora—who could the man be? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -1202,191 +1199,191 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> <i>[rising]</i>. There is the bell; perhaps I had better go. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Who is it? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Then it is— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs Helmer; absolutely nothing else. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Nora—who was that man? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Then it really was he. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Do you know the man? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, he was. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> He is greatly altered. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> He made a very unhappy marriage. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> He is a widower now, isn’t he? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> They say he carries on various kinds of business. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, not at all. <i>[Introducing him]</i>. Doctor Rank, Mrs Linde. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, I go up very slowly; I can’t manage stairs well. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Ah! some slight internal weakness? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No, the fact is I have been overworking myself. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I have come to look for work. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Is that a good cure for overwork? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> One must live, Doctor Rank. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Look here, Doctor Rank—you know you want to live. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> <i>[sadly]</i>. Ah! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Whom do you mean? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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, @@ -1395,11 +1392,11 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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> @@ -1409,40 +1406,40 @@ that is turning Society into a sick-house. laughter and claps her hands.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Is that what you find so extremely amusing? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, but these are some Christine gave me. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> What! I?— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -1452,197 +1449,197 @@ too, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one—or at most two. world now that I should dearly love to do. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Well, what is that? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Well, why can’t you say it? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, I daren’t; it’s so shocking. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Shocking? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I should just love to say—Well, I’m damned! </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Are you mad? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Nora, dear—! </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Say it, here he is! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Yes, he has just gone. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Let me introduce you—this is Christine, who has come to town. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Christine—? Excuse me, but I don’t know— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Mrs Linde, dear; Christine Linde. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Of course. A school friend of my wife’s, I presume? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, we have known each other since then. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What do you mean? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No, really, I— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Very sensible, Mrs Linde. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> And have had some experience of book-keeping? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, a fair amount. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs Linde. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> How am I to thank you? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Don’t be long away, Torvald dear. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> About an hour, not more. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Are you going too, Christine? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Please don’t think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and many thanks. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Don’t let us stand here in the draught. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Come along, Mrs Linde; the place will only be bearable for a mother now! </p> @@ -1651,7 +1648,7 @@ Come along, Mrs Linde; the place will only be bearable for a mother now! children; NORA shuts the hall door.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -1669,7 +1666,7 @@ children’s things and throws them about, while they all talk to her at once.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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, @@ -1685,236 +1682,236 @@ it. The door is half opened, and KROGSTAD appears, he waits a little; the game goes on.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Excuse me, Mrs Helmer. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[rising]</i>. My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I know that. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What do you want here, then? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> A word with you. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Yes, I do. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Today? It is not the first of the month yet. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes—yes, I can—although— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> With a lady. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What then? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> It was. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Just arrived in town? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, today. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> She is a great friend of yours, isn’t she? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> She is. But I don’t see— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I knew her too, once upon a time. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I am aware of that. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I was right in what I thought, then. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Who has influence? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Exactly. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What? What do you mean? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> But I assure you— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Haven’t you? I thought you said yourself just now— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> You are bold, Mrs Helmer. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> So it seems. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I think I have heard something of the kind. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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 @@ -1924,78 +1921,78 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Hm!—suppose I were to tell him? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Only disagreeable? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What do you mean? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I didn’t know anyone else to go to. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I promised to get you that amount— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, and you did so. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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 @@ -2004,100 +2001,100 @@ them. Now, I promised to get the money on the security of a bond which I drew up. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, and which I signed. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Should? He did sign them. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, I think I remember— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Well, haven’t I been paying it off regularly? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> It was, indeed. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Your father was very ill, wasn’t he? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> He was very near his end. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> And died soon afterwards? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Papa died on the 29th of September. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What discrepancy? I don’t know— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What do you mean? I don’t understand— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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 @@ -2110,75 +2107,75 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Are you aware that is a dangerous confession? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> In what way? You shall have your money soon. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> The law cares nothing about motives. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Then it must be a very foolish law. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -2187,14 +2184,14 @@ such laws—you who are a lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. Krogstad. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -2202,29 +2199,29 @@ order.]</i> And yet—? No, it’s impossible! I did it for love’s sake. </p> -<p class="drama">THE CHILDREN.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">CHILDREN.<br> No, mother; but will you come and play again? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, no,—not now. </p> -<p class="drama">CHILDREN.<br/> +<p class="drama">CHILDREN.<br> But, mother, you promised us. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -2234,23 +2231,23 @@ gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.]</i> Helen! bring the Tree in. no! it is quite impossible! </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Here, in the middle of the floor. </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> Shall I get you anything else? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit MAID.] </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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, @@ -2258,51 +2255,51 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Yes. Has anyone been here? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Here? No. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, Torvald, but— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> A lie—? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -2311,178 +2308,178 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Yes. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> It was very silly of me to want to do that. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What do you mean? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Well— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What are all those papers? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Bank business. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Already? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Then that was why this poor Krogstad— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Hm! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What is that? Tell me. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, Torvald, I can’t get along a bit without your help. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> He forged someone’s name. Have you any idea what that means? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Isn’t it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, you wouldn’t, would you, Torvald? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Punishment—? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> But do you think it would—? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> How? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[coming nearer him]</i>. Are you sure of that? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Why do you only say—mother? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -2494,12 +2491,12 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -2507,7 +2504,7 @@ 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/> +<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> @@ -2516,29 +2513,29 @@ impossible; it must be impossible. <i>[The NURSE opens the door on the left.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NURSE.<br> Very well, ma’am. <i>[Shuts the door.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +possibly be true. <br> <br> </p> </div><!--end chapter--> <div class="chapter"> -<h2><a name="act02"></a>ACT II</h2> +<h2><a id="act02"></a>ACT II</h2> <p> <i>[THE SAME SCENE.—THE Christmas Tree is in the corner by the piano, @@ -2548,7 +2545,7 @@ room, walking about uneasily. She stops by the sofa and takes up her cloak.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -2563,118 +2560,118 @@ children. box.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> +<p class="drama">NURSE.<br> At last I have found the box with the fancy dress. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Thanks; put it on the table. </p> -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> +<p class="drama">NURSE.<br> <i>[doing so]</i>. But it is very much in want of mending. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces. </p> -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children? </p> -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> +<p class="drama">NURSE.<br> The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, but— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Do they ask much for me? </p> -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> +<p class="drama">NURSE.<br> You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NURSE.<br> Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NURSE.<br> Good heavens!—went away altogether? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NURSE.<br> I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora’s nurse. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? </p> -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you. </p> -<p class="drama">NURSE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NURSE.<br> Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -2689,16 +2686,16 @@ towards the door, but stands irresolute.]</i> hat.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I heard you were up asking for me. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -2706,86 +2703,86 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I see; you are going to keep up the character. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> It is nice of you. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Not in the least. What makes you think that? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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. @@ -2793,290 +2790,290 @@ But I often talk about such things with Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What ought I to make an end of? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> An admirer who doesn’t exist, unfortunately! But what then? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Is Doctor Rank a man of means? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, he is. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> And has no one to provide for? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, no one; but— </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> And comes here everyday? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, I told you so. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> But how can this well-bred man be so tactless? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I don’t understand you at all. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Then it really isn’t he? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> But of course you won’t. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Behind your husband’s back? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> One’s husband, yes. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, as a matter of course. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Do I look as if I were? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, what is it? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Was that the dressmaker? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Wasn’t that a happy thought of mine, now? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I suppose you are going to work. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Torvald. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Yes. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, very prettily—? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What then? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Would you do it? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> I should like to hear what it is, first. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Speak plainly. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Well, my skylark does that anyhow. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, Torvald. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[going near him]</i>. Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Have you really the courage to open up that question again? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that scare you. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What do you mean? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Naturally you are thinking of your father. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -3084,30 +3081,30 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> And what if it did? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -3116,19 +3113,19 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Whatever is that? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if necessary— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, you could—couldn’t you? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -3139,74 +3136,74 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Torvald, I don’t believe you mean that. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Don’t you? Why not? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at things. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am narrow-minded? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, just the opposite, dear—and it is exactly for that reason. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What are you going to do? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> Very well, sir. <i>[Exit with the letter.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[putting his papers together]</i>. Now then, little Miss Obstinate. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[breathlessly]</i>. Torvald—what was that letter? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Krogstad’s dismissal. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> It’s too late. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, it’s too late. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -3216,19 +3213,19 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[in a horror-stricken voice]</i>. What do you mean by that? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Everything, I say— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[recovering herself]</i>. You will never have to do that. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -3240,7 +3237,7 @@ 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/> +<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 @@ -3251,67 +3248,67 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> And you? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Well, does that alarm you? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[with a sigh of relief]</i>. Is it about yourself? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What an ugly thing to say! </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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 @@ -3320,141 +3317,141 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Oh, but, Doctor Rank— </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Yes, and to truffles. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Oysters, of course, that goes without saying. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, that’s the saddest part of it all. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> <i>[with a searching look at her]</i>. Hm!— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[after a short pause]</i>. Why did you smile? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> No, it was you that laughed. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank! </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> <i>[rising]</i>. You are a greater rascal than I thought. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I am in a silly mood today. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> So it seems. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[looking at him anxiously]</i>. Do you believe that? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> People form new ties, and then— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Who will form new ties? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Oho!—you don’t mean to say you are jealous of poor Christine? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Hush! don’t speak so loud. She is in that room. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Today again. There, you see. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -3463,204 +3460,204 @@ the box.]</i> Doctor Rank, come and sit down here, and I will show you something. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> <i>[sitting down]</i>. What is it? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Just look at those! </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Silk stockings. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Hm!— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> I have no means of forming an opinion about that. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[smiling]</i>. I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Nonsense, you are not going to leave it. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> And if I asked you now for a—? No! </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> For what? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> For a big proof of your friendship— </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Yes, yes! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I mean a tremendously big favour— </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Would you really make me so happy for once? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Ah, but you don’t know what it is yet. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> No—but tell me. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[with a slight start]</i>. The only one—? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[sadly]</i>. Is that it? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[rises, deliberately and quietly]</i>. Let me pass. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> <i>[makes room for her to pass him, but sits still]</i>. Nora! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that horrid? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need— </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[looking at him]</i>. After what happened? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> I beg you to let me know what it is. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I can’t tell you anything now. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -3668,90 +3665,90 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go—for ever? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Yes, but you? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Yes, there is something in that. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> I see—it is their place I have taken. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> If you please, ma’am. <i>[Whispers and hands her a card.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Is there anything wrong? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> What? Your dress is lying there. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Oho! Then that was the great secret. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Make your mind easy; I won’t let him escape. </p> @@ -3759,254 +3756,254 @@ Make your mind easy; I won’t let him escape. <i>[Goes into HELMER’S room.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[to the MAID]</i>. And he is standing waiting in the kitchen? </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> Yes; he came up the back stairs. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> But didn’t you tell him no one was in? </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> Yes, but it was no good. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> He won’t go away? </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> No; he says he won’t until he has seen you, ma’am. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> Yes, ma’am, I quite understand. <i>[Exit.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[advancing towards him]</i>. Speak low—my husband is at home. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> No matter about that. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What do you want of me? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> An explanation of something. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Make haste then. What is it? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> More than you could ever teach me. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What is it you want of me? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Show it, then; think of my little children. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, of course not; I was sure of that. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> My husband must never get to know anything about it. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, not just at present. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the money soon? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No expedient that I mean to make use of. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> It has. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> If you had it in your mind to run away from your home— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I had. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Or even something worse— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> How could you know that? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Give up the idea. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> How did you know I had thought of that? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[faintly]</i>. No more had I. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, I haven’t—I haven’t. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Telling him everything? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> In as lenient a manner as I possibly could. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Excuse me, Mrs Helmer, but I think I told you just now— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I am not asking your husband for a penny. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What do you want, then? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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 @@ -4016,56 +4013,56 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> That he will never do! </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> That’s a thing you will never see! </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Do you mean that you will—? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I have courage enough for it now. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Oh, you can’t frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> You will see, you will see. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> You can’t frighten me. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Afterwards? When I am no longer— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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 @@ -4074,7 +4071,7 @@ 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/> +<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 @@ -4084,7 +4081,7 @@ 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/> +<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> @@ -4093,286 +4090,286 @@ lies—Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now! <i>[Mrs Linde comes in from the room on the left, carrying the dress.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[in a hoarse whisper]</i>. Christine, come here. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, I see it. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> That letter is from Krogstad. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Nora—it was Krogstad who lent you the money! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Believe me, Nora, that’s the best thing for both of you. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> You don’t know all. I forged a name. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Good heavens—! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to—? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Nora! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, yes—but how can you suppose—? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I will, indeed. But I don’t understand all this. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going to happen! </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> A wonderful thing? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> I will go at once and see Krogstad. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Don’t go to him; he will do you some harm. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> He? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Where does he live? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[calls from his room, knocking at the door]</i>. Nora! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[cries out anxiously]</i>. Oh, what’s that? What do you want? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, that’s it. I look so nice, Torvald. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> And your husband keeps the key? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, always. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> But it is just at this time that Torvald generally— </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[goes to HELMER’S door, opens it and peeps in]</i>. Torvald! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What is what, dear? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> <i>[in the doorway]</i>. I understood so, but evidently I was mistaken. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, I have not practised at all. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But you will need to— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Oh, we will soon work it up again. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What are you going to do there? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Only see if any letters have come. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, no! don’t do that, Torvald! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Why not? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Torvald, please don’t. There is nothing there. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I can’t dance tomorrow if I don’t practise with you. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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! @@ -4383,35 +4380,35 @@ calls out]</i>. Now play for me! I am going to dance! looks on.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[as he plays]</i>. Slower, slower! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I can’t do it any other way. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Not so violently, Nora! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> This is the way. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[stops playing]</i>. No, no—that is not a bit right. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[laughing and swinging the tambourine]</i>. Didn’t I tell you so? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Let me play for her. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[getting up]</i>. Yes, do. I can correct her better then. </p> @@ -4423,147 +4420,147 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> <i>[standing as if spell-bound in the doorway]</i>. Oh!— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[as she dances]</i>. Such fun, Christine! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> So it does. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[throwing away the tambourine]</i>. There, you see. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> You will want a lot of coaching. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> You can depend on me. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, indeed I am. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> <i>[whispers to HELMER]</i>. You mustn’t contradict her. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> Dinner is served, ma’am. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> We will have champagne, Helen. </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> Very good, ma’am. <i>[Exit.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Hullo!—are we going to have a banquet? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Well! </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Gone out of town. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I could tell from your face. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note for him. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> What is it that you are waiting for? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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. @@ -4572,19 +4569,19 @@ midnight. Then the Tarantella will be over. Twenty-four and seven? Thirty-one hours to live. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 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> +<h2><a id="act03"></a>ACT III</h2> <p> <i>[THE SAME SCENE.—The table has been placed in the middle of the stage, @@ -4595,212 +4592,212 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with you. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should be here? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, why not? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Certainly—why not? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Now, Nils, let us have a talk. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Can we two have anything to talk about? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> We have a great deal to talk about. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I shouldn’t have thought so. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No, you have never properly understood me. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Didn’t you? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Nils, did you really think that? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> But help may be near. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> It was near; but then you came and stood in my way. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No, because that would not benefit you in the least. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Oh, benefit, benefit—I would have done it whether or no. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> What do you mean by that? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to some wreckage. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I had good reason to say so. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> It was your own choice. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> There was no other choice—then. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Well, what now? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> What are you saying? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Christine I... </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> What do you suppose brought me to town? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Do you mean that you gave me a thought? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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. @@ -4808,135 +4805,135 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> And do you know what they think of me here? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I am certain of it. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Is it too late now? </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> <i>[listening]</i>. Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go! </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Why? What is it? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, I know all about that. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> And in spite of that have you the courage to—? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> If I could only undo what I have done! </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box now. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> Are you sure of that? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Quite sure, but— </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I will ask for my letter back. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No, no. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -4944,31 +4941,31 @@ complete understanding between them, which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on. </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br> I will wait for you below. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, do. You must see me back to my door... </p> -<p class="drama">KROGSTAD.<br/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -4979,72 +4976,72 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But, my dearest Nora— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Please, Torvald dear—please, please—only an hour more. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Good evening. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Christine! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> You here, so late, Mrs Linde? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Have you been sitting here waiting for me? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, indeed she is. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -5061,105 +5058,105 @@ here. Oh, of course—excuse me—. <i>[He goes in, and lights some candles.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[in a hurried and breathless whisper]</i>. Well? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, and— </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Nora, you must tell your husband all about it. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[in an expressionless voice]</i>. I knew it. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I won’t tell him. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Then the letter will. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush—! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[coming in again]</i>. Well, Mrs Linde, have you admired her? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, and now I will say goodnight. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What, already? Is this yours, this knitting? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> So you knit? </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Of course. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Do you know, you ought to embroider. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Really? Why? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Yes, perhaps— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Well,—goodnight, Nora, and don’t be self-willed any more. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> That’s right, Mrs Linde. </p> -<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br/> +<p class="drama">MRS LINDE.<br> Goodnight, Mr. Helmer. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5167,77 +5164,77 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Aren’t you very tired, Torvald? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> No, not in the least. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Nor sleepy? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, I am very tired. I want to go to sleep at once. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Everything you do is quite right, Torvald. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Really? Was he? I didn’t speak to him at all. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Don’t look at me like that, Torvald. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, I hope so. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5245,11 +5242,11 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -5260,270 +5257,270 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won’t— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[starting]</i>. Did you hear—? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[going into the hall]</i>. Who is it? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> <i>[outside]</i>. It is I. May I come in for a moment? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> It seems to me that you looked after yourself pretty well upstairs too. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Especially the champagne. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Torvald drank a great deal of champagne tonight too. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Did he? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Well spent? I am afraid I can’t take credit for that. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> <i>[clapping him on the back]</i>. But I can, you know! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Doctor Rank, you must have been occupied with some scientific investigation today. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Exactly. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Just listen!—little Nora talking about scientific investigations! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> And may I congratulate you on the result? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Indeed you may. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Was it favourable, then? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> The best possible, for both doctor and patient—certainty. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[quickly and searchingly]</i>. Certainty? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Doctor Rank—are you fond of fancy-dress balls? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Tell me—what shall we two wear at the next? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Little featherbrain!—are you thinking of the next already? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume for that? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Let your wife go dressed just as she is in everyday life. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Well? </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> That’s a good joke! </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[suppressing a smile]</i>. Yes, you are quite right. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> With the greatest pleasure. <i>[Offers him his case.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> <i>[takes a cigar and cuts off the end]</i>. Thanks. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[striking a match]</i>. Let me give you a light. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Goodbye, goodbye, dear old man! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Sleep well, Doctor Rank. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<p class="drama">RANK.<br> Thank you for that wish. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Wish me the same. </p> -<p class="drama">RANK.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[in a subdued voice]</i>. He has drunk more than he ought. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Are you going to work tonight? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> At the lock—? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[quickly]</i>. Then it must have been the children— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5532,56 +5529,56 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[at the window]</i>. The letter—No! Torvald, no! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Two cards—of Rank’s. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Of Doctor Rank’s? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Is there anything written on them? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> It is just what he is doing. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What? Do you know anything about it? Has he said anything to you? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -5593,36 +5590,36 @@ some great danger, so that I might risk my life’s blood, and everything, for your sake. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> No, no; not tonight. I want to be with you, my darling wife. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> With the thought of your friend’s death— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[hanging on his neck]</i>. Goodnight, Torvald—Goodnight! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -5633,68 +5630,68 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Nora! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Ah!— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What is this? Do you know what is in this letter? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me get out! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[holding her back]</i>. Where are you going? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[trying to get free]</i>. You shan’t save me, Torvald! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> It is true. I have loved you above everything else in the world. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Oh, don’t let us have any silly excuses. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[taking a step towards him]</i>. Torvald—! </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Miserable creature—what have you done? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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! @@ -5706,11 +5703,11 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, that’s just it. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5718,11 +5715,11 @@ pleases—I dare not refuse. And I must sink to such miserable depths because of a thoughtless woman! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> When I am out of the way, you will be free. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5733,11 +5730,11 @@ whole of our married life. Do you understand now what it is you have done for me? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[coldly and quietly]</i>. Yes. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5754,7 +5751,7 @@ us is to save the remains, the fragments, the appearance— <i>[A ring is heard at the front-door bell.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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> @@ -5763,20 +5760,20 @@ he—? Hide yourself, Nora. Say you are ill. <i>[NORA stands motionless. HELMER goes and unlocks the hall door.]</i> </p> -<p class="drama">MAID.<br/> +<p class="drama">MAID.<br> <i>[half-dressed, comes to the door]</i>. A letter for the mistress. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, read it. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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> @@ -5784,11 +5781,11 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> And I? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5801,11 +5798,11 @@ since Christmas Eve you—. These must have been three dreadful days for you, Nora. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I have fought a hard fight these three days. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5816,11 +5813,11 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> That is true. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5832,20 +5829,20 @@ was going to overwhelm me. I have forgiven you, Nora; I swear to you I have forgiven you. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[from within]</i>. Taking off my fancy dress. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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 @@ -5868,109 +5865,109 @@ both to you—. What is this? Not gone to bed? Have you changed your things? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> <i>[in everyday dress]</i>. Yes, Torvald, I have changed my things now. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But what for?—so late as this. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I shall not sleep tonight. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But, my dear Nora— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Nora—what is this?—this cold, set face? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What do you mean by that? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What is that? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What do you mean by serious? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Nora, what do I hear you saying? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -5978,11 +5975,11 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What sort of an expression is that to use about our marriage? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -5993,20 +5990,20 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Not—not happy! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -6014,136 +6011,136 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Whose lessons? Mine, or the children’s? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Both yours and the children’s, my darling Nora. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> And you can say that! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> And I—how am I fitted to bring up the children? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Nora! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[springing up]</i>. What do you say? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Nora, Nora! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What sort of madness is this! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> You blind, foolish woman! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I must try and get some sense, Torvald. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> It’s shocking. This is how you would neglect your most sacred duties. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What do you consider my most sacred duties? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I have other duties just as sacred. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> That you have not. What duties could those be? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Duties to myself. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -6152,33 +6149,33 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> What are you saying? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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 @@ -6188,81 +6185,81 @@ old dying father, or to save her husband’s life. I can’t believe that. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I have never felt my mind so clear and certain as tonight. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Yes, it is. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Then there is only one possible explanation. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> What is that? </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> You do not love me anymore. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No, that is just it. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Nora!—and you can say that? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> <i>[regaining his composure]</i>. Is that a clear and certain conviction too? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Explain yourself better. I don’t understand you. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -6272,40 +6269,40 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Yes, what then?—when I had exposed my wife to shame and disgrace? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Nora—! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -6317,67 +6314,67 @@ 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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> As I am now, I am no wife for you. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> I have it in me to become a different man. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Perhaps—if your doll is taken away from you. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<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/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Nora, Nora, not now! Wait until tomorrow. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But can’t we live here like brother and sister—? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But some day, Nora—some day? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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 @@ -6385,85 +6382,85 @@ 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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> That too? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> That too. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Here it is. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> All over! All over!—Nora, shall you never think of me again? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> I know I shall often think of you, the children, and this house. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> May I write to you, Nora? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No—never. You must not do that. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But at least let me send you— </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> Nothing—nothing— </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Let me help you if you are in want. </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<p class="drama">NORA.<br> No. I can receive nothing from a stranger. </p> -<p class="drama">HELMER.<br/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Nora—can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> Tell me what that would be! </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<p class="drama">HELMER.<br> But I will believe in it. Tell me! So changed that—? </p> -<p class="drama">NORA.<br/> +<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/> +<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—? @@ -6477,6 +6474,4 @@ flashes across his mind.]</i> The most wonderful thing of all—? <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 2542 ***</div> </body> - </html> - diff --git a/2542-h/images/cover.jpg b/2542-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ef2810f --- /dev/null +++ b/2542-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt index 6312041..b5dba15 100644 --- a/LICENSE.txt +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. @@ -7,5 +7,5 @@ the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize -this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +this book outside of the United States should confirm copyright status under the laws that apply to them. @@ -1,2 +1,2 @@ Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for -eBook #2542 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2542) +book #2542 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2542) diff --git a/old/20081213-2542.txt b/old/20081213-2542.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a2526bf..0000000 --- a/old/20081213-2542.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4326 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: A Doll's House - -Author: Henrik Ibsen - -Posting Date: December 13, 2008 [EBook #2542] -Release Date: March, 2001 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL'S HOUSE *** - - - - -Produced by Martin Adamson - - - - - -A DOLL'S HOUSE - -by Henrik Ibsen - - - - -DRAMATIS PERSONAE - - Torvald Helmer. - Nora, his wife. - Doctor Rank. - Mrs. Linde. - Nils Krogstad. - Helmer's three young children. - Anne, their nurse. - A Housemaid. - A Porter. - (The action takes place in Helmer's house.) - - A DOLL'S HOUSE - - - - -ACT I - -(SCENE.--A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not -extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the -entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. Between the -doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and -beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, 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. - -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.) - -Nora. Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children -do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. (To the PORTER, -taking out her purse.) How much? - -Porter. Sixpence. - -Nora. There is a shilling. No, keep the change. (The PORTER thanks her, -and goes out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as she -takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her -pocket and eats one or two; then goes cautiously to her husband's door -and listens.) Yes, he is in. (Still humming, she goes to the table on -the right.) - -Helmer (calls out from his room). Is that my little lark twittering out -there? - -Nora (busy opening some of the parcels). Yes, it is! - -Helmer. Is it my little squirrel bustling about? - -Nora. Yes! - -Helmer. When did my squirrel come home? - -Nora. Just now. (Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her -mouth.) Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought. - -Helmer. Don't disturb me. (A little later, he opens the door and looks -into the room, pen in hand.) Bought, did you say? All these things? Has -my little spendthrift been wasting money again? - -Nora. Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go -a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to -economise. - -Helmer. Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly. Nora. Yes, -Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn't we? Just a tiny -wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of -money. - -Helmer. Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter -before the salary is due. - -Nora. Pooh! we can borrow until then. - -Helmer. Nora! (Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.) The -same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds -today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New -Year's Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and--Nora (putting her -hands over his mouth). Oh! don't say such horrid things. - -Helmer. Still, suppose that happened,--what then? - -Nora. If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I -owed money or not. - -Helmer. Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? - -Nora. They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they -were. - -Helmer. That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think -about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty -about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept -bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for -the short time longer that there need be any struggle. - -Nora (moving towards the stove). As you please, Torvald. - -Helmer (following her). Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her -wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? (Taking out -his purse.) Nora, what do you think I have got here? - -Nora (turning round quickly). Money! - -Helmer. There you are. (Gives her some money.) Do you think I don't know -what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time? - -Nora (counting). Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you, thank -you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time. - -Helmer. Indeed it must. - -Nora. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have -bought. And 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. - -Helmer. And what is in this parcel? - -Nora (crying out). No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening. - -Helmer. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what -would you like for yourself? - -Nora. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything. - -Helmer. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would -particularly like to have. - -Nora. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald-- - -Helmer. Well? - -Nora (playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to -his). If you really want to give me something, you might--you might-- - -Helmer. Well, out with it! - -Nora (speaking quickly). You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as -much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something -with it. - -Helmer. But, Nora-- - -Nora. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up in -beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that be -fun? - -Helmer. What are little people called that are always wasting money? - -Nora. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then -I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very -sensible plan, isn't it? - -Helmer (smiling). Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were really to -save out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for -yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of -unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again. - -Nora. Oh but, Torvald-- - -Helmer. You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. (Puts his arm round -her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of -money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are! - -Nora. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can. - -Helmer (laughing). That's very true,--all you can. But you can't save -anything! - -Nora (smiling quietly and happily). You haven't any idea how many -expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald. - -Helmer. You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always -find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you -have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it -has gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; for -indeed it is true that you can inherit these things, Nora. - -Nora. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities. - -Helmer. And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, -my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that you are -looking rather--what shall I say--rather uneasy today? - -Nora. Do I? - -Helmer. You do, really. Look straight at me. - -Nora (looks at him). Well? - -Helmer (wagging his finger at her). Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been -breaking rules in town today? - -Nora. No; what makes you think that? - -Helmer. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's? - -Nora. No, I assure you, Torvald-- - -Helmer. Not been nibbling sweets? - -Nora. No, certainly not. - -Helmer. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two? - -Nora. No, Torvald, I assure you really-- - -Helmer. There, there, of course I was only joking. - -Nora (going to the table on the right). I should not think of going -against your wishes. - -Helmer. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word-- (Going -up to her.) Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. -They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no -doubt. - -Nora. Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank? - -Helmer. No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come to -dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in this morning. -I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can't think how I am looking -forward to this evening. - -Nora. So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! - -Helmer. It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe -appointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to think of, isn't -it? - -Nora. It's wonderful! - -Helmer. Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks -beforehand you shut yourself up every evening 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! - -Nora. I didn't find it dull. - -Helmer (smiling). But there was precious little result, Nora. - -Nora. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I help the -cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces? - -Helmer. Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had the best of -intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing. But it is a good -thing that our hard times are over. - -Nora. Yes, it is really wonderful. - -Helmer. This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and you -needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands-- - -Nora (clapping her hands). No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need I! -It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (Taking his arm.) Now I will -tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. -As soon as Christmas is over--(A bell rings in the hall.) There's the -bell. (She tidies the room a little.) There's some one at the door. What -a nuisance! - -Helmer. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home. - -Maid (in the doorway). A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger. - -Nora. Ask her to come in. - -Maid (to HELMER). The doctor came at the same time, sir. - -Helmer. Did he go straight into my room? - -Maid. Yes, sir. - -(HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs. LINDE, who is in -travelling dress, and shuts the door.) Mrs. Linde (in a dejected and -timid voice). How do you do, Nora? - -Nora (doubtfully). How do you do--Mrs. Linde. You don't recognise me, I -suppose. - -Nora. No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--(Suddenly.) Yes! -Christine! Is it really you? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, it is I. - -Nora. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could -I--(In a gentle voice.) How you have altered, Christine! - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years-- - -Nora. Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight years -have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you have come -into the town, and have taken this long journey in winter--that was -plucky of you. - -Mrs. Linde. I arrived by steamer this morning. - -Nora. To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How delightful! We -will have such fun together! But take off your things. You are not cold, -I hope. (Helps her.) Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. -No, take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. (Takes -her hands.) Now you look like your old self again; it was only the first -moment--You are a little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little thinner. - -Mrs. Linde. And much, much older, Nora. - -Nora. Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. -(Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.) What a thoughtless creature I am, -chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me. - -Mrs. Linde. What do you mean, Nora? - -Nora (gently). Poor Christine, you are a widow. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes; it is three years ago now. - -Nora. Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I -meant ever so often to write to you at the time, but I always put it off -and something always prevented me. - -Mrs. Linde. I quite understand, dear. - -Nora. It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have -suffered. And he left you nothing? - -Mrs. Linde. No. - -Nora. And no children? - -Mrs. Linde. No. - -Nora. Nothing at all, then. - -Mrs. Linde. Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon. - -Nora (looking incredulously at her). But, Christine, is that possible? - -Mrs. Linde (smiles sadly and strokes her hair). It sometimes happens, -Nora. - -Nora. So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have -three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they are out -with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it. - -Mrs. Linde. No, no; I want to hear about you. - -Nora. No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I must only -think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do you -know we have just had a great piece of good luck? - -Mrs. Linde. No, what is it? - -Nora. Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank! - -Mrs. Linde. Your husband? What good luck! - -Nora. Yes, tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an uncertain -thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavoury cases; and naturally -Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him. -You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the -Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lots of -commissions. For the future we can live quite differently--we can do -just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be -splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won't -it? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one -needs. - -Nora. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money. - -Mrs. Linde (smiling). Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our -schooldays you were a great spendthrift. - -Nora (laughing). Yes, that is what Torvald says now. (Wags her finger at -her.) But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think. We have not been in -a position for me to waste money. We have both had to work. - -Mrs. Linde. You too? - -Nora. Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and -that kind of thing. (Dropping her voice.) And other things as well. You -know Torvald left his office when we were married? There was no prospect -of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than before. But -during the first year he 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. - -Mrs. Linde. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you? - -Nora. Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It -was just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a -wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's life. But it cost -a tremendous lot of money, Christine. - -Mrs. Linde. So I should think. - -Nora. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, isn't -it? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the -money. - -Nora. I ought to tell you that we had it from papa. - -Mrs. Linde. Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn't -it? - -Nora. Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn't go and nurse him. I was -expecting little Ivar's birth every day and I had my poor sick Torvald -to look after. My dear, kind father--I never saw him again, Christine. -That was the saddest time I have known since our marriage. - -Mrs. Linde. I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to -Italy? - -Nora. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our -going, so we started a month later. - -Mrs. Linde. And your husband came back quite well? - -Nora. As sound as a bell! - -Mrs. Linde. But--the doctor? - -Nora. What doctor? - -Mrs. Linde. I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just -as I did, was the doctor? - -Nora. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here -professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once -every day. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since then, and our -children are strong and healthy and so am I. (Jumps up and claps her -hands.) Christine! Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!--But how -horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. (Sits on a -stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.) You mustn't be angry -with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband? -Why did you marry him? - -Mrs. Linde. My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless, -and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I -was justified in refusing his offer. - -Nora. No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then? - -Mrs. Linde. I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a -precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was -nothing left. - -Nora. And then?-- - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find--first -a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have -seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at an end, -Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the boys -do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift for -themselves. - -Nora. What a relief you must feel if-- - -Mrs. Linde. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to -live for anymore. (Gets up restlessly.) 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-- - -Nora. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired -out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place. - -Mrs. Linde (walking to the window). I have no father to give me money -for a journey, Nora. - -Nora (rising). Oh, don't be angry with me! - -Mrs. Linde (going up to her). It is you that must not be angry with me, -dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. -No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on the 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. - -Nora. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald -could get you something to do. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, that was what I was thinking of. - -Nora. He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject -very cleverly--I will think of something that will please him very much. -It will make me so happy to be of some use to you. - -Mrs. Linde. How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is -doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles -of life. - -Nora. I--? I know so little of them? - -Mrs. Linde (smiling). My dear! Small household cares and that sort of -thing!--You are a child, Nora. - -Nora (tosses her head and crosses the stage). You ought not to be so -superior. - -Mrs. Linde. No? - -Nora. You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable -of anything really serious-- - -Mrs. Linde. Come, come-- - -Nora.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares. - -Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles. - -Nora. Pooh!--those were trifles. (Lowering her voice.) I have not told -you the important thing. - -Mrs. Linde. The important thing? What do you mean? - -Nora. You look down upon me altogether, Christine--but you ought not to. -You are proud, aren't you, of having worked so hard and so long for your -mother? - -Mrs. Linde. Indeed, I don't look down on 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. - -Nora. And you are proud to think of what you have done for your -brothers? - -Mrs. Linde. I think I have the right to be. - -Nora. I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have something to -be proud and glad of. - -Mrs. Linde. I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to? - -Nora. Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn't on any -account--no one in the world must know, Christine, except you. - -Mrs. Linde. But what is it? - -Nora. Come here. (Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.) Now I will -show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who -saved Torvald's life. - -Mrs. Linde. "Saved"? How? - -Nora. I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have -recovered if he had not gone there-- - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. - -Nora (smiling). Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, -but-- - -Mrs. Linde. But-- - -Nora. Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money. - -Mrs. Linde. You? All that large sum? - -Nora. Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that? - -Mrs. Linde. But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a prize -in the Lottery? - -Nora (contemptuously). In the Lottery? There would have been no credit -in that. - -Mrs. Linde. But where did you get it from, then? Nora (humming and -smiling with an air of mystery). Hm, hm! Aha! - -Mrs. Linde. Because you couldn't have borrowed it. - -Nora. Couldn't I? Why not? - -Mrs. Linde. No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband's consent. - -Nora (tossing her head). Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for -business--a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever-- - -Mrs. Linde. I don't understand it at all, Nora. - -Nora. There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed the -money. I may have got it some other way. (Lies back on the sofa.) -Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is as attractive -as I am-- - -Mrs. Linde. You are a mad creature. - -Nora. Now, you know you're full of curiosity, Christine. - -Mrs. Linde. Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven't you been a little bit -imprudent? - -Nora (sits up straight). Is it imprudent to save your husband's life? - -Mrs. Linde. It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to-- - -Nora. But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My -goodness, can't you understand that? It was necessary he should have no -idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctors -came and said that his life was in danger, and that the only thing to -save him was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn't try, first of -all, to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much -I should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and -entreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition -I was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even -hinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, -Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my -husband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices--as I believe he -called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved--and that was how I -came to devise a way out of the difficulty-- - -Mrs. Linde. And did your husband never get to know from your father that -the money had not come from him? - -Nora. No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let him -into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill -then--alas, there never was any need to tell him. - -Mrs. Linde. And since then have you never told your secret to your -husband? - -Nora. Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has such -strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful and -humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to -know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations -altogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now. - -Mrs. Linde. Do you mean never to tell him about it? - -Nora (meditatively, and with a half smile). Yes--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--(Breaking -off.) What nonsense! That time will never come. Now, what do you think -of my great secret, Christine? Do you still think I am of no use? I can -tell you, too, that this affair has caused me a lot of worry. It has -been by no means easy for me to meet my engagements punctually. I may -tell you that there is something that is called, in business, quarterly -interest, and another thing called payment in 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! - -Mrs. Linde. So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries of -life, poor Nora? - -Nora. Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever -Torvald has given me money for new dresses and such things, I have -never spent more than half of it; I have always bought the simplest -and cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, and -so Torvald has never noticed it. But it was often very hard on me, -Christine--because it is delightful to be really well dressed, isn't it? - -Mrs. Linde. Quite so. - -Nora. Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last winter -I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I locked myself up -and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I -was desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to -sit there working and earning money. It was like being a man. - -Mrs. Linde. How much have you been able to pay off in that way? - -Nora. I can't tell you exactly. You see, it is very difficult to keep an -account of a business matter of that kind. I only know that I have paid -every penny that I could scrape together. Many a time I was at my wits' -end. (Smiles.) Then I used to sit here and imagine that a rich old -gentleman had fallen in love with me-- - -Mrs. Linde. What! Who was it? - -Nora. Be quiet!--that he had died; and that when his will was opened -it contained, written in big letters, the instruction: "The lovely Mrs. -Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over to her at once in cash." - -Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora--who could the man be? - -Nora. Good gracious, can't you understand? There was no old gentleman at -all; it was only something that I used to sit here and imagine, when I -couldn't think of any way of procuring money. But it's all the same now; -the tiresome old person can stay where he is, as far as I am concerned; -I don't care about him or his will either, for I am free from care now. -(Jumps up.) My goodness, it's delightful to think of, Christine! Free -from care! To be able to be free from care, quite free from care; to be -able to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house -beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it! And, think of -it, soon the spring will come and the big blue sky! Perhaps we shall be -able to take a little trip--perhaps I shall see the sea again! Oh, it's -a wonderful thing to be alive and be happy. (A bell is heard in the -hall.) - -Mrs. Linde (rising). There is the bell; perhaps I had better go. - -Nora. No, don't go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be for -Torvald. - -Servant (at the hall door). Excuse me, ma'am--there is a gentleman to -see the master, and as the doctor is with him-- - -Nora. Who is it? - -Krogstad (at the door). It is I, Mrs. Helmer. (Mrs. LINDE starts, -trembles, and turns to the window.) - -Nora (takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low voice). -You? What is it? What do you want to see my husband about? - -Krogstad. Bank business--in a way. I have a small post in the Bank, and -I hear your husband is to be our chief now-- - -Nora. Then it is-- - -Krogstad. Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs. Helmer; absolutely -nothing else. - -Nora. Be so good as to go into the study, then. (She bows indifferently -to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes back and makes up -the fire in the stove.) - -Mrs. Linde. Nora--who was that man? - -Nora. A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad. - -Mrs. Linde. Then it really was he. - -Nora. Do you know the man? - -Mrs. Linde. I used to--many years ago. At one time he was a solicitor's -clerk in our town. - -Nora. Yes, he was. - -Mrs. Linde. He is greatly altered. - -Nora. He made a very unhappy marriage. - -Mrs. Linde. He is a widower now, isn't he? - -Nora. With several children. There now, it is burning up. (Shuts the -door of the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.) - -Mrs. Linde. They say he carries on various kinds of business. - -Nora. Really! Perhaps he does; I don't know anything about it. But don't -let us think of business; it is so tiresome. - -Doctor Rank (comes out of HELMER'S study. Before he shuts the door he -calls to him). No, my dear fellow, I won't disturb you; I would rather -go in to your wife for a little while. (Shuts the door and sees Mrs. -LINDE.) I beg your pardon; I am afraid I am disturbing you too. - -Nora. No, not at all. (Introducing him). Doctor Rank, Mrs. Linde. - -Rank. I have often heard Mrs. Linde's name mentioned here. I think I -passed you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I go up very slowly; I can't manage stairs well. - -Rank. Ah! some slight internal weakness? - -Mrs. Linde. No, the fact is I have been overworking myself. - -Rank. Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to town to -amuse yourself with our entertainments? - -Mrs. Linde. I have come to look for work. - -Rank. Is that a good cure for overwork? - -Mrs. Linde. One must live, Doctor Rank. - -Rank. Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary. - -Nora. Look here, Doctor Rank--you know you want to live. - -Rank. Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong the -agony as long as possible. All my patients are like that. And so are -those who are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad case too, is at -this very moment with Helmer-- - -Mrs. Linde (sadly). Ah! - -Nora. Whom do you mean? - -Rank. A lawyer of the name of Krogstad, a fellow you don't know at all. -He suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs. Helmer; but even he -began talking of its being highly important that he should live. - -Nora. Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about? - -Rank. I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about the Bank. - -Nora. I didn't know this--what's his name--Krogstad had anything to do -with the Bank. - -Rank. Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. (To Mrs. LINDE.) I -don't know whether you find also in your part of the world that there -are certain people who go zealously snuffing about to smell out moral -corruption, and, as soon as they have found some, put the person -concerned into some lucrative position where they can keep their eye on -him. Healthy natures are left out in the cold. - -Mrs. Linde. Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care -of. - -Rank (shrugging his shoulders). Yes, there you are. That is the -sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house. - -(NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into smothered -laughter and claps her hands.) - -Rank. Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society really -is? - -Nora. What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at something -quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, Doctor Rank, are -all the people who are employed in the Bank dependent on Torvald now? - -Rank. Is that what you find so extremely amusing? - -Nora (smiling and humming). That's my affair! (Walking about the room.) -It's perfectly glorious to think that we have--that Torvald has so much -power over so many people. (Takes the packet from her pocket.) Doctor -Rank, what do you say to a macaroon? - -Rank. What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here. - -Nora. Yes, but these are some Christine gave me. - -Mrs. Linde. What! I?-- - -Nora. Oh, well, don't be alarmed! You couldn't know that Torvald had -forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil my -teeth. But, bah!--once in a way--That's so, isn't it, Doctor Rank? By -your leave! (Puts a macaroon into his mouth.) You must have one too, -Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one--or at most two. -(Walking about.) I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in the -world now that I should dearly love to do. - -Rank. Well, what is that? - -Nora. It's something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald could hear -me. - -Rank. Well, why can't you say it? - -Nora. No, I daren't; it's so shocking. - -Mrs. Linde. Shocking? - -Rank. Well, I should not advise you to say it. Still, with us you might. -What is it you would so much like to say if Torvald could hear you? - -Nora. I should just love to say--Well, I'm damned! - -Rank. Are you mad? - -Mrs. Linde. Nora, dear--! - -Rank. Say it, here he is! - -Nora (hiding the packet). Hush! Hush! Hush! (HELMER comes out of his -room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.) - -Nora. Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him? - -Helmer. Yes, he has just gone. - -Nora. Let me introduce you--this is Christine, who has come to town. - -Helmer. Christine--? Excuse me, but I don't know-- - -Nora. Mrs. Linde, dear; Christine Linde. - -Helmer. Of course. A school friend of my wife's, I presume? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, we have known each other since then. - -Nora. And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you. - -Helmer. What do you mean? Mrs. Linde. No, really, I-- - -Nora. Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is -frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect -herself-- - -Helmer. Very sensible, Mrs. Linde. - -Nora. And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank--the -news was telegraphed, you know--she 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? - -Helmer. Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a -widow, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes. - -Helmer. And have had some experience of book-keeping? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, a fair amount. - -Helmer. Ah! well, it's very likely I may be able to find something for -you-- - -Nora (clapping her hands). What did I tell you? What did I tell you? - -Helmer. You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs. Linde. - -Mrs. Linde. How am I to thank you? - -Helmer. There is no need. (Puts on his coat.) But today you must excuse -me-- - -Rank. Wait a minute; I will come with you. (Brings his fur coat from the -hall and warms it at the fire.) - -Nora. Don't be long away, Torvald dear. - -Helmer. About an hour, not more. - -Nora. Are you going too, Christine? - -Mrs. Linde (putting on her cloak). Yes, I must go and look for a room. - -Helmer. Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together. - -Nora (helping her). What a pity it is we are so short of space here; I -am afraid it is impossible for us-- - -Mrs. Linde. Please don't think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and many -thanks. - -Nora. 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. (They go to the door all talking -together. Children's voices are heard on the staircase.) - -Nora. There they are! There they are! (She runs to open the door. The -NURSE comes in with the children.) Come in! Come in! (Stoops and kisses -them.) Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren't they -darlings? - -Rank. Don't let us stand here in the draught. - -Helmer. Come along, Mrs. Linde; the place will only be bearable for a -mother now! - -(RANK, HELMER, and Mrs. LINDE go downstairs. The NURSE comes forward -with the children; NORA shuts the hall door.) - -Nora. How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples and -roses. (The children all talk at once while she speaks to them.) Have -you had great fun? That's splendid! What, you pulled both Emmy and Bob -along on the sledge?--both at once?--that was good. You are a clever -boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, Anne. My sweet little baby -doll! (Takes the baby from the MAID and dances it up and down.) Yes, -yes, mother will dance with Bob too. What! Have you been 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. - -(The NURSE goes into the room on the left. NORA takes off the children's -things and throws them about, while they all talk to her at once.) - -Nora. Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn't bite you? No, -dogs don't bite nice little dolly children. You mustn't look at the -parcels, Ivar. What are they? Ah, I daresay you would like to know. No, -no--it's something nasty! Come, let us have a game! What shall we play -at? Hide and Seek? Yes, we'll play Hide and Seek. Bob shall hide first. -Must I hide? Very well, I'll hide first. (She and the children laugh -and shout, and romp in and out of the room; at last NORA hides under the -table, the children rush in and 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.) - -Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer. - -Nora (with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her knees). Ah! -what do you want? - -Krogstad. Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone forgot -to shut it. - -Nora (rising). My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad. - -Krogstad. I know that. - -Nora. What do you want here, then? - -Krogstad. A word with you. - -Nora. With me?--(To the children, gently.) Go in to nurse. What? No, -the strange man won't do mother any harm. When he has gone we will have -another game. (She takes the children into the room on the left, and -shuts the door after them.) You want to speak to me? - -Krogstad. Yes, I do. - -Nora. Today? It is not the first of the month yet. - -Krogstad. No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself what -sort of a Christmas you will spend. - -Nora. What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me-- - -Krogstad. We won't talk about that until later on. This is something -different. I presume you can give me a moment? - -Nora. Yes--yes, I can--although-- - -Krogstad. Good. I was in Olsen's Restaurant and saw your husband going -down the street-- - -Nora. Yes? - -Krogstad. With a lady. - -Nora. What then? - -Krogstad. May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs. Linde? - -Nora. It was. - -Krogstad. Just arrived in town? - -Nora. Yes, today. - -Krogstad. She is a great friend of yours, isn't she? - -Nora. She is. But I don't see-- - -Krogstad. I knew her too, once upon a time. - -Nora. I am aware of that. - -Krogstad. Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. Then I -can ask you, without beating about the bush--is Mrs. Linde to have an -appointment in the Bank? - -Nora. What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?--You, one of -my husband's subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs. -Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause, Mr. -Krogstad, let me tell you that. - -Krogstad. I was right in what I thought, then. - -Nora (walking up and down the stage). Sometimes one has a tiny little -bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not -necessarily follow that--. When anyone is in a subordinate position, -Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone -who--who-- - -Krogstad. Who has influence? - -Nora. Exactly. - -Krogstad (changing his tone). Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as to use -your influence on my behalf. - -Nora. What? What do you mean? - -Krogstad. You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my -subordinate position in the Bank. - -Nora. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from -you? - -Krogstad. Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of -ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious -to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I -quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off. - -Nora. But I assure you-- - -Krogstad. Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when -I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that. - -Nora. But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence. - -Krogstad. Haven't you? I thought you said yourself just now-- - -Nora. Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I! -What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my -husband? - -Krogstad. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don't -suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands. - -Nora. If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of -the house. - -Krogstad. You are bold, Mrs. Helmer. - -Nora. I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year comes, -I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing. - -Krogstad (controlling himself). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If necessary, -I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were -fighting for my life. - -Nora. So it seems. - -Krogstad. It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs -least with me in the matter. There is another reason--well, I may as -well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like everybody -else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion. - -Nora. I think I have heard something of the kind. - -Krogstad. The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be -closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I -had to do something; and, honestly, 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. - -Nora. But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to -help you at all. - -Krogstad. Then it is because you haven't the will; but I have means to -compel you. - -Nora. You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money? - -Krogstad. Hm!--suppose I were to tell him? - -Nora. It would be perfectly infamous of you. (Sobbing.) To think of his -learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, -clumsy way--that he should learn it from you! And it would put me in a -horribly disagreeable position-- - -Krogstad. Only disagreeable? - -Nora (impetuously). Well, do it, then!--and it will be the worse for -you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you are, and you -certainly won't keep your post then. - -Krogstad. I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that -you were afraid of? - -Nora. If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once -pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to do with -you. - -Krogstad (coming a step nearer). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. Either you -have a very bad memory or you know very little of business. I shall be -obliged to remind you of a few details. - -Nora. What do you mean? - -Krogstad. When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two -hundred and fifty pounds. - -Nora. I didn't know anyone else to go to. - -Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount-- - -Nora. Yes, and you did so. - -Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount, on certain conditions. -Your mind was so taken up with your husband's illness, and you were so -anxious to get the money for your journey, that you seem to have paid -no attention to the conditions of our bargain. Therefore it will not be -amiss if I remind you of them. Now, I promised to get the money on the -security of a bond which I drew up. - -Nora. Yes, and which I signed. - -Krogstad. Good. But below your signature there were a few lines -constituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your father -should have signed. - -Nora. Should? He did sign them. - -Krogstad. I had left the date blank; that is to say, your father should -himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. Do you -remember that? - -Nora. Yes, I think I remember-- - -Krogstad. Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is -that not so? - -Nora. Yes. - -Krogstad. And you naturally did so at once, because five or six days -afterwards you brought me the bond with your father's signature. And -then I gave you the money. - -Nora. Well, haven't I been paying it off regularly? - -Krogstad. Fairly so, yes. But--to come back to the matter in hand--that -must have been a very trying time for you, Mrs. Helmer? - -Nora. It was, indeed. - -Krogstad. Your father was very ill, wasn't he? - -Nora. He was very near his end. - -Krogstad. And died soon afterwards? - -Nora. Yes. - -Krogstad. Tell me, Mrs. Helmer, can you by any chance remember what day -your father died?--on what day of the month, I mean. - -Nora. Papa died on the 29th of September. - -Krogstad. That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as -that is so, there is a discrepancy (taking a paper from his pocket) -which I cannot account for. - -Nora. What discrepancy? I don't know-- - -Krogstad. The discrepancy consists, Mrs. Helmer, in the fact that your -father signed this bond three days after his death. - -Nora. What do you mean? I don't understand-- - -Krogstad. Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look here; -your father has dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is a -discrepancy, isn't it? (NORA is silent.) Can you explain it to me? (NORA -is still silent.) It is a remarkable thing, too, that the words "2nd -of October," as well as the year, are not written in your father's -handwriting but in one that I think I know. Well, of course it can be -explained; your father may have forgotten to date his signature, and -someone else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of his death. -There is no harm in that. It all depends on the signature of the name; -and that is genuine, I suppose, Mrs. Helmer? It was your father himself -who signed his name here? - -Nora (after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly at -him). No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa's name. - -Krogstad. Are you aware that is a dangerous confession? - -Nora. In what way? You shall have your money soon. - -Krogstad. Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to -your father? - -Nora. It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him for his -signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was to be -used for; and when he was so ill himself I couldn't tell him that my -husband's life was in danger--it was impossible. - -Krogstad. It would have been better for you if you had given up your -trip abroad. - -Nora. No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband's life; -I couldn't give that up. - -Krogstad. But did it never occur to you that you were committing a fraud -on me? - -Nora. I couldn't take that into account; I didn't trouble myself about -you at all. I couldn't bear you, because you put so many heartless -difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous condition my -husband was in. - -Krogstad. Mrs. Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly what it is -that you have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my one false -step, which lost me all my reputation, was nothing more or nothing worse -than what you have done. - -Nora. You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run a -risk to save your wife's life? - -Krogstad. The law cares nothing about motives. - -Nora. Then it must be a very foolish law. - -Krogstad. Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if -I produce this paper in court. - -Nora. I don't believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to spare her -dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be allowed to save her -husband's life? I don't know much about law; but I am certain that there -must be laws permitting such things as that. Have you no knowledge of -such laws--you who are a lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. -Krogstad. - -Krogstad. Maybe. But matters of business--such business as you and I -have had together--do you think I don't understand that? Very well. Do -as you please. But let me tell you this--if I lose my position a second -time, you shall lose yours with me. (He bows, and goes out through the -hall.) - -Nora (appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her head). -Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!--I am not so silly as he -thinks. (Begins to busy herself putting the children's things in order.) -And yet--? No, it's impossible! I did it for love's sake. - -The Children (in the doorway on the left). Mother, the stranger man has -gone out through the gate. - -Nora. Yes, dears, I know. But, don't tell anyone about the stranger man. -Do you hear? Not even papa. - -Children. No, mother; but will you come and play again? - -Nora. No, no,--not now. - -Children. But, mother, you promised us. - -Nora. Yes, but I can't now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run -away in, my sweet little darlings. (She gets them into the room by -degrees and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes -up a piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops.) No! -(Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.) -Helen! bring the Tree in. (Goes to the table on the left, opens a -drawer, and stops again.) No, no! it is quite impossible! - -Maid (coming in with the Tree). Where shall I put it, ma'am? - -Nora. Here, in the middle of the floor. - -Maid. Shall I get you anything else? - -Nora. No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit MAID.] - -Nora (begins dressing the tree). A candle here-and flowers here--The -horrible man! It's all nonsense--there's nothing wrong. The tree -shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to please you, -Torvald!--I will sing for you, dance for you--(HELMER comes in with some -papers under his arm.) Oh! are you back already? - -Helmer. Yes. Has anyone been here? - -Nora. Here? No. - -Helmer. That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate. - -Nora. Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment. - -Helmer. Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging -you to say a good word for him. - -Nora. Yes. - -Helmer. And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were to -conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn't he beg that of -you too? - -Nora. Yes, Torvald, but-- - -Helmer. Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To -have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? -And to tell me a lie into the bargain? - -Nora. A lie--? - -Helmer. Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (Shakes his finger at -her.) My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have -a clean beak to chirp with--no false notes! (Puts his arm round her -waist.) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure it is. (Lets her go.) We -will say no more about it. (Sits down by the stove.) How warm and snug -it is here! (Turns over his papers.) - -Nora (after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the -Christmas Tree.) Torvald! - -Helmer. Yes. - -Nora. I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the -Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow. - -Helmer. And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to -surprise me with. - -Nora. It was very silly of me to want to do that. - -Helmer. What do you mean? - -Nora. I can't hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of -seems so silly and insignificant. - -Helmer. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? - -Nora (standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it). Are -you very busy, Torvald? - -Helmer. Well-- - -Nora. What are all those papers? - -Helmer. Bank business. - -Nora. Already? - -Helmer. I have got authority from the retiring manager to undertake the -necessary changes in the staff and in the rearrangement of the work; and -I must make use of the Christmas week for that, so as to have everything -in order for the new year. - -Nora. Then that was why this poor Krogstad-- - -Helmer. Hm! - -Nora (leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair). If you -hadn't been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, -Torvald. - -Helmer. What is that? Tell me. - -Nora. There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so want to -look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn't you take me in hand -and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shall wear? - -Helmer. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to -come to her rescue? - -Nora. Yes, Torvald, I can't get along a bit without your help. - -Helmer. Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon -something. - -Nora. That is nice of you. (Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short pause.) -How pretty the red flowers look--. But, tell me, was it really something -very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of? - -Helmer. He forged someone's name. Have you any idea what that means? - -Nora. Isn't it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity? - -Helmer. Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so -heartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false step -of that kind. - -Nora. No, you wouldn't, would you, Torvald? - -Helmer. Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has -openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment. - -Nora. Punishment--? - -Helmer. But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out of it -by a cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether. - -Nora. But do you think it would--? - -Helmer. Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the -hypocrite with 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. - -Nora. How? - -Helmer. Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole -life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a house is full of -the germs of evil. - -Nora (coming nearer him). Are you sure of that? - -Helmer. My dear, I have often seen it in the course of my life as a -lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has had a -deceitful mother. - -Nora. Why do you only say--mother? - -Helmer. It seems most commonly to be the mother's influence, though -naturally a bad father's would have the same result. Every lawyer -is familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been persistently -poisoning his own children with lies and dissimulation; that is why I -say he has lost all moral character. (Holds out his hands to her.) That -is why my sweet little Nora must promise me not to plead his cause. Give -me your hand on it. Come, come, what is this? Give me your hand. There -now, that's settled. I assure you it would be quite impossible for me to -work with him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the company -of such people. - -Nora (takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of the -Christmas Tree). How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot to do. - -Helmer (getting up and putting his papers in order). Yes, and I must -try and read through some of these before dinner; and I must think about -your costume, too. And it is just possible I may have something ready -in gold paper to hang up on the Tree. (Puts his hand on her head.) My -precious little singing-bird! (He goes into his room and shuts the door -after him.) - -Nora (after a pause, whispers). No, no--it isn't true. It's impossible; -it must be impossible. - -(The NURSE opens the door on the left.) - -Nurse. The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come in to -mamma. - -Nora. No, no, no! Don't let them come in to me! You stay with them, -Anne. - -Nurse. Very well, ma'am. (Shuts the door.) - -Nora (pale with terror). Deprave my little children? Poison my home? (A -short pause. Then she tosses her head.) It's not true. It can't possibly -be true. - - - - -ACT II - -(THE SAME SCENE.--THE Christmas Tree is in the corner by the piano, -stripped of its ornaments and with burnt-down candle-ends on its -dishevelled branches. NORA'S cloak and hat are lying on the sofa. She -is alone in the room, walking about uneasily. She stops by the sofa and -takes up her cloak.) - -Nora (drops her cloak). Someone is coming now! (Goes to the door and -listens.) No--it is no one. Of course, no one will come today, Christmas -Day--nor tomorrow either. But, perhaps--(opens the door and looks out). -No, nothing in the letterbox; it is quite empty. (Comes forward.) -What rubbish! of course he can't be in earnest about it. Such a thing -couldn't happen; it is impossible--I have three little children. - -(Enter the NURSE from the room on the left, carrying a big cardboard -box.) - -Nurse. At last I have found the box with the fancy dress. - -Nora. Thanks; put it on the table. - -Nurse (doing so). But it is very much in want of mending. - -Nora. I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces. - -Nurse. What an idea! It can easily be put in order--just a little -patience. - -Nora. Yes, I will go and get Mrs. Linde to come and help me with it. - -Nurse. What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch cold, -ma'am, and make yourself ill. - -Nora. Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children? - -Nurse. The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, -but-- - -Nora. Do they ask much for me? - -Nurse. You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them. - -Nora. Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now -as I was before. - -Nurse. Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything. - -Nora. Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if -she went away altogether? - -Nurse. Good heavens!--went away altogether? - -Nora. Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often wondered -about--how could you have the heart to put your own child out among -strangers? - -Nurse. I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora's nurse. - -Nora. Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? - -Nurse. What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A poor -girl who has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, that wicked -man didn't do a single thing for me. - -Nora. But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you. - -Nurse. No, indeed she hasn't. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, -and when she was married. - -Nora (putting her arms round her neck). Dear old Anne, you were a good -mother to me when I was little. - -Nurse. Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. - -Nora. And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you -would--What nonsense I am talking! (Opens the box.) Go in to them. -Now I must--. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look. - -Nurse. I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as you, -ma'am. (Goes into the room on the left.) - -Nora (begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from her). If -only I dared go out. If only no one would come. If only I could be sure -nothing would happen here in the meantime. Stuff and nonsense! No one -will come. Only I mustn't think about it. I will brush my muff. What -lovely, lovely gloves! Out of my thoughts, out of my thoughts! One, -two, three, four, five, six-- (Screams.) Ah! there is someone coming--. -(Makes a movement towards the door, but stands irresolute.) - -(Enter MRS. LINDE from the hall, where she has taken off her cloak and -hat.) - -Nora. Oh, it's you, Christine. There is no one else out there, is there? -How good of you to come! - -Mrs. Linde. I heard you were up asking for me. - -Nora. Yes, I was passing by. As a matter of fact, it is something -you could help me with. Let us sit down here on the sofa. Look here. -Tomorrow evening there is to be a fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs', -who live above us; and Torvald wants me to go as a Neapolitan -fisher-girl, and dance the Tarantella that I learned at Capri. - -Mrs. Linde. I see; you are going to keep up the character. - -Nora. Yes, Torvald wants me to. Look, here is the dress; Torvald had it -made for me there, but now it is all so torn, and I haven't any idea-- - -Mrs. Linde. We will easily put that right. It is only some of the -trimming come unsewn here and there. Needle and thread? Now then, that's -all we want. - -Nora. It is nice of you. - -Mrs. Linde (sewing). So you are going to be dressed up tomorrow Nora. -I will tell you what--I shall come in for a moment and see you in -your fine feathers. But I have completely forgotten to thank you for a -delightful evening yesterday. - -Nora (gets up, and crosses the stage). Well, I don't think yesterday was -as pleasant as usual. You ought to have come to town a little earlier, -Christine. Certainly Torvald does understand how to make a house dainty -and attractive. - -Mrs. Linde. And so do you, it seems to me; you are not your father's -daughter for nothing. But tell me, is Doctor Rank always as depressed as -he was yesterday? - -Nora. No; yesterday it was very noticeable. I must tell you that he -suffers from a very dangerous disease. He has consumption of the spine, -poor creature. His father was a horrible man who committed all sorts -of excesses; and that is why his son was sickly from childhood, do you -understand? - -Mrs. Linde (dropping her sewing). But, my dearest Nora, how do you know -anything about such things? - -Nora (walking about). Pooh! When you have three children, you get visits -now and then from--from married women, who know something of medical -matters, and they talk about one thing and another. - -Mrs. Linde (goes on sewing. A short silence). Does Doctor Rank come here -everyday? - -Nora. Everyday regularly. He is Torvald's most intimate friend, and a -great friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family. - -Mrs. Linde. But tell me this--is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn't he -the kind of man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable? - -Nora. Not in the least. What makes you think that? - -Mrs. Linde. When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he had -often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I noticed -that your husband hadn't the slightest idea who I was. So how could -Doctor Rank--? - -Nora. That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of me -that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first he used -to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk at home, so -naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about such things with -Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them. - -Mrs. Linde. Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in many -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. - -Nora. What ought I to make an end of? - -Mrs. Linde. Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense -about a rich admirer who was to leave you money-- - -Nora. An admirer who doesn't exist, unfortunately! But what then? - -Mrs. Linde. Is Doctor Rank a man of means? - -Nora. Yes, he is. - -Mrs. Linde. And has no one to provide for? - -Nora. No, no one; but-- - -Mrs. Linde. And comes here everyday? - -Nora. Yes, I told you so. - -Mrs. Linde. But how can this well-bred man be so tactless? - -Nora. I don't understand you at all. - -Mrs. Linde. Don't prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don't guess who -lent you the two hundred and fifty pounds? - -Nora. Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! A -friend of ours, who comes here everyday! Do you realise what a horribly -painful position that would be? - -Mrs. Linde. Then it really isn't he? - -Nora. No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head for -a moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into his money -afterwards. - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora. - -Nora. No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank. -Although I am quite sure that if I had asked him-- - -Mrs. Linde. But of course you won't. - -Nora. Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly be -necessary. But I am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank-- - -Mrs. Linde. Behind your husband's back? - -Nora. I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will be -behind his back too. I must make an end of it with him. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but-- - -Nora (walking up and down). A man can put a thing like that straight -much easier than a woman-- - -Mrs. Linde. One's husband, yes. - -Nora. Nonsense! (Standing still.) When you pay off a debt you get your -bond back, don't you? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, as a matter of course. - -Nora. And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it -up--the nasty dirty paper! - -Mrs. Linde (looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly). -Nora, you are concealing something from me. - -Nora. Do I look as if I were? - -Mrs. Linde. Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, -what is it? - -Nora (going nearer to her). Christine! (Listens.) Hush! there's Torvald -come home. Do you mind going in to the children for the present? Torvald -can't bear to see dressmaking going on. Let Anne help you. - -Mrs. Linde (gathering some of the things together). Certainly--but I am -not going away from here until we have had it out with one another. (She -goes into the room on the left, as HELMER comes in from the hall.) - -Nora (going up to HELMER). I have wanted you so much, Torvald dear. - -Helmer. Was that the dressmaker? - -Nora. No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in order. -You will see I shall look quite smart. - -Helmer. Wasn't that a happy thought of mine, now? - -Nora. Splendid! But don't you think it is nice of me, too, to do as you -wish? - -Helmer. Nice?--because you do as your husband wishes? Well, well, you -little rogue, I am sure you did not mean it in that way. But I am -not going to disturb you; you will want to be trying on your dress, I -expect. - -Nora. I suppose you are going to work. - -Helmer. Yes. (Shows her a bundle of papers.) Look at that. I have just -been into the bank. (Turns to go into his room.) - -Nora. Torvald. - -Helmer. Yes. - -Nora. If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, very -prettily--? - -Helmer. What then? - -Nora. Would you do it? - -Helmer. I should like to hear what it is, first. - -Nora. Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you would -be nice, and do what she wants. - -Helmer. Speak plainly. - -Nora. Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song rising -and falling-- - -Helmer. Well, my skylark does that anyhow. - -Nora. I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, -Torvald. - -Helmer. Nora--you surely don't mean that request you made to me this -morning? - -Nora (going near him). Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly-- - -Helmer. Have you really the courage to open up that question again? - -Nora. Yes, dear, you must do as I ask; you must let Krogstad keep his -post in the bank. - -Helmer. My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs. Linde -shall have. - -Nora. Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could just as -well dismiss some other clerk instead of Krogstad. - -Helmer. This is simply incredible obstinacy! Because you chose to give -him a thoughtless promise that you would speak for him, I am expected -to-- - -Nora. That isn't the reason, Torvald. It is for your own sake. This -fellow writes in the most scurrilous newspapers; you have told me so -yourself. He can do you an unspeakable amount of harm. I am frightened -to death of him-- - -Helmer. Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that scare -you. - -Nora. What do you mean? - -Helmer. Naturally you are thinking of your father. - -Nora. Yes--yes, of course. Just recall to your mind what these malicious -creatures wrote in the papers about papa, and how horribly they -slandered him. I believe they would have procured his dismissal if the -Department had not sent you over to inquire into it, and if you had not -been so kindly disposed and helpful to him. - -Helmer. My little Nora, there is an important difference between your -father and me. Your father's reputation as a public official was not -above suspicion. Mine is, and I hope it will continue to be so, as long -as I hold my office. - -Nora. You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought -to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have -no cares--you and I and the children, Torvald! That is why I beg you so -earnestly-- - -Helmer. And it is just by interceding for him that you make it -impossible for me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank that I -mean to dismiss Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the new manager -has changed his mind at his wife's bidding-- - -Nora. And what if it did? - -Helmer. Of course!--if only this obstinate little person can get her -way! Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole -staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of -outside influence? I should very soon feel the consequences of it, I can -tell you! And besides, there is one thing that makes it quite impossible -for me to have Krogstad in the Bank as long as I am manager. - -Nora. Whatever is that? - -Helmer. His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if -necessary-- - -Nora. Yes, you could--couldn't you? - -Helmer. And I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when we -were boys. It was one of those rash friendships that so often prove an -incubus in 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. - -Nora. Torvald, I don't believe you mean that. - -Helmer. Don't you? Why not? - -Nora. Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at things. - -Helmer. What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am -narrow-minded? - -Nora. No, just the opposite, dear--and it is exactly for that reason. - -Helmer. It's the same thing. You say my point of view is narrow-minded, -so I must be so too. Narrow-minded! Very well--I must put an end to -this. (Goes to the hall door and calls.) Helen! - -Nora. What are you going to do? - -Helmer (looking among his papers). Settle it. (Enter MAID.) Look here; -take this letter and go downstairs with it at once. Find a messenger and -tell him to deliver it, and be quick. The address is on it, and here is -the money. - -Maid. Very well, sir. (Exit with the letter.) - -Helmer (putting his papers together). Now then, little Miss Obstinate. - -Nora (breathlessly). Torvald--what was that letter? - -Helmer. Krogstad's dismissal. - -Nora. Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald, call her -back! Do it for my sake--for your own sake--for the children's sake! Do -you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You don't know what that letter can -bring upon us. - -Helmer. It's too late. - -Nora. Yes, it's too late. - -Helmer. My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although -really it is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn't it an insult to think -that I should be afraid of a starving quill-driver's vengeance? But I -forgive you nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your -great love for me. (Takes her in his arms.) And that is as it should be, -my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall have both -courage and strength if they be needed. You will see I am man enough to -take everything upon myself. - -Nora (in a horror-stricken voice). What do you mean by that? - -Helmer. Everything, I say-- - -Nora (recovering herself). You will never have to do that. - -Helmer. That's right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man and wife -should. That is how it shall be. (Caressing her.) Are you content now? -There! There!--not these frightened dove's eyes! The whole thing is only -the wildest fancy!--Now, you must go and play through the Tarantella and -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. (Turns back at the door.) And when Rank comes, tell him where he -will find me. (Nods to her, takes his papers and goes into his room, and -shuts the door after him.) - -Nora (bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, and -whispers). He was capable of doing it. He will do it. He will do it in -spite of everything.--No, not that! Never, never! Anything rather than -that! Oh, for some help, some way out of it! (The door-bell rings.) -Doctor Rank! Anything rather than that--anything, whatever it is! (She -puts her hands over her face, pulls herself together, goes to the door -and opens it. RANK is standing without, hanging up his coat. During the -following dialogue it begins to grow dark.) - -Nora. Good day, Doctor Rank. I knew your ring. But you mustn't go in to -Torvald now; I think he is busy with something. - -Rank. And you? - -Nora (brings him in and shuts the door after him). Oh, you know very -well I always have time for you. - -Rank. Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can. - -Nora. What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can? - -Rank. Well, does that alarm you? - -Nora. It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely to -happen? - -Rank. Nothing but what I have long been prepared for. But I certainly -didn't expect it to happen so soon. - -Nora (gripping him by the arm). What have you found out? Doctor Rank, -you must tell me. - -Rank (sitting down by the stove). It is all up with me. And it can't be -helped. - -Nora (with a sigh of relief). Is it about yourself? - -Rank. Who else? It is no use lying to one's self. I am the most wretched -of all my patients, Mrs. Helmer. Lately I have been taking stock of my -internal economy. Bankrupt! Probably within a month I shall lie rotting -in the churchyard. - -Nora. What an ugly thing to say! - -Rank. The thing itself is cursedly ugly, and the worst of it is that I -shall have to face so much more that is ugly before that. I shall only -make one more examination of myself; when I have done that, I shall know -pretty certainly when it will be that the horrors of dissolution will -begin. There is something I want to tell you. Helmer's refined nature -gives him an unconquerable disgust at everything that is ugly; I won't -have him in my sick-room. - -Nora. Oh, but, Doctor Rank-- - -Rank. I won't have him there. Not on any account. I bar my door to him. -As soon as I am quite certain that the worst has come, I shall send -you my card with a black cross on it, and then you will know that the -loathsome end has begun. - -Nora. You are quite absurd today. And I wanted you so much to be in a -really good humour. - -Rank. With death stalking beside me?--To have to pay this penalty for -another man's sin? Is there any justice in that? And in every single -family, in one way or another, some such inexorable retribution is being -exacted-- - -Nora (putting her hands over her ears). Rubbish! Do talk of something -cheerful. - -Rank. Oh, it's a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor innocent -spine has to suffer for my father's youthful amusements. - -Nora (sitting at the table on the left). I suppose you mean that he was -too partial to asparagus and pate de foie gras, don't you? - -Rank. Yes, and to truffles. - -Nora. Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose? - -Rank. Oysters, of course, that goes without saying. - -Nora. And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these nice -things should take their revenge on our bones. - -Rank. Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky -bones of those who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them. - -Nora. Yes, that's the saddest part of it all. - -Rank (with a searching look at her). Hm!-- - -Nora (after a short pause). Why did you smile? - -Rank. No, it was you that laughed. - -Nora. No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank! - -Rank (rising). You are a greater rascal than I thought. - -Nora. I am in a silly mood today. - -Rank. So it seems. - -Nora (putting her hands on his shoulders). Dear, dear Doctor Rank, death -mustn't take you away from Torvald and me. - -Rank. It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are gone are -soon forgotten. - -Nora (looking at him anxiously). Do you believe that? - -Rank. People form new ties, and then-- - -Nora. Who will form new ties? - -Rank. Both you and Helmer, when I am gone. You yourself are already on -the high road to it, I think. What did that Mrs. Linde want here last -night? - -Nora. Oho!--you don't mean to say you are jealous of poor Christine? - -Rank. Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am done -for, this woman will-- - -Nora. Hush! don't speak so loud. She is in that room. - -Rank. Today again. There, you see. - -Nora. She has only come to sew my dress for me. Bless my soul, how -unreasonable you are! (Sits down on the sofa.) Be nice now, Doctor Rank, -and 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. -(Takes various things out of the box.) Doctor Rank, come and sit down -here, and I will show you something. - -Rank (sitting down). What is it? - -Nora. Just look at those! - -Rank. Silk stockings. - -Nora. Flesh-coloured. Aren't they lovely? It is so dark here now, but -tomorrow--. No, no, no! you must only look at the feet. Oh well, you may -have leave to look at the legs too. - -Rank. Hm!--Nora. Why are you looking so critical? Don't you think they -will fit me? - -Rank. I have no means of forming an opinion about that. - -Nora (looks at him for a moment). For shame! (Hits him lightly on the -ear with the stockings.) That's to punish you. (Folds them up again.) - -Rank. And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see? - -Nora. Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. (She looks among -the things, humming to herself.) - -Rank (after a short silence). When I am sitting here, talking to you as -intimately as this, I cannot imagine for a moment what would have become -of me if I had never come into this house. - -Nora (smiling). I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. - -Rank (in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him). And to be -obliged to leave it all-- - -Nora. Nonsense, you are not going to leave it. - -Rank (as before). And not be able to leave behind one the slightest -token of one's gratitude, scarcely even a fleeting regret--nothing but -an empty place which the first comer can fill as well as any other. - -Nora. And if I asked you now for a--? No! - -Rank. For what? - -Nora. For a big proof of your friendship-- - -Rank. Yes, yes! - -Nora. I mean a tremendously big favour-- - -Rank. Would you really make me so happy for once? - -Nora. Ah, but you don't know what it is yet. - -Rank. No--but tell me. - -Nora. I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason; it -means advice, and help, and a favour-- - -Rank. The bigger a thing it is the better. I can't conceive what it is -you mean. Do tell me. Haven't I your confidence? - -Nora. More than anyone else. I know you are my truest and best friend, -and so I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it is something -you must help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, how inexpressibly -deeply Torvald loves me; he would never for a moment hesitate to give -his life for me. - -Rank (leaning towards her). Nora--do you think he is the only one--? - -Nora (with a slight start). The only one--? - -Rank. The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake. - -Nora (sadly). Is that it? - -Rank. I was determined you should know it before I went away, and there -will never be a better opportunity than this. Now you know it, Nora. And -now you know, too, that you can trust me as you would trust no one else. - -Nora (rises, deliberately and quietly). Let me pass. - -Rank (makes room for her to pass him, but sits still). Nora! - -Nora (at the hall door). Helen, bring in the lamp. (Goes over to the -stove.) Dear Doctor Rank, that was really horrid of you. - -Rank. To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that horrid? - -Nora. No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need-- - -Rank. What do you mean? Did you know--? (MAID enters with lamp, puts it -down on the table, and goes out.) Nora--Mrs. Helmer--tell me, had you -any idea of this? - -Nora. Oh, how do I know whether I had or whether I hadn't? I really -can't tell you--To think you could be so clumsy, Doctor Rank! We were -getting on so nicely. - -Rank. Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, body and -soul. So won't you speak out? - -Nora (looking at him). After what happened? - -Rank. I beg you to let me know what it is. - -Nora. I can't tell you anything now. - -Rank. Yes, yes. You mustn't punish me in that way. Let me have -permission to do for you whatever a man may do. - -Nora. You can do nothing for me now. Besides, I really don't need any -help at all. You will find that the whole thing is merely fancy on my -part. It really is so--of course it is! (Sits down in the rocking-chair, -and looks at him with a smile.) You are a nice sort of man, Doctor -Rank!--don't you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lamp has come? - -Rank. Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go--for ever? - -Nora. No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here just as -before. You know very well Torvald can't do without you. - -Rank. Yes, but you? - -Nora. Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come. - -Rank. It is just that, that put me on the wrong track. You are a riddle -to me. I have often thought that you would almost as soon be in my -company as in Helmer's. - -Nora. Yes--you see there are some people one loves best, and others whom -one would almost always rather have as companions. - -Rank. Yes, there is something in that. - -Nora. When I was at home, of course I loved papa best. But I always -thought it tremendous fun if I could steal down into the maids' room, -because they never moralised at all, and talked to each other about such -entertaining things. - -Rank. I see--it is their place I have taken. - -Nora (jumping up and going to him). Oh, dear, nice Doctor Rank, I never -meant that at all. But surely you can understand that being with Torvald -is a little like being with papa--(Enter MAID from the hall.) - -Maid. If you please, ma'am. (Whispers and hands her a card.) - -Nora (glancing at the card). Oh! (Puts it in her pocket.) - -Rank. Is there anything wrong? - -Nora. No, no, not in the least. It is only something--it is my new -dress-- - -Rank. What? Your dress is lying there. - -Nora. Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald -mustn't know about it-- - -Rank. Oho! Then that was the great secret. - -Nora. Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room. -Keep him as long as-- - -Rank. Make your mind easy; I won't let him escape. - -(Goes into HELMER'S room.) - -Nora (to the MAID). And he is standing waiting in the kitchen? - -Maid. Yes; he came up the back stairs. - -Nora. But didn't you tell him no one was in? - -Maid. Yes, but it was no good. - -Nora. He won't go away? - -Maid. No; he says he won't until he has seen you, ma'am. - -Nora. Well, let him come in--but quietly. Helen, you mustn't say -anything about it to anyone. It is a surprise for my husband. - -Maid. Yes, ma'am, I quite understand. (Exit.) - -Nora. This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of -me! No, no, no, it can't happen--it shan't happen! (She bolts the door -of HELMER'S room. The MAID opens the hall door for KROGSTAD and shuts it -after him. He is wearing a fur coat, high boots and a fur cap.) - -Nora (advancing towards him). Speak low--my husband is at home. - -Krogstad. No matter about that. - -Nora. What do you want of me? - -Krogstad. An explanation of something. - -Nora. Make haste then. What is it? - -Krogstad. You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal. - -Nora. I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought as hard as I could -on your side, but it was no good. - -Krogstad. Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I -can expose you to, and yet he ventures-- - -Nora. How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort? - -Krogstad. I didn't suppose so at all. It would not be the least like our -dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage-- - -Nora. Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please. - -Krogstad. Certainly--all the respect he deserves. But since you have -kept the matter so carefully to yourself, I make bold to suppose that -you have a little clearer idea, than you had yesterday, of what it -actually is that you have done? - -Nora. More than you could ever teach me. - -Krogstad. Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am. - -Nora. What is it you want of me? - -Krogstad. Only to see how you were, Mrs. Helmer. I have been thinking -about you all day long. A mere cashier, a quill-driver, a--well, a man -like me--even he has a little of what is called feeling, you know. - -Nora. Show it, then; think of my little children. - -Krogstad. Have you and your husband thought of mine? But never mind -about that. I only wanted to tell you that you need not take this matter -too seriously. In the first place there will be no accusation made on my -part. - -Nora. No, of course not; I was sure of that. - -Krogstad. The whole thing can be arranged amicably; there is no reason -why anyone should know anything about it. It will remain a secret -between us three. - -Nora. My husband must never get to know anything about it. - -Krogstad. How will you be able to prevent it? Am I to understand that -you can pay the balance that is owing? - -Nora. No, not just at present. - -Krogstad. Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the money -soon? - -Nora. No expedient that I mean to make use of. - -Krogstad. Well, in any case, it would have been of no use to you now. If -you stood there with ever so much money in your hand, I would never part -with your bond. - -Nora. Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to. - -Krogstad. I shall only preserve it--keep it in my possession. No one who -is not concerned in the matter shall have the slightest hint of it. So -that if the thought of it has driven you to any desperate resolution-- - -Nora. It has. - -Krogstad. If you had it in your mind to run away from your home-- - -Nora. I had. - -Krogstad. Or even something worse-- - -Nora. How could you know that? - -Krogstad. Give up the idea. - -Nora. How did you know I had thought of that? - -Krogstad. Most of us think of that at first. I did, too--but I hadn't -the courage. - -Nora (faintly). No more had I. - -Krogstad (in a tone of relief). No, that's it, isn't it--you hadn't the -courage either? - -Nora. No, I haven't--I haven't. - -Krogstad. Besides, it would have been a great piece of folly. Once the -first storm at home is over--. I have a letter for your husband in my -pocket. - -Nora. Telling him everything? - -Krogstad. In as lenient a manner as I possibly could. - -Nora (quickly). He mustn't get the letter. Tear it up. I will find some -means of getting money. - -Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer, but I think I told you just now-- - -Nora. I am not speaking of what I owe you. Tell me what sum you are -asking my husband for, and I will get the money. - -Krogstad. I am not asking your husband for a penny. - -Nora. What do you want, then? - -Krogstad. I will tell you. I want to rehabilitate myself, Mrs. Helmer; I -want to get on; and in that your husband must help me. For the last year -and a half I have not had a hand in anything dishonourable, 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-- - -Nora. That he will never do! - -Krogstad. He will; I know him; he dare not protest. And as soon as I am -in there again with him, then you will see! Within a year I shall be the -manager's right hand. It will be Nils Krogstad and not Torvald Helmer -who manages the Bank. - -Nora. That's a thing you will never see! - -Krogstad. Do you mean that you will--? - -Nora. I have courage enough for it now. - -Krogstad. Oh, you can't frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you-- - -Nora. You will see, you will see. - -Krogstad. Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, coal-black water? -And then, in the spring, to float up to the surface, all horrible and -unrecognisable, with your hair fallen out-- - -Nora. You can't frighten me. - -Krogstad. Nor you me. People don't do such things, Mrs. Helmer. Besides, -what use would it be? I should have him completely in my power all the -same. - -Nora. Afterwards? When I am no longer-- - -Krogstad. Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of your -reputation? (NORA stands speechlessly looking at him.) Well, now, I have -warned you. Do not do anything foolish. When Helmer has had my letter, -I shall expect a message from him. And be sure you remember that it is -your husband himself who has forced me into such ways as this again. I -will never forgive him for that. Goodbye, Mrs. Helmer. (Exit through the -hall.) - -Nora (goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens.) He is -going. He is not putting the letter in the box. Oh no, no! that's -impossible! (Opens the door by degrees.) What is that? He is standing -outside. He is not going downstairs. Is he hesitating? Can he--? (A -letter drops into the box; then KROGSTAD'S footsteps are heard, 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.) - -Nora. In the letter-box. (Steals across to the hall door.) There it -lies--Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now! - -(Mrs. LINDE comes in from the room on the left, carrying the dress.) - -Mrs. Linde. There, I can't see anything more to mend now. Would you like -to try it on--? - -Nora (in a hoarse whisper). Christine, come here. - -Mrs. Linde (throwing the dress down on the sofa). What is the matter -with you? You look so agitated! - -Nora. Come here. Do you see that letter? There, look--you can see it -through the glass in the letter-box. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I see it. - -Nora. That letter is from Krogstad. - -Mrs. Linde. Nora--it was Krogstad who lent you the money! - -Nora. Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it. - -Mrs. Linde. Believe me, Nora, that's the best thing for both of you. - -Nora. You don't know all. I forged a name. - -Mrs. Linde. Good heavens--! - -Nora. I only want to say this to you, Christine--you must be my witness. - -Mrs. Linde. Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to--? - -Nora. If I should go out of my mind--and it might easily happen-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora! - -Nora. Or if anything else should happen to me--anything, for instance, -that might prevent my being here-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind. - -Nora. And if it should happen that there were some one who wanted to -take all the responsibility, all the blame, you understand-- - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, yes--but how can you suppose--? - -Nora. Then you must be my witness, that it is not true, Christine. I am -not out of my mind at all; I am in my right senses now, and I tell you -no one else has known anything about it; I, and I alone, did the whole -thing. Remember that. - -Mrs. Linde. I will, indeed. But I don't understand all this. - -Nora. How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going to -happen! - -Mrs. Linde. A wonderful thing? - -Nora. Yes, a wonderful thing!--But it is so terrible, Christine; it -mustn't happen, not for all the world. - -Mrs. Linde. I will go at once and see Krogstad. - -Nora. Don't go to him; he will do you some harm. - -Mrs. Linde. There was a time when he would gladly do anything for my -sake. - -Nora. He? - -Mrs. Linde. Where does he live? - -Nora. How should I know--? Yes (feeling in her pocket), here is his -card. But the letter, the letter--! - -Helmer (calls from his room, knocking at the door). Nora! Nora (cries -out anxiously). Oh, what's that? What do you want? - -Helmer. Don't be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked -the door. Are you trying on your dress? - -Nora. Yes, that's it. I look so nice, Torvald. - -Mrs. Linde (who has read the card). I see he lives at the corner here. - -Nora. Yes, but it's no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying there in -the box. - -Mrs. Linde. And your husband keeps the key? - -Nora. Yes, always. - -Mrs. Linde. Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must find -some pretence-- - -Nora. But it is just at this time that Torvald generally-- - -Mrs. Linde. You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I will -come back as soon as I can. (She goes out hurriedly through the hall -door.) - -Nora (goes to HELMER'S door, opens it and peeps in). Torvald! - -Helmer (from the inner room). Well? May I venture at last to come into -my own room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see-- (Halting in the -doorway.) But what is this? - -Nora. What is what, dear? - -Helmer. Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation. - -Rank (in the doorway). I understood so, but evidently I was mistaken. - -Nora. Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress until -tomorrow. - -Helmer. But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been -practising too much? - -Nora. No, I have not practised at all. - -Helmer. But you will need to-- - -Nora. Yes, indeed I shall, Torvald. But I can't get on a bit without you -to help me; I have absolutely forgotten the whole thing. - -Helmer. Oh, we will soon work it up again. - -Nora. Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise that you will! I am so nervous -about it--all the people--. You must give yourself up to me entirely -this evening. Not the tiniest bit of business--you mustn't even take a -pen in your hand. Will you promise, Torvald dear? - -Helmer. I promise. This evening I will be wholly and absolutely at your -service, you helpless little mortal. Ah, by the way, first of all I will -just--(Goes towards the hall door.) - -Nora. What are you going to do there? - -Helmer. Only see if any letters have come. - -Nora. No, no! don't do that, Torvald! - -Helmer. Why not? - -Nora. Torvald, please don't. There is nothing there. - -Helmer. Well, let me look. (Turns to go to the letter-box. NORA, at -the piano, plays the first bars of the Tarantella. HELMER stops in the -doorway.) Aha! - -Nora. I can't dance tomorrow if I don't practise with you. - -Helmer (going up to her). Are you really so afraid of it, dear? - -Nora. Yes, so dreadfully afraid of it. Let me practise at once; there -is time now, before we go to dinner. Sit down and play for me, Torvald -dear; criticise me, and correct me as you play. - -Helmer. With great pleasure, if you wish me to. (Sits down at the -piano.) - -Nora (takes out of the box a tambourine and a long variegated shawl. She -hastily drapes the shawl round her. Then she springs to the front of the -stage and calls out). Now play for me! I am going to dance! - -(HELMER plays and NORA dances. RANK stands by the piano behind HELMER, -and looks on.) - -Helmer (as he plays). Slower, slower! - -Nora. I can't do it any other way. - -Helmer. Not so violently, Nora! - -Nora. This is the way. - -Helmer (stops playing). No, no--that is not a bit right. - -Nora (laughing and swinging the tambourine). Didn't I tell you so? - -Rank. Let me play for her. - -Helmer (getting up). Yes, do. I can correct her better then. - -(RANK sits down at the piano and plays. NORA dances more and more -wildly. HELMER has taken up a position beside the stove, and during her -dance gives her frequent instructions. She does not seem to hear him; -her hair comes down and falls over her shoulders; she pays no attention -to it, but goes on dancing. Enter Mrs. LINDE.) - -Mrs. Linde (standing as if spell-bound in the doorway). Oh!-- - -Nora (as she dances). Such fun, Christine! - -Helmer. My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended -on it. - -Nora. So it does. - -Helmer. Stop, Rank; this is sheer madness. Stop, I tell you! (RANK stops -playing, and NORA suddenly stands still. HELMER goes up to her.) I could -never have believed it. You have forgotten everything I taught you. - -Nora (throwing away the tambourine). There, you see. - -Helmer. You will want a lot of coaching. - -Nora. Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to the last -minute. Promise me that, Torvald! - -Helmer. You can depend on me. - -Nora. You must not think of anything but me, either today or tomorrow; -you mustn't open a single letter--not even open the letter-box-- - -Helmer. Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow-- - -Nora. Yes, indeed I am. - -Helmer. Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter from him -lying there. - -Nora. I don't know; I think there is; but you must not read anything -of that kind now. Nothing horrid must come between us until this is all -over. - -Rank (whispers to HELMER). You mustn't contradict her. - -Helmer (taking her in his arms). The child shall have her way. But -tomorrow night, after you have danced-- - -Nora. Then you will be free. (The MAID appears in the doorway to the -right.) - -Maid. Dinner is served, ma'am. - -Nora. We will have champagne, Helen. - -Maid. Very good, ma'am. [Exit. - -Helmer. Hullo!--are we going to have a banquet? - -Nora. Yes, a champagne banquet until the small hours. (Calls out.) And a -few macaroons, Helen--lots, just for once! - -Helmer. Come, come, don't be so wild and nervous. Be my own little -skylark, as you used. - -Nora. Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. -Christine, you must help me to do up my hair. - -Rank (whispers to HELMER as they go out). I suppose there is -nothing--she is not expecting anything? - -Helmer. Far from it, my dear fellow; it is simply nothing more than this -childish nervousness I was telling you of. (They go into the right-hand -room.) - -Nora. Well! - -Mrs. Linde. Gone out of town. - -Nora. I could tell from your face. - -Mrs. Linde. He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note for him. - -Nora. You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. After all, -it is splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to happen. - -Mrs. Linde. What is it that you are waiting for? - -Nora. Oh, you wouldn't understand. Go in to them, I will come in a -moment. (Mrs. LINDE goes into the dining-room. NORA stands still for a -little while, as if to compose herself. Then she looks at her watch.) -Five o'clock. Seven hours 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. - -Helmer (from the doorway on the right). Where's my little skylark? - -Nora (going to him with her arms outstretched). Here she is! - - - - -ACT III - -(THE SAME SCENE.--The table has been placed in the middle of the stage, -with chairs around it. A lamp is burning on the table. The door into the -hall stands open. Dance music is heard in the room above. Mrs. LINDE is -sitting at the table idly turning over the leaves of a book; she tries -to read, but does not seem able to collect her thoughts. Every now and -then she listens intently for a sound at the outer door.) - -Mrs. Linde (looking at her watch). Not yet--and the time is nearly up. -If only he does not--. (Listens again.) Ah, there he is. (Goes into the -hall and opens the outer door carefully. Light footsteps are heard on -the stairs. She whispers.) Come in. There is no one here. - -Krogstad (in the doorway). I found a note from you at home. What does -this mean? - -Mrs. Linde. It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with -you. - -Krogstad. Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should be here? - -Mrs. Linde. It is impossible where I live; there is no private entrance -to my rooms. Come in; we are quite alone. The maid is asleep, and the -Helmers are at the dance upstairs. - -Krogstad (coming into the room). Are the Helmers really at a dance -tonight? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, why not? - -Krogstad. Certainly--why not? - -Mrs. Linde. Now, Nils, let us have a talk. - -Krogstad. Can we two have anything to talk about? - -Mrs. Linde. We have a great deal to talk about. - -Krogstad. I shouldn't have thought so. - -Mrs. Linde. No, you have never properly understood me. - -Krogstad. Was there anything else to understand except what was obvious -to all the world--a heartless woman jilts a man when a more lucrative -chance turns up? - -Mrs. Linde. Do you believe I am as absolutely heartless as all that? And -do you believe that I did it with a light heart? - -Krogstad. Didn't you? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, did you really think that? - -Krogstad. If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at -the time? - -Mrs. Linde. I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, it was -my duty also to put an end to all that you felt for me. - -Krogstad (wringing his hands). So that was it. And all this--only for -the sake of money! - -Mrs. Linde. You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two -little brothers. We couldn't wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed -hopeless then. - -Krogstad. That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for -anyone else's sake. - -Mrs. Linde. Indeed I don't know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had -the right to do it. - -Krogstad (more gently). When I lost you, it was as if all the solid -ground went from under my feet. Look at me now--I am a shipwrecked man -clinging to a bit of wreckage. - -Mrs. Linde. But help may be near. - -Krogstad. It was near; but then you came and stood in my way. - -Mrs. Linde. Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I learned it -was your place I was going to take in the Bank. - -Krogstad. I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, are -you not going to give it up to me? - -Mrs. Linde. No, because that would not benefit you in the least. - -Krogstad. Oh, benefit, benefit--I would have done it whether or no. - -Mrs. Linde. I have learned to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter -necessity have taught me that. - -Krogstad. And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches. - -Mrs. Linde. Then life has taught you something very reasonable. But -deeds you must believe in? - -Krogstad. What do you mean by that? - -Mrs. Linde. You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to some -wreckage. - -Krogstad. I had good reason to say so. - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I am like a shipwrecked woman clinging to some -wreckage--no one to mourn for, no one to care for. - -Krogstad. It was your own choice. - -Mrs. Linde. There was no other choice--then. - -Krogstad. Well, what now? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people could -join forces? - -Krogstad. What are you saying? - -Mrs. Linde. Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a better -chance than each on their own. - -Krogstad. Christine I... - -Mrs. Linde. What do you suppose brought me to town? - -Krogstad. Do you mean that you gave me a thought? - -Mrs. Linde. I could not endure life without work. All my life, as long -as I can remember, I have worked, and it has been my greatest and -only pleasure. But now I am quite alone in the world--my life is so -dreadfully empty and I feel so forsaken. There is not the least pleasure -in working for one's self. Nils, give me someone and something to work -for. - -Krogstad. I don't trust that. It is nothing but a woman's overstrained -sense of generosity that prompts you to make such an offer of yourself. - -Mrs. Linde. Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me? - -Krogstad. Could you really do it? Tell me--do you know all about my past -life? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes. - -Krogstad. And do you know what they think of me here? - -Mrs. Linde. You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been -quite another man. - -Krogstad. I am certain of it. - -Mrs. Linde. Is it too late now? - -Krogstad. Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure -you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then--? - -Mrs. Linde. I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need -a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real -character--I can dare anything together with you. - -Krogstad (grasps her hands). Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find -a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot-- - -Mrs. Linde (listening). Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go! - -Krogstad. Why? What is it? - -Mrs. Linde. Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may expect -them back. - -Krogstad. Yes, yes--I will go. But it is all no use. Of course you are -not aware what steps I have taken in the matter of the Helmers. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I know all about that. - -Krogstad. And in spite of that have you the courage to--? - -Mrs. Linde. I understand very well to what lengths a man like you might -be driven by despair. - -Krogstad. If I could only undo what I have done! - -Mrs. Linde. You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box now. - -Krogstad. Are you sure of that? - -Mrs. Linde. Quite sure, but-- - -Krogstad (with a searching look at her). Is that what it all -means?--that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. -Is that it? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's sake, -doesn't do it a second time. - -Krogstad. I will ask for my letter back. - -Mrs. Linde. No, no. - -Krogstad. Yes, of course I will. I will wait here 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-- - -Mrs. Linde. No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. - -Krogstad. But, tell me, wasn't it for that very purpose that you asked -me to meet you here? - -Mrs. Linde. In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four hours -have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed incredible -things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret -must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them, -which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on. - -Krogstad. Very well, if you will take the responsibility. But there is -one thing I can do in any case, and I shall do it at once. - -Mrs. Linde (listening). You must be quick and go! The dance is over; we -are not safe a moment longer. - -Krogstad. I will wait for you below. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, do. You must see me back to my door... - -Krogstad. I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my -life! (Goes out through the outer door. The door between the room and -the hall remains open.) - -Mrs. Linde (tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak ready). -What a difference! what a difference! Someone to work for and live -for--a home to bring comfort into. That I will do, indeed. I wish they -would be quick and come--(Listens.) Ah, there they are now. I must put -on my things. (Takes up her hat and cloak. HELMER'S and NORA'S voices -are heard outside; a key is turned, and HELMER brings NORA almost by -force into the hall. She is in an Italian costume with a large black -shawl around her; he is in evening dress, and a black domino which is -flying open.) - -Nora (hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him). No, no, -no!--don't take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don't want to -leave so early. - -Helmer. But, my dearest Nora-- - -Nora. Please, Torvald dear--please, please--only an hour more. - -Helmer. Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our -agreement. Come along into the room; you are catching cold standing -there. (He brings her gently into the room, in spite of her resistance.) - -Mrs. Linde. Good evening. - -Nora. Christine! - -Helmer. You here, so late, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora in her -dress. - -Nora. Have you been sitting here waiting for me? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, unfortunately I came too late, you had already gone -upstairs; and I thought I couldn't go away again without having seen -you. - -Helmer (taking off NORA'S shawl). Yes, take a good look at her. I think -she is worth looking at. Isn't she charming, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, indeed she is. - -Helmer. Doesn't she look remarkably pretty? Everyone thought so at the -dance. But she is terribly self-willed, this sweet little person. What -are we to do with her? You will hardly believe that I had almost to -bring her away by force. - -Nora. Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it were -only for half an hour. - -Helmer. Listen to her, Mrs. Linde! She had danced her Tarantella, and -it had been a tremendous success, as it deserved--although possibly the -performance was a trifle too realistic--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. (Throws his domino on a chair, -and opens the door of his room.) Hullo! it's all dark in here. Oh, of -course--excuse me--. (He goes in, and lights some candles.) - -Nora (in a hurried and breathless whisper). Well? - -Mrs. Linde (in a low voice). I have had a talk with him. - -Nora. Yes, and-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora, you must tell your husband all about it. - -Nora (in an expressionless voice). I knew it. - -Mrs. Linde. You have nothing to be afraid of as far as Krogstad is -concerned; but you must tell him. - -Nora. I won't tell him. - -Mrs. Linde. Then the letter will. - -Nora. Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush--! - -Helmer (coming in again). Well, Mrs. Linde, have you admired her? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, and now I will say goodnight. - -Helmer. What, already? Is this yours, this knitting? - -Mrs. Linde (taking it). Yes, thank you, I had very nearly forgotten it. - -Helmer. So you knit? - -Mrs. Linde. Of course. - -Helmer. Do you know, you ought to embroider. - -Mrs. Linde. Really? Why? - -Helmer. Yes, it's far more becoming. Let me show you. You hold -the embroidery thus in your left hand, and use the needle with the -right--like this--with a long, easy sweep. Do you see? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, perhaps-- - -Helmer. But in the case of knitting--that can never be anything but -ungraceful; look here--the arms close together, the knitting-needles -going up and down--it has a sort of Chinese effect--. That was really -excellent champagne they gave us. - -Mrs. Linde. Well,--goodnight, Nora, and don't be self-willed any more. - -Helmer. That's right, Mrs. Linde. - -Mrs. Linde. Goodnight, Mr. Helmer. - -Helmer (accompanying her to the door). 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. (She goes out; he shuts the -door after her, and comes in again.) Ah!--at last we have got rid of -her. She is a frightful bore, that woman. - -Nora. Aren't you very tired, Torvald? - -Helmer. No, not in the least. - -Nora. Nor sleepy? - -Helmer. Not a bit. On the contrary, I feel extraordinarily lively. And -you?--you really look both tired and sleepy. - -Nora. Yes, I am very tired. I want to go to sleep at once. - -Helmer. There, you see it was quite right of me not to let you stay -there any longer. - -Nora. Everything you do is quite right, Torvald. - -Helmer (kissing her on the forehead). Now my little skylark is speaking -reasonably. Did you notice what good spirits Rank was in this evening? - -Nora. Really? Was he? I didn't speak to him at all. - -Helmer. And I very little, but I have not for a long time seen him in -such good form. (Looks for a while at her and then goes nearer to her.) -It is delightful to be at home by ourselves again, to be all alone with -you--you fascinating, charming little darling! - -Nora. Don't look at me like that, Torvald. - -Helmer. Why shouldn't I look at my dearest treasure?--at all the beauty -that is mine, all my very own? - -Nora (going to the other side of the table). You mustn't say things like -that to me tonight. - -Helmer (following her). You have still got the Tarantella in your blood, -I see. And it makes you more captivating than ever. Listen--the guests -are beginning to go now. (In a lower voice.) Nora--soon the whole house -will be quiet. - -Nora. Yes, I hope so. - -Helmer. Yes, my own darling Nora. Do you know, when I am out at a party -with you like this, why I speak so little to you, keep away from you, -and only send a stolen glance in your direction now and then?--do you -know why I do that? It is because I make believe to myself that we are -secretly in love, and you are my secretly promised bride, and that no -one suspects there is anything between us. - -Nora. Yes, yes--I know very well your thoughts are with me all the time. - -Helmer. And when we are leaving, and I am putting the shawl over your -beautiful young shoulders--on your lovely neck--then I imagine that you -are my young bride and that we have just come from the wedding, and I am -bringing you for the first time into our home--to be alone with you for -the first time--quite alone with my shy little darling! All this evening -I have longed for nothing but you. When I watched the seductive figures -of the Tarantella, my blood was on fire; I could endure it no longer, -and that was why I brought you down so early-- - -Nora. Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won't-- - -Helmer. What's that? You're joking, my little Nora! You won't--you -won't? Am I not your husband--? (A knock is heard at the outer door.) - -Nora (starting). Did you hear--? - -Helmer (going into the hall). Who is it? - -Rank (outside). It is I. May I come in for a moment? - -Helmer (in a fretful whisper). Oh, what does he want now? (Aloud.) Wait -a minute! (Unlocks the door.) Come, that's kind of you not to pass by -our door. - -Rank. I thought I heard your voice, and felt as if I should like to look -in. (With a swift glance round.) Ah, yes!--these dear familiar rooms. -You are very happy and cosy in here, you two. - -Helmer. It seems to me that you looked after yourself pretty well -upstairs too. - -Rank. Excellently. Why shouldn't I? Why shouldn't one enjoy everything -in this world?--at any rate as much as one can, and as long as one can. -The wine was capital-- - -Helmer. Especially the champagne. - -Rank. So you noticed that too? It is almost incredible how much I -managed to put away! - -Nora. Torvald drank a great deal of champagne tonight too. - -Rank. Did he? - -Nora. Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards. - -Rank. Well, why should one not enjoy a merry evening after a well-spent -day? - -Helmer. Well spent? I am afraid I can't take credit for that. - -Rank (clapping him on the back). But I can, you know! - -Nora. Doctor Rank, you must have been occupied with some scientific -investigation today. - -Rank. Exactly. - -Helmer. Just listen!--little Nora talking about scientific -investigations! - -Nora. And may I congratulate you on the result? - -Rank. Indeed you may. - -Nora. Was it favourable, then? - -Rank. The best possible, for both doctor and patient--certainty. - -Nora (quickly and searchingly). Certainty? - -Rank. Absolute certainty. So wasn't I entitled to make a merry evening -of it after that? - -Nora. Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank. Helmer. I think so too, so -long as you don't have to pay for it in the morning. - -Rank. Oh well, one can't have anything in this life without paying for -it. - -Nora. Doctor Rank--are you fond of fancy-dress balls? - -Rank. Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes. - -Nora. Tell me--what shall we two wear at the next? - -Helmer. Little featherbrain!--are you thinking of the next already? - -Rank. We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy-- - -Helmer. Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume for that? - -Rank. Let your wife go dressed just as she is in everyday life. - -Helmer. That was really very prettily turned. But can't you tell us what -you will be? - -Rank. Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that. - -Helmer. Well? - -Rank. At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible. - -Helmer. That's a good joke! - -Rank. There is a big black hat--have you never heard of hats that make -you invisible? If you put one on, no one can see you. - -Helmer (suppressing a smile). Yes, you are quite right. - -Rank. But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me a -cigar--one of the dark Havanas. - -Helmer. With the greatest pleasure. (Offers him his case.) - -Rank (takes a cigar and cuts off the end). Thanks. - -Nora (striking a match). Let me give you a light. - -Rank. Thank you. (She holds the match for him to light his cigar.) And -now goodbye! - -Helmer. Goodbye, goodbye, dear old man! - -Nora. Sleep well, Doctor Rank. - -Rank. Thank you for that wish. - -Nora. Wish me the same. - -Rank. You? Well, if you want me to sleep well! And thanks for the light. -(He nods to them both and goes out.) - -Helmer (in a subdued voice). He has drunk more than he ought. - -Nora (absently). Maybe. (HELMER takes a bunch of keys out of his pocket -and goes into the hall.) Torvald! what are you going to do there? - -Helmer. Emptying the letter-box; it is quite full; there will be no room -to put the newspaper in tomorrow morning. - -Nora. Are you going to work tonight? - -Helmer. You know quite well I'm not. What is this? Someone has been at -the lock. - -Nora. At the lock--? - -Helmer. Yes, someone has. What can it mean? I should never have thought -the maid--. Here is a broken hairpin. Nora, it is one of yours. - -Nora (quickly). Then it must have been the children-- - -Helmer. Then you must get them out of those ways. There, at last I have -got it open. (Takes out the contents of the letter-box, and calls to the -kitchen.) Helen!--Helen, put out the light over the front door. (Goes -back into the room and shuts the door into the hall. He holds out his -hand full of letters.) Look at that--look what a heap of them there -are. (Turning them over.) What on earth is that? - -Nora (at the window). The letter--No! Torvald, no! - -Helmer. Two cards--of Rank's. - -Nora. Of Doctor Rank's? - -Helmer (looking at them). Doctor Rank. They were on the top. He must -have put them in when he went out. - -Nora. Is there anything written on them? - -Helmer. There is a black cross over the name. Look there--what an -uncomfortable idea! It looks as if he were announcing his own death. - -Nora. It is just what he is doing. - -Helmer. What? Do you know anything about it? Has he said anything to -you? - -Nora. Yes. He told me that when the cards came it would be his -leave-taking from us. He means to shut himself up and die. - -Helmer. My poor old friend! Certainly I knew we should not have him very -long with us. But so soon! And so he hides himself away like a wounded -animal. - -Nora. If it has to happen, it is best it should be without a word--don't -you think so, Torvald? - -Helmer (walking up and down). He 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. (Standing still.) And perhaps -for us too, Nora. We two are thrown quite upon each other now. (Puts his -arms round her.) My darling wife, I don't feel as if I could hold you -tight enough. Do you know, Nora, I have often wished that you might be -threatened by some great danger, so that I might risk my life's blood, -and everything, for your sake. - -Nora (disengages herself, and says firmly and decidedly). Now you must -read your letters, Torvald. - -Helmer. No, no; not tonight. I want to be with you, my darling wife. - -Nora. With the thought of your friend's death-- - -Helmer. You are right, it has affected us both. Something ugly has come -between us--the thought of the horrors of death. We must try and rid our -minds of that. Until then--we will each go to our own room. - -Nora (hanging on his neck). Goodnight, Torvald--Goodnight! - -Helmer (kissing her on the forehead). Goodnight, my little singing-bird. -Sleep sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters through. (He takes his -letters and goes into his room, shutting the door after him.) - -Nora (gropes distractedly about, seizes HELMER'S domino, throws it round -her, while she says in quick, hoarse, spasmodic whispers). Never to see -him again. Never! Never! (Puts her shawl over her head.) Never to see -my children again either--never again. Never! Never!--Ah! the icy, black -water--the unfathomable depths--If only it were over! He has got it -now--now he is reading it. Goodbye, Torvald and my children! (She is -about to rush out through the hall, when HELMER opens his door hurriedly -and stands with an open letter in his hand.) - -Helmer. Nora! - -Nora. Ah!-- - -Helmer. What is this? Do you know what is in this letter? - -Nora. Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me get out! - -Helmer (holding her back). Where are you going? - -Nora (trying to get free). You shan't save me, Torvald! - -Helmer (reeling). True? Is this true, that I read here? Horrible! No, -no--it is impossible that it can be true. - -Nora. It is true. I have loved you above everything else in the world. - -Helmer. Oh, don't let us have any silly excuses. - -Nora (taking a step towards him). Torvald--! - -Helmer. Miserable creature--what have you done? - -Nora. Let me go. You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not take it -upon yourself. - -Helmer. No tragic airs, please. (Locks the hall door.) Here you shall -stay and give me an explanation. Do you understand what you have done? -Answer me! Do you understand what you have done? - -Nora (looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of coldness in -her face). Yes, now I am beginning to understand thoroughly. - -Helmer (walking about the room). What a horrible awakening! All these -eight years--she who was my joy and pride--a hypocrite, a liar--worse, -worse--a criminal! The unutterable ugliness of it all!--For shame! For -shame! (NORA is silent and looks steadily at him. He stops in front of -her.) I ought to have suspected that something of the sort would happen. -I ought to have foreseen it. All your father's want of principle--be -silent!--all your father's want of principle has come out in you. No -religion, no morality, no sense of duty--. How I am punished for having -winked at what he did! I did it for your sake, and this is how you repay -me. - -Nora. Yes, that's just it. - -Helmer. Now you have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined all my -future. It is horrible to think of! I am in the power of an unscrupulous -man; he can do what he likes with me, ask anything he likes of me, give -me any orders he pleases--I dare not refuse. And I must sink to such -miserable depths because of a thoughtless woman! - -Nora. When I am out of the way, you will be free. - -Helmer. No fine speeches, please. Your father had always plenty of those -ready, too. What good would it be to me if you were out of the way, as -you say? Not the slightest. He can make the affair known everywhere; and -if he does, I may be falsely suspected of having been a party to your -criminal action. Very likely people will think I was behind it all--that -it was I who prompted you! And I have to thank you for all this--you -whom I have cherished during the whole of our married life. Do you -understand now what it is you have done for me? - -Nora (coldly and quietly). Yes. - -Helmer. It is so incredible that I can't take it in. But we must come to -some understanding. Take off that shawl. Take it off, I tell you. I must -try and appease him some way or another. The matter must be hushed up at -any cost. And as for you and me, it must appear as if everything between -us were 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-- - -(A ring is heard at the front-door bell.) - -Helmer (with a start). What is that? So late! Can the worst--? Can he--? -Hide yourself, Nora. Say you are ill. - -(NORA stands motionless. HELMER goes and unlocks the hall door.) - -Maid (half-dressed, comes to the door). A letter for the mistress. - -Helmer. Give it to me. (Takes the letter, and shuts the door.) Yes, it -is from him. You shall not have it; I will read it myself. - -Nora. Yes, read it. - -Helmer (standing by the lamp). I scarcely have the courage to do it. It -may mean ruin for both of us. No, I must know. (Tears open the letter, -runs his eye over a few lines, looks at a paper enclosed, and gives a -shout of joy.) Nora! (She looks at him questioningly.) Nora!--No, I must -read it once again--. Yes, it is true! I am saved! Nora, I am saved! - -Nora. And I? - -Helmer. You too, of course; we are both saved, both you and I. Look, he -sends you your bond back. He says he regrets and repents--that a happy -change in his life--never mind what he says! We are saved, Nora! No one -can do anything to you. Oh, Nora, Nora!--no, first I must destroy these -hateful things. Let me see--. (Takes a look at the bond.) No, no, I -won't look at it. The whole thing shall be nothing but a bad dream to -me. (Tears up the bond and both letters, throws them all into the stove, -and watches them burn.) There--now it doesn't exist any longer. He says -that since Christmas Eve you--. These must have been three dreadful days -for you, Nora. - -Nora. I have fought a hard fight these three days. - -Helmer. And suffered agonies, and seen no way out but--. No, we won't -call any of the horrors to mind. We will only shout with joy, and keep -saying, "It's all over! It's all over!" Listen to me, Nora. You don't -seem to realise that it is all over. What is this?--such a cold, set -face! My poor little Nora, I quite understand; you don't feel as if you -could believe that I have forgiven you. But it is true, Nora, I swear -it; I have forgiven you everything. I know that what you did, you did -out of love for me. - -Nora. That is true. - -Helmer. You have loved me as a wife ought to love her husband. Only you -had not sufficient knowledge to judge of the means you used. But do you -suppose you are any the less dear to me, because you don't understand -how to act on your own responsibility? No, no; only lean on me; I -will advise you and direct you. I should not be a man if this womanly -helplessness did not just give you a double attractiveness in my eyes. -You must not think 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. - -Nora. Thank you for your forgiveness. (She goes out through the door to -the right.) - -Helmer. No, don't go--. (Looks in.) What are you doing in there? - -Nora (from within). Taking off my fancy dress. - -Helmer (standing at the open door). Yes, do. Try and calm yourself, -and make your mind easy again, my frightened little singing-bird. Be at -rest, and feel secure; I have broad wings to shelter you under. (Walks -up and down by the door.) How warm and cosy our home is, Nora. Here is -shelter for you; here I will protect you like a hunted dove that I -have saved from a hawk's claws; I will bring peace to your poor beating -heart. It will come, little by little, Nora, believe me. 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? - -Nora (in everyday dress). Yes, Torvald, I have changed my things now. - -Helmer. But what for?--so late as this. - -Nora. I shall not sleep tonight. - -Helmer. But, my dear Nora-- - -Nora (looking at her watch). It is not so very late. Sit down here, -Torvald. You and I have much to say to one another. (She sits down at -one side of the table.) - -Helmer. Nora--what is this?--this cold, set face? - -Nora. Sit down. It will take some time; I have a lot to talk over with -you. - -Helmer (sits down at the opposite side of the table). You alarm me, -Nora!--and I don't understand you. - -Nora. No, that is just it. You don't understand me, and I have never -understood you either--before tonight. No, you mustn't interrupt me. -You must simply listen to what I say. Torvald, this is a settling of -accounts. - -Helmer. What do you mean by that? - -Nora (after a short silence). Isn't there one thing that strikes you as -strange in our sitting here like this? - -Helmer. What is that? - -Nora. We have been married now eight years. Does it not occur to you -that this is the first time we two, you and I, husband and wife, have -had a serious conversation? - -Helmer. What do you mean by serious? - -Nora. In all these eight years--longer than that--from the very -beginning of our acquaintance, we have never exchanged a word on any -serious subject. - -Helmer. Was it likely that I would be continually and forever telling -you about worries that you could not help me to bear? - -Nora. I am not speaking about business matters. I say that we have never -sat down in earnest together to try and get at the bottom of anything. - -Helmer. But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you? - -Nora. That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been greatly -wronged, Torvald--first by papa and then by you. - -Helmer. What! By us two--by us two, who have loved you better than -anyone else in the world? - -Nora (shaking her head). You have never loved me. You have only thought -it pleasant to be in love with me. - -Helmer. Nora, what do I hear you saying? - -Nora. It is perfectly true, Torvald. When I was at home with papa, he -told me his opinion about everything, and so I had the same opinions; -and if I differed from him I concealed the fact, because he would not -have liked it. He called me his doll-child, and he played with me just -as I used to play with my dolls. And when I came to live with you-- - -Helmer. What sort of an expression is that to use about our marriage? - -Nora (undisturbed). I mean that I was simply transferred from papa's -hands into yours. You arranged everything according to your own taste, -and so I got the same tastes as you--or else I pretended to, I am really -not quite sure which--I think sometimes the one and sometimes the other. -When I look back on it, it seems to me as if I had been living here like -a poor woman--just from hand to mouth. I have existed merely to perform -tricks for you, Torvald. But you would have it so. You and papa have -committed a great sin against me. It is your fault that I have made -nothing of my life. - -Helmer. How unreasonable and how ungrateful you are, Nora! Have you not -been happy here? - -Nora. No, I have never been happy. I thought I was, but it has never -really been so. - -Helmer. Not--not happy! - -Nora. No, only merry. And you have always been so kind to me. But our -home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been your doll-wife, just -as at home I was papa's doll-child; and here the children have been -my dolls. I thought it great fun when you played with me, just as they -thought it great fun when I played with them. That is what our marriage -has been, Torvald. - -Helmer. There is some truth in what you say--exaggerated and strained as -your view of it is. But for the future it shall be different. Playtime -shall be over, and lesson-time shall begin. - -Nora. Whose lessons? Mine, or the children's? - -Helmer. Both yours and the children's, my darling Nora. - -Nora. Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being a -proper wife for you. - -Helmer. And you can say that! - -Nora. And I--how am I fitted to bring up the children? - -Helmer. Nora! - -Nora. Didn't you say so yourself a little while ago--that you dare not -trust me to bring them up? - -Helmer. In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? - -Nora. Indeed, you were perfectly right. I am not fit for the task. -There is another task I must undertake first. I must try and educate -myself--you are not the man to help me in that. I must do that for -myself. And that is why I am going to leave you now. - -Helmer (springing up). What do you say? - -Nora. I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and -everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you -any longer. - -Helmer. Nora, Nora! - -Nora. I am going away from here now, at once. I am sure Christine will -take me in for the night-- - -Helmer. You are out of your mind! I won't allow it! I forbid you! - -Nora. It is no use forbidding me anything any longer. I will take with -me what belongs to myself. I will take nothing from you, either now or -later. - -Helmer. What sort of madness is this! - -Nora. Tomorrow I shall go home--I mean, to my old home. It will be -easiest for me to find something to do there. - -Helmer. You blind, foolish woman! - -Nora. I must try and get some sense, Torvald. - -Helmer. To desert your home, your husband and your children! And you -don't consider what people will say! - -Nora. I cannot consider that at all. I only know that it is necessary -for me. - -Helmer. It's shocking. This is how you would neglect your most sacred -duties. - -Nora. What do you consider my most sacred duties? - -Helmer. Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your -husband and your children? - -Nora. I have other duties just as sacred. - -Helmer. That you have not. What duties could those be? - -Nora. Duties to myself. - -Helmer. Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. - -Nora. I don't believe that any longer. I believe that before all else I -am a reasonable human being, just as you are--or, at all events, that -I must try and become one. I know quite well, Torvald, that most people -would think you right, and that views of that kind are to be found in -books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or -with what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get -to understand them. - -Helmer. Can you not understand your place in your own home? Have you not -a reliable guide in such matters as that?--have you no religion? - -Nora. I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. - -Helmer. What are you saying? - -Nora. I know nothing but what the clergyman said, when I went to be -confirmed. He told us that religion was this, and that, and the other. -When I am away from all this, and am alone, I will look into that matter -too. I will see if what the clergyman said is true, or at all events if -it is true for me. - -Helmer. This is unheard of in a girl of your age! But if religion cannot -lead you aright, let me try and awaken your conscience. I suppose you -have some moral sense? Or--answer me--am I to think you have none? - -Nora. I assure you, Torvald, that is not an easy question to answer. I -really don't know. The thing perplexes me altogether. I only know that -you and I look at it in quite a different light. I am learning, too, -that the law is quite another thing from what I supposed; but I find it -impossible to convince myself that the law is right. According to it -a woman has no right to spare her old dying father, or to save her -husband's life. I can't believe that. - -Helmer. You talk like a child. You don't understand the conditions of -the world in which you live. - -Nora. No, I don't. But now I am going to try. I am going to see if I can -make out who is right, the world or I. - -Helmer. You are ill, Nora; you are delirious; I almost think you are out -of your mind. - -Nora. I have never felt my mind so clear and certain as tonight. - -Helmer. And is it with a clear and certain mind that you forsake your -husband and your children? - -Nora. Yes, it is. - -Helmer. Then there is only one possible explanation. - -Nora. What is that? - -Helmer. You do not love me anymore. - -Nora. No, that is just it. - -Helmer. Nora!--and you can say that? - -Nora. It gives me great pain, Torvald, for you have always been so kind -to me, but I cannot help it. I do not love you any more. - -Helmer (regaining his composure). Is that a clear and certain conviction -too? - -Nora. Yes, absolutely clear and certain. That is the reason why I will -not stay here any longer. - -Helmer. And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love? - -Nora. Yes, indeed I can. It was tonight, when the wonderful thing did -not happen; then I saw you were not the man I had thought you were. - -Helmer. Explain yourself better. I don't understand you. - -Nora. I have waited so patiently for eight years; for, goodness knows, -I knew very well that wonderful things don't happen every day. Then this -horrible misfortune came upon me; and then I felt quite certain that the -wonderful thing was going to happen at last. When Krogstad's letter was -lying out there, never for a moment did I imagine that you would consent -to accept this man's conditions. I was so absolutely certain that you -would say to him: Publish the thing to the whole world. And when that -was done-- - -Helmer. Yes, what then?--when I had exposed my wife to shame and -disgrace? - -Nora. When that was done, I was so absolutely certain, you would come -forward and take everything upon yourself, and say: I am the guilty one. - -Helmer. Nora--! - -Nora. You mean that I would never have accepted such a sacrifice on your -part? No, of course not. But what would my assurances have been worth -against yours? That was the wonderful thing which I hoped for and -feared; and it was to prevent that, that I wanted to kill myself. - -Helmer. I would gladly work night and day for you, Nora--bear sorrow and -want for your sake. But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he -loves. - -Nora. It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done. - -Helmer. Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child. - -Nora. Maybe. But you neither think nor talk like the man I could bind -myself to. As soon as your fear was over--and it was not fear for what -threatened me, but for what might happen to you--when the whole thing -was past, as far as you were concerned it was exactly as if nothing at -all had happened. Exactly as before, I was your little skylark, your -doll, which you would in future treat with doubly gentle care, because -it was so brittle and fragile. (Getting up.) Torvald--it was then -it dawned upon me that for eight years I had been living here with a -strange man, and had borne him three children--. Oh, I can't bear to -think of it! I could tear myself into little bits! - -Helmer (sadly). I see, I see. An abyss has opened between us--there is -no denying it. But, Nora, would it not be possible to fill it up? - -Nora. As I am now, I am no wife for you. - -Helmer. I have it in me to become a different man. - -Nora. Perhaps--if your doll is taken away from you. - -Helmer. But to part!--to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can't understand -that idea. - -Nora (going out to the right). That makes it all the more certain that -it must be done. (She comes back with her cloak and hat and a small bag -which she puts on a chair by the table.) - -Helmer. Nora, Nora, not now! Wait until tomorrow. - -Nora (putting on her cloak). I cannot spend the night in a strange man's -room. - -Helmer. But can't we live here like brother and sister--? - -Nora (putting on her hat). You know very well that would not last long. -(Puts the shawl round her.) 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. - -Helmer. But some day, Nora--some day? - -Nora. How can I tell? I have no idea what is going to become of me. - -Helmer. But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you. - -Nora. Listen, Torvald. I have heard that when a wife deserts her -husband's house, as I am doing now, he is legally freed from all -obligations towards her. In any case, I set you free from all your -obligations. You are not to feel yourself bound in the slightest way, -any more than I shall. There must be perfect freedom on both sides. See, -here is your ring back. Give me mine. - -Helmer. That too? - -Nora. That too. - -Helmer. Here it is. - -Nora. That's right. Now it is all over. I have put the keys here. -The maids know all about everything in the house--better than I do. -Tomorrow, after I have left her, Christine will come here and pack up my -own things that I brought with me from home. I will have them sent after -me. - -Helmer. All over! All over!--Nora, shall you never think of me again? - -Nora. I know I shall often think of you, the children, and this house. - -Helmer. May I write to you, Nora? - -Nora. No--never. You must not do that. - -Helmer. But at least let me send you-- - -Nora. Nothing--nothing-- - -Helmer. Let me help you if you are in want. - -Nora. No. I can receive nothing from a stranger. - -Helmer. Nora--can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? - -Nora (taking her bag). Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of all -would have to happen. - -Helmer. Tell me what that would be! - -Nora. Both you and I would have to be so changed that--. Oh, Torvald, I -don't believe any longer in wonderful things happening. - -Helmer. But I will believe in it. Tell me! So changed that--? - -Nora. That our life together would be a real wedlock. Goodbye. (She goes -out through the hall.) - -Helmer (sinks down on a chair at the door and buries his face in his -hands). Nora! Nora! (Looks round, and rises.) Empty. She is gone. (A -hope flashes across his mind.) The most wonderful thing of all--? - -(The sound of a door shutting is heard from below.) - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL'S HOUSE *** - -***** This file should be named 2542.txt or 2542.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/4/2542/ - -Produced by Martin Adamson - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/2542-0.txt b/old/2542-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b2b6b5e..0000000 --- a/old/2542-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5545 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Doll’s House, by Henrik Ibsen - -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 -www.gutenberg.org. 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. - -Title: A Doll’s House - -Author: Henrik Ibsen - -Release Date: March, 2001 [eBook #2542] -[Most recently updated: October 6, 2022] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Martin Adamson and David Widger - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL’S HOUSE *** - - - - -A Doll’s House - -by Henrik Ibsen - - -Contents - - ACT I. - ACT II. - ACT III. - - - DRAMATIS PERSONAE - -Torvald Helmer. -Nora, his wife. -Doctor Rank. -Mrs Linde. -Nils Krogstad. -Helmer’s three young children. -Anne, their nurse. -A Housemaid. -A Porter. - -_[The action takes place in Helmer’s house.]_ - - - - -A DOLL’S HOUSE - - - - -ACT I - - -_[SCENE.—A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not -extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the -entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer’s study. Between the -doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, -and beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, 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._ - -_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.]_ - -NORA. -Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not -see it until this evening, when it is dressed. _[To the PORTER, taking -out her purse.]_ How much? - -PORTER. -Sixpence. - -NORA. -There is a shilling. No, keep the change. _[The PORTER thanks her, and -goes out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as she takes -off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her pocket -and eats one or two; then goes cautiously to her husband’s door and -listens.]_ Yes, he is in. _[Still humming, she goes to the table on the -right.]_ - -HELMER. -_[calls out from his room]_. Is that my little lark twittering out -there? - -NORA. -_[busy opening some of the parcels]_. Yes, it is! - -HELMER. -Is it my little squirrel bustling about? - -NORA. -Yes! - -HELMER. -When did my squirrel come home? - -NORA. -Just now. _[Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her -mouth.]_ Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought. - -HELMER. -Don’t disturb me. _[A little later, he opens the door and looks into -the room, pen in hand.]_ Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my -little spendthrift been wasting money again? - -NORA. -Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. -This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to economise. - -HELMER. -Still, you know, we can’t spend money recklessly. - -NORA. -Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn’t we? Just a -tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots -of money. - -HELMER. -Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the -salary is due. - -NORA. -Pooh! we can borrow until then. - -HELMER. -Nora! _[Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.]_ The same -little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds today, -and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New Year’s Eve -a slate fell on my head and killed me, and— - -NORA. -_[putting her hands over his mouth]_. Oh! don’t say such horrid things. - -HELMER. -Still, suppose that happened,—what then? - -NORA. -If that were to happen, I don’t suppose I should care whether I owed -money or not. - -HELMER. -Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? - -NORA. -They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were. - -HELMER. -That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about -that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty about a -home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely -on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for the -short time longer that there need be any struggle. - -NORA. -_[moving towards the stove]_. As you please, Torvald. - -HELMER. -_[following her]_. Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her -wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? _[Taking out -his purse.]_ Nora, what do you think I have got here? - -NORA. -_[turning round quickly]_. Money! - -HELMER. -There you are. _[Gives her some money.]_ Do you think I don’t know what -a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time? - -NORA. -_[counting]_. Ten shillings—a pound—two pounds! Thank you, thank you, -Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time. - -HELMER. -Indeed it must. - -NORA. -Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have -bought. And 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. - -HELMER. -And what is in this parcel? - -NORA. -_[crying out]_. No, no! you mustn’t see that until this evening. - -HELMER. -Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would -you like for yourself? - -NORA. -For myself? Oh, I am sure I don’t want anything. - -HELMER. -Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would -particularly like to have. - -NORA. -No, I really can’t think of anything—unless, Torvald— - -HELMER. -Well? - -NORA. -_[playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his]_. -If you really want to give me something, you might—you might— - -HELMER. -Well, out with it! - -NORA. -_[speaking quickly]_. You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as -much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something -with it. - -HELMER. -But, Nora— - -NORA. -Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up in -beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn’t that -be fun? - -HELMER. -What are little people called that are always wasting money? - -NORA. -Spendthrifts—I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then I -shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very -sensible plan, isn’t it? - -HELMER. -_[smiling]_. Indeed it is—that is to say, if you were really to save -out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for -yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of -unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again. - -NORA. -Oh but, Torvald— - -HELMER. -You can’t deny it, my dear little Nora. _[Puts his arm round her -waist.]_ It’s a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of -money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are! - -NORA. -It’s a shame to say that. I do really save all I can. - -HELMER. -_[laughing]_. That’s very true,—all you can. But you can’t save -anything! - -NORA. -_[smiling quietly and happily]_. You haven’t any idea how many expenses -we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald. - -HELMER. -You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always find some -new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you have got it, -it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it has gone. -Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; for indeed it -is true that you can inherit these things, Nora. - -NORA. -Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa’s qualities. - -HELMER. -And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, my sweet -little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that you are looking -rather—what shall I say—rather uneasy today? - -NORA. -Do I? - -HELMER. -You do, really. Look straight at me. - -NORA. -_[looks at him]_. Well? - -HELMER. -_[wagging his finger at her]_. Hasn’t Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking -rules in town today? - -NORA. -No; what makes you think that? - -HELMER. -Hasn’t she paid a visit to the confectioner’s? - -NORA. -No, I assure you, Torvald— - -HELMER. -Not been nibbling sweets? - -NORA. -No, certainly not. - -HELMER. -Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two? - -NORA. -No, Torvald, I assure you really— - -HELMER. -There, there, of course I was only joking. - -NORA. -_[going to the table on the right]_. I should not think of going -against your wishes. - -HELMER. -No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word— _[Going up to -her.]_ Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They -will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt. - -NORA. -Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank? - -HELMER. -No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come to dinner -with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in this morning. I have -ordered some good wine. Nora, you can’t think how I am looking forward -to this evening. - -NORA. -So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! - -HELMER. -It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe appointment, and a -big enough income. It’s delightful to think of, isn’t it? - -NORA. -It’s wonderful! - -HELMER. -Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks beforehand you -shut yourself up every evening 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! - -NORA. -I didn’t find it dull. - -HELMER. -_[smiling]_. But there was precious little result, Nora. - -NORA. -Oh, you shouldn’t tease me about that again. How could I help the cat’s -going in and tearing everything to pieces? - -HELMER. -Of course you couldn’t, poor little girl. You had the best of -intentions to please us all, and that’s the main thing. But it is a -good thing that our hard times are over. - -NORA. -Yes, it is really wonderful. - -HELMER. -This time I needn’t sit here and be dull all alone, and you needn’t -ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands— - -NORA. -_[clapping her hands]_. No, Torvald, I needn’t any longer, need I! It’s -wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! _[Taking his arm.]_ Now I will -tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. -As soon as Christmas is over—_[A bell rings in the hall.]_ There’s the -bell. _[She tidies the room a little.]_ There’s some one at the door. -What a nuisance! - -HELMER. -If it is a caller, remember I am not at home. - -MAID. -_[in the doorway]_. A lady to see you, ma’am,—a stranger. - -NORA. -Ask her to come in. - -MAID. -_[to HELMER]_. The doctor came at the same time, sir. - -HELMER. -Did he go straight into my room? - -MAID. -Yes, sir. - -_[HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs Linde, who is in -travelling dress, and shuts the door.]_ - -MRS LINDE. -_[in a dejected and timid voice]_. How do you do, Nora? - -NORA. -_[doubtfully]_. How do you do— - -MRS LINDE. -You don’t recognise me, I suppose. - -NORA. -No, I don’t know—yes, to be sure, I seem to—_[Suddenly.]_ Yes! -Christine! Is it really you? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, it is I. - -NORA. -Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could I—_[In -a gentle voice.]_ How you have altered, Christine! - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years— - -NORA. -Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight years have -been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you have come into -the town, and have taken this long journey in winter—that was plucky of -you. - -MRS LINDE. -I arrived by steamer this morning. - -NORA. -To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How delightful! We will -have such fun together! But take off your things. You are not cold, I -hope. _[Helps her.]_ Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. -No, take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. _[Takes -her hands.]_ Now you look like your old self again; it was only the -first moment—You are a little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little -thinner. - -MRS LINDE. -And much, much older, Nora. - -NORA. -Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. _[Stops -suddenly and speaks seriously.]_ What a thoughtless creature I am, -chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me. - -MRS LINDE. -What do you mean, Nora? - -NORA. -_[gently]_. Poor Christine, you are a widow. - -MRS LINDE. -Yes; it is three years ago now. - -NORA. -Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I meant -ever so often to write to you at the time, but I always put it off and -something always prevented me. - -MRS LINDE. -I quite understand, dear. - -NORA. -It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have -suffered. And he left you nothing? - -MRS LINDE. -No. - -NORA. -And no children? - -MRS LINDE. -No. - -NORA. -Nothing at all, then. - -MRS LINDE. -Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon. - -NORA. -_[looking incredulously at her]_. But, Christine, is that possible? - -MRS LINDE. -_[smiles sadly and strokes her hair]_. It sometimes happens, Nora. - -NORA. -So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have three -lovely children. You can’t see them just now, for they are out with -their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it. - -MRS LINDE. -No, no; I want to hear about you. - -NORA. -No, you must begin. I mustn’t be selfish today; today I must only think -of your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do you know we -have just had a great piece of good luck? - -MRS LINDE. -No, what is it? - -NORA. -Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank! - -MRS LINDE. -Your husband? What good luck! - -NORA. -Yes, tremendous! A barrister’s profession is such an uncertain thing, -especially if he won’t undertake unsavoury cases; and naturally Torvald -has never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him. You may -imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the Bank at -the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lots of -commissions. For the future we can live quite differently—we can do -just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be -splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won’t -it? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs. - -NORA. -No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money. - -MRS LINDE. -_[smiling]_. Nora, Nora, haven’t you learned sense yet? In our -schooldays you were a great spendthrift. - -NORA. -_[laughing]_. Yes, that is what Torvald says now. _[Wags her finger at -her.]_ But “Nora, Nora” is not so silly as you think. We have not been -in a position for me to waste money. We have both had to work. - -MRS LINDE. -You too? - -NORA. -Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that -kind of thing. _[Dropping her voice.]_ And other things as well. You -know Torvald left his office when we were married? There was no -prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than -before. But during the first year he 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. - -MRS LINDE. -You spent a whole year in Italy, didn’t you? - -NORA. -Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It was just -after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a wonderfully -beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald’s life. But it cost a -tremendous lot of money, Christine. - -MRS LINDE. -So I should think. - -NORA. -It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That’s a lot, isn’t it? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the money. - -NORA. -I ought to tell you that we had it from papa. - -MRS LINDE. -Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn’t it? - -NORA. -Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn’t go and nurse him. I was -expecting little Ivar’s birth every day and I had my poor sick Torvald -to look after. My dear, kind father—I never saw him again, Christine. -That was the saddest time I have known since our marriage. - -MRS LINDE. -I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to Italy? - -NORA. -Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our going, -so we started a month later. - -MRS LINDE. -And your husband came back quite well? - -NORA. -As sound as a bell! - -MRS LINDE. -But—the doctor? - -NORA. -What doctor? - -MRS LINDE. -I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just as I did, -was the doctor? - -NORA. -Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn’t come here professionally. He -is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once every day. No, -Torvald has not had an hour’s illness since then, and our children are -strong and healthy and so am I. _[Jumps up and claps her hands.]_ -Christine! Christine! it’s good to be alive and happy!—But how horrid -of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. _[Sits on a stool -near her, and rests her arms on her knees.]_ You mustn’t be angry with -me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband? Why -did you marry him? - -MRS LINDE. -My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless, and I had to -provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I was justified -in refusing his offer. - -NORA. -No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then? - -MRS LINDE. -I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a precarious one; -and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was nothing left. - -NORA. -And then?— - -MRS LINDE. -Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find—first a small -shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have seemed -like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at an end, Nora. My -poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the boys do not need -me either; they have got situations and can shift for themselves. - -NORA. -What a relief you must feel if— - -MRS LINDE. -No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for -anymore. _[Gets up restlessly.]_ 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— - -NORA. -But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired out -now. You had far better go away to some watering-place. - -MRS LINDE. -_[walking to the window]_. I have no father to give me money for a -journey, Nora. - -NORA. -_[rising]_. Oh, don’t be angry with me! - -MRS LINDE. -_[going up to her]_. It is you that must not be angry with me, dear. -The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. No -one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on the 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. - -NORA. -How do you mean?—Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could -get you something to do. - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, that was what I was thinking of. - -NORA. -He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject very -cleverly—I will think of something that will please him very much. It -will make me so happy to be of some use to you. - -MRS LINDE. -How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is doubly kind -in you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles of life. - -NORA. -I—? I know so little of them? - -MRS LINDE. -_[smiling]_. My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!—You -are a child, Nora. - -NORA. -_[tosses her head and crosses the stage]_. You ought not to be so -superior. - -MRS LINDE. -No? - -NORA. -You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable of -anything really serious— - -MRS LINDE. -Come, come— - -NORA. -—that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares. - -MRS LINDE. -But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles. - -NORA. -Pooh!—those were trifles. _[Lowering her voice.]_ I have not told you -the important thing. - -MRS LINDE. -The important thing? What do you mean? - -NORA. -You look down upon me altogether, Christine—but you ought not to. You -are proud, aren’t you, of having worked so hard and so long for your -mother? - -MRS LINDE. -Indeed, I don’t look down on 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. - -NORA. -And you are proud to think of what you have done for your brothers? - -MRS LINDE. -I think I have the right to be. - -NORA. -I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have something to be -proud and glad of. - -MRS LINDE. -I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to? - -NORA. -Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn’t on any account—no -one in the world must know, Christine, except you. - -MRS LINDE. -But what is it? - -NORA. -Come here. _[Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.]_ Now I will show -you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who -saved Torvald’s life. - -MRS LINDE. -“Saved”? How? - -NORA. -I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have recovered -if he had not gone there— - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. - -NORA. -_[smiling]_. Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, but— - -MRS LINDE. -But— - -NORA. -Papa didn’t give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money. - -MRS LINDE. -You? All that large sum? - -NORA. -Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that? - -MRS LINDE. -But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a prize in the -Lottery? - -NORA. -_[contemptuously]_. In the Lottery? There would have been no credit in -that. - -MRS LINDE. -But where did you get it from, then? Nora _[humming and smiling with an -air of mystery]_. Hm, hm! Aha! - -MRS LINDE. -Because you couldn’t have borrowed it. - -NORA. -Couldn’t I? Why not? - -MRS LINDE. -No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband’s consent. - -NORA. -_[tossing her head]_. Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for -business—a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever— - -MRS LINDE. -I don’t understand it at all, Nora. - -NORA. -There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed the money. I -may have got it some other way. _[Lies back on the sofa.]_ Perhaps I -got it from some other admirer. When anyone is as attractive as I am— - -MRS LINDE. -You are a mad creature. - -NORA. -Now, you know you’re full of curiosity, Christine. - -MRS LINDE. -Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven’t you been a little bit imprudent? - -NORA. -_[sits up straight]_. Is it imprudent to save your husband’s life? - -MRS LINDE. -It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to— - -NORA. -But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My goodness, -can’t you understand that? It was necessary he should have no idea what -a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctors came and -said that his life was in danger, and that the only thing to save him -was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn’t try, first of all, to -get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much I -should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and -entreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition -I was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even -hinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, -Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my -husband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices—as I believe he -called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved—and that was how I -came to devise a way out of the difficulty— - -MRS LINDE. -And did your husband never get to know from your father that the money -had not come from him? - -NORA. -No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let him into the -secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill then—alas, -there never was any need to tell him. - -MRS LINDE. -And since then have you never told your secret to your husband? - -NORA. -Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has such strong -opinions about these things! And besides, how painful and humiliating -it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to know that he -owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations altogether; our -beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now. - -MRS LINDE. -Do you mean never to tell him about it? - -NORA. -_[meditatively, and with a half smile]_. Yes—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—_[Breaking off.]_ What nonsense! That time will never come. -Now, what do you think of my great secret, Christine? Do you still -think I am of no use? I can tell you, too, that this affair has caused -me a lot of worry. It has been by no means easy for me to meet my -engagements punctually. I may tell you that there is something that is -called, in business, quarterly interest, and another thing called -payment in 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! - -MRS LINDE. -So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries of life, poor -Nora? - -NORA. -Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever Torvald -has given me money for new dresses and such things, I have never spent -more than half of it; I have always bought the simplest and cheapest -things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, and so Torvald has -never noticed it. But it was often very hard on me, Christine—because -it is delightful to be really well dressed, isn’t it? - -MRS LINDE. -Quite so. - -NORA. -Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last winter I was -lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I locked myself up and -sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I was -desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to sit -there working and earning money. It was like being a man. - -MRS LINDE. -How much have you been able to pay off in that way? - -NORA. -I can’t tell you exactly. You see, it is very difficult to keep an -account of a business matter of that kind. I only know that I have paid -every penny that I could scrape together. Many a time I was at my wits’ -end. _[Smiles.]_ Then I used to sit here and imagine that a rich old -gentleman had fallen in love with me— - -MRS LINDE. -What! Who was it? - -NORA. -Be quiet!—that he had died; and that when his will was opened it -contained, written in big letters, the instruction: “The lovely Mrs -Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over to her at once in cash.” - -MRS LINDE. -But, my dear Nora—who could the man be? - -NORA. -Good gracious, can’t you understand? There was no old gentleman at all; -it was only something that I used to sit here and imagine, when I -couldn’t think of any way of procuring money. But it’s all the same -now; the tiresome old person can stay where he is, as far as I am -concerned; I don’t care about him or his will either, for I am free -from care now. _[Jumps up.]_ My goodness, it’s delightful to think of, -Christine! Free from care! To be able to be free from care, quite free -from care; to be able to play and romp with the children; to be able to -keep the house beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes -it! And, think of it, soon the spring will come and the big blue sky! -Perhaps we shall be able to take a little trip—perhaps I shall see the -sea again! Oh, it’s a wonderful thing to be alive and be happy. _[A -bell is heard in the hall.]_ - -MRS LINDE. -_[rising]_. There is the bell; perhaps I had better go. - -NORA. -No, don’t go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be for Torvald. - -SERVANT. -_[at the hall door]_. Excuse me, ma’am—there is a gentleman to see the -master, and as the doctor is with him— - -NORA. -Who is it? - -KROGSTAD. -_[at the door]_. It is I, Mrs Helmer. _[Mrs LINDE starts, trembles, and -turns to the window.]_ - -NORA. -_[takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low voice]_. You? -What is it? What do you want to see my husband about? - -KROGSTAD. -Bank business—in a way. I have a small post in the Bank, and I hear -your husband is to be our chief now— - -NORA. -Then it is— - -KROGSTAD. -Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs Helmer; absolutely nothing else. - -NORA. -Be so good as to go into the study, then. _[She bows indifferently to -him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes back and makes up the -fire in the stove.]_ - -MRS LINDE. -Nora—who was that man? - -NORA. -A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad. - -MRS LINDE. -Then it really was he. - -NORA. -Do you know the man? - -MRS LINDE. -I used to—many years ago. At one time he was a solicitor’s clerk in our -town. - -NORA. -Yes, he was. - -MRS LINDE. -He is greatly altered. - -NORA. -He made a very unhappy marriage. - -MRS LINDE. -He is a widower now, isn’t he? - -NORA. -With several children. There now, it is burning up. [Shuts the door of -the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.] - -MRS LINDE. -They say he carries on various kinds of business. - -NORA. -Really! Perhaps he does; I don’t know anything about it. But don’t let -us think of business; it is so tiresome. - -DOCTOR RANK. -_[comes out of HELMER’S study. Before he shuts the door he calls to -him]_. No, my dear fellow, I won’t disturb you; I would rather go in to -your wife for a little while. _[Shuts the door and sees Mrs LINDE.]_ I -beg your pardon; I am afraid I am disturbing you too. - -NORA. -No, not at all. _[Introducing him]_. Doctor Rank, Mrs Linde. - -RANK. -I have often heard Mrs Linde’s name mentioned here. I think I passed -you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs Linde? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, I go up very slowly; I can’t manage stairs well. - -RANK. -Ah! some slight internal weakness? - -MRS LINDE. -No, the fact is I have been overworking myself. - -RANK. -Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to town to amuse -yourself with our entertainments? - -MRS LINDE. -I have come to look for work. - -RANK. -Is that a good cure for overwork? - -MRS LINDE. -One must live, Doctor Rank. - -RANK. -Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary. - -NORA. -Look here, Doctor Rank—you know you want to live. - -RANK. -Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong the agony as -long as possible. All my patients are like that. And so are those who -are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad case too, is at this very -moment with Helmer— - -MRS LINDE. -_[sadly]_. Ah! - -NORA. -Whom do you mean? - -RANK. -A lawyer of the name of Krogstad, a fellow you don’t know at all. He -suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs Helmer; but even he began -talking of its being highly important that he should live. - -NORA. -Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about? - -RANK. -I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about the Bank. - -NORA. -I didn’t know this—what’s his name—Krogstad had anything to do with the -Bank. - -RANK. -Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. _[To Mrs Linde.]_ I don’t -know whether you find also in your part of the world that there are -certain people who go zealously snuffing about to smell out moral -corruption, and, as soon as they have found some, put the person -concerned into some lucrative position where they can keep their eye on -him. Healthy natures are left out in the cold. - -MRS LINDE. -Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care of. - -RANK. -_[shrugging his shoulders]_. Yes, there you are. That is the sentiment -that is turning Society into a sick-house. - -_[NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into -smothered laughter and claps her hands.]_ - -RANK. -Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society really is? - -NORA. -What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at something quite -different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, Doctor Rank, are all -the people who are employed in the Bank dependent on Torvald now? - -RANK. -Is that what you find so extremely amusing? - -NORA. -_[smiling and humming]_. That’s my affair! _[Walking about the room.]_ -It’s perfectly glorious to think that we have—that Torvald has so much -power over so many people. _[Takes the packet from her pocket.]_ Doctor -Rank, what do you say to a macaroon? - -RANK. -What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here. - -NORA. -Yes, but these are some Christine gave me. - -MRS LINDE. -What! I?— - -NORA. -Oh, well, don’t be alarmed! You couldn’t know that Torvald had -forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil my -teeth. But, bah!—once in a way—That’s so, isn’t it, Doctor Rank? By -your leave! _[Puts a macaroon into his mouth.]_ You must have one too, -Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one—or at most two. -_[Walking about.]_ I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in -the world now that I should dearly love to do. - -RANK. -Well, what is that? - -NORA. -It’s something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald could hear me. - -RANK. -Well, why can’t you say it? - -NORA. -No, I daren’t; it’s so shocking. - -MRS LINDE. -Shocking? - -RANK. -Well, I should not advise you to say it. Still, with us you might. What -is it you would so much like to say if Torvald could hear you? - -NORA. -I should just love to say—Well, I’m damned! - -RANK. -Are you mad? - -MRS LINDE. -Nora, dear—! - -RANK. -Say it, here he is! - -NORA. -_[hiding the packet]_. Hush! Hush! Hush! _[HELMER comes out of his -room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.]_ - -NORA. -Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him? - -HELMER. -Yes, he has just gone. - -NORA. -Let me introduce you—this is Christine, who has come to town. - -HELMER. -Christine—? Excuse me, but I don’t know— - -NORA. -Mrs Linde, dear; Christine Linde. - -HELMER. -Of course. A school friend of my wife’s, I presume? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, we have known each other since then. - -NORA. -And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you. - -HELMER. -What do you mean? - -MRS LINDE. -No, really, I— - -NORA. -Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is -frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect -herself— - -HELMER. -Very sensible, Mrs Linde. - -NORA. -And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank—the news -was telegraphed, you know—she 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? - -HELMER. -Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a widow, Mrs -Linde? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes. - -HELMER. -And have had some experience of book-keeping? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, a fair amount. - -HELMER. -Ah! well, it’s very likely I may be able to find something for you— - -NORA. -_[clapping her hands]_. What did I tell you? What did I tell you? - -HELMER. -You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs Linde. - -MRS LINDE. -How am I to thank you? - -HELMER. -There is no need. _[Puts on his coat.]_ But today you must excuse me— - -RANK. -Wait a minute; I will come with you. _[Brings his fur coat from the -hall and warms it at the fire.]_ - -NORA. -Don’t be long away, Torvald dear. - -HELMER. -About an hour, not more. - -NORA. -Are you going too, Christine? - -MRS LINDE. -_[putting on her cloak]_. Yes, I must go and look for a room. - -HELMER. -Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together. - -NORA. -_[helping her]_. What a pity it is we are so short of space here; I am -afraid it is impossible for us— - -MRS LINDE. -Please don’t think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and many thanks. - -NORA. -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. _[They go to the door all talking -together. Children’s voices are heard on the staircase.]_ - -NORA. -There they are! There they are! _[She runs to open the door. The NURSE -comes in with the children.]_ Come in! Come in! _[Stoops and kisses -them.]_ Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren’t they -darlings? - -RANK. -Don’t let us stand here in the draught. - -HELMER. -Come along, Mrs Linde; the place will only be bearable for a mother -now! - -_[RANK, HELMER, and Mrs Linde go downstairs. The NURSE comes forward -with the children; NORA shuts the hall door.]_ - -NORA. -How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples and roses. -_[The children all talk at once while she speaks to them.]_ Have you -had great fun? That’s splendid! What, you pulled both Emmy and Bob -along on the sledge? —both at once?—that was good. You are a clever -boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, Anne. My sweet little baby -doll! _[Takes the baby from the MAID and dances it up and down.]_ Yes, -yes, mother will dance with Bob too. What! Have you been 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. - -_[The NURSE goes into the room on the left. NORA takes off the -children’s things and throws them about, while they all talk to her at -once.]_ - -NORA. -Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn’t bite you? No, dogs -don’t bite nice little dolly children. You mustn’t look at the parcels, -Ivar. What are they? Ah, I daresay you would like to know. No, no—it’s -something nasty! Come, let us have a game! What shall we play at? Hide -and Seek? Yes, we’ll play Hide and Seek. Bob shall hide first. Must I -hide? Very well, I’ll hide first. _[She and the children laugh and -shout, and romp in and out of the room; at last NORA hides under the -table, the children rush in and 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.]_ - -KROGSTAD. -Excuse me, Mrs Helmer. - -NORA. -_[with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her knees]_. Ah! -what do you want? - -KROGSTAD. -Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone forgot to shut -it. - -NORA. -_[rising]_. My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad. - -KROGSTAD. -I know that. - -NORA. -What do you want here, then? - -KROGSTAD. -A word with you. - -NORA. -With me?—_[To the children, gently.]_ Go in to nurse. What? No, the -strange man won’t do mother any harm. When he has gone we will have -another game. _[She takes the children into the room on the left, and -shuts the door after them.]_ You want to speak to me? - -KROGSTAD. -Yes, I do. - -NORA. -Today? It is not the first of the month yet. - -KROGSTAD. -No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself what sort of a -Christmas you will spend. - -NORA. -What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me— - -KROGSTAD. -We won’t talk about that until later on. This is something different. I -presume you can give me a moment? - -NORA. -Yes—yes, I can—although— - -KROGSTAD. -Good. I was in Olsen’s Restaurant and saw your husband going down the -street— - -NORA. -Yes? - -KROGSTAD. -With a lady. - -NORA. -What then? - -KROGSTAD. -May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs Linde? - -NORA. -It was. - -KROGSTAD. -Just arrived in town? - -NORA. -Yes, today. - -KROGSTAD. -She is a great friend of yours, isn’t she? - -NORA. -She is. But I don’t see— - -KROGSTAD. -I knew her too, once upon a time. - -NORA. -I am aware of that. - -KROGSTAD. -Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. Then I can ask -you, without beating about the bush—is Mrs Linde to have an appointment -in the Bank? - -NORA. -What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?—You, one of my -husband’s subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs -Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause, -Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that. - -KROGSTAD. -I was right in what I thought, then. - -NORA. -_[walking up and down the stage]_. Sometimes one has a tiny little bit -of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not -necessarily follow that—. When anyone is in a subordinate position, Mr. -Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone -who—who— - -KROGSTAD. -Who has influence? - -NORA. -Exactly. - -KROGSTAD. -_[changing his tone]_. Mrs Helmer, you will be so good as to use your -influence on my behalf. - -NORA. -What? What do you mean? - -KROGSTAD. -You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate -position in the Bank. - -NORA. -What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you? - -KROGSTAD. -Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of ignorance. I can -quite understand that your friend is not very anxious to expose herself -to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I quite understand, -too, whom I have to thank for being turned off. - -NORA. -But I assure you— - -KROGSTAD. -Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should -advise you to use your influence to prevent that. - -NORA. -But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence. - -KROGSTAD. -Haven’t you? I thought you said yourself just now— - -NORA. -Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I! What -should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my -husband? - -KROGSTAD. -Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don’t suppose he -is any more unassailable than other husbands. - -NORA. -If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the -house. - -KROGSTAD. -You are bold, Mrs Helmer. - -NORA. -I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year comes, I -shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing. - -KROGSTAD. -_[controlling himself]_. Listen to me, Mrs Helmer. If necessary, I am -prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were fighting -for my life. - -NORA. -So it seems. - -KROGSTAD. -It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs least -with me in the matter. There is another reason—well, I may as well tell -you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like everybody else, that -once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion. - -NORA. -I think I have heard something of the kind. - -KROGSTAD. -The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be closed to -me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I had to do -something; and, honestly, 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. - -NORA. -But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help -you at all. - -KROGSTAD. -Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel -you. - -NORA. -You don’t mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money? - -KROGSTAD. -Hm!—suppose I were to tell him? - -NORA. -It would be perfectly infamous of you. _[Sobbing.]_ To think of his -learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, -clumsy way—that he should learn it from you! And it would put me in a -horribly disagreeable position— - -KROGSTAD. -Only disagreeable? - -NORA. -_[impetuously]_. Well, do it, then!—and it will be the worse for you. -My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you are, and you -certainly won’t keep your post then. - -KROGSTAD. -I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were -afraid of? - -NORA. -If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once pay you -what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to do with you. - -KROGSTAD. -_[coming a step nearer]_. Listen to me, Mrs Helmer. Either you have a -very bad memory or you know very little of business. I shall be obliged -to remind you of a few details. - -NORA. -What do you mean? - -KROGSTAD. -When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two hundred and -fifty pounds. - -NORA. -I didn’t know anyone else to go to. - -KROGSTAD. -I promised to get you that amount— - -NORA. -Yes, and you did so. - -KROGSTAD. -I promised to get you that amount, on certain conditions. Your mind was -so taken up with your husband’s illness, and you were so anxious to get -the money for your journey, that you seem to have paid no attention to -the conditions of our bargain. Therefore it will not be amiss if I -remind you of them. Now, I promised to get the money on the security of -a bond which I drew up. - -NORA. -Yes, and which I signed. - -KROGSTAD. -Good. But below your signature there were a few lines constituting your -father a surety for the money; those lines your father should have -signed. - -NORA. -Should? He did sign them. - -KROGSTAD. -I had left the date blank; that is to say, your father should himself -have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. Do you remember -that? - -NORA. -Yes, I think I remember— - -KROGSTAD. -Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is that not -so? - -NORA. -Yes. - -KROGSTAD. -And you naturally did so at once, because five or six days afterwards -you brought me the bond with your father’s signature. And then I gave -you the money. - -NORA. -Well, haven’t I been paying it off regularly? - -KROGSTAD. -Fairly so, yes. But—to come back to the matter in hand—that must have -been a very trying time for you, Mrs Helmer? - -NORA. -It was, indeed. - -KROGSTAD. -Your father was very ill, wasn’t he? - -NORA. -He was very near his end. - -KROGSTAD. -And died soon afterwards? - -NORA. -Yes. - -KROGSTAD. -Tell me, Mrs Helmer, can you by any chance remember what day your -father died?—on what day of the month, I mean. - -NORA. -Papa died on the 29th of September. - -KROGSTAD. -That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as that is so, -there is a discrepancy _[taking a paper from his pocket]_ which I -cannot account for. - -NORA. -What discrepancy? I don’t know— - -KROGSTAD. -The discrepancy consists, Mrs Helmer, in the fact that your father -signed this bond three days after his death. - -NORA. -What do you mean? I don’t understand— - -KROGSTAD. -Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look here; your father -has dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is a discrepancy, isn’t -it? _[NORA is silent.]_ Can you explain it to me? _[NORA is still -silent.]_ It is a remarkable thing, too, that the words “2nd of -October,” as well as the year, are not written in your father’s -handwriting but in one that I think I know. Well, of course it can be -explained; your father may have forgotten to date his signature, and -someone else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of his death. -There is no harm in that. It all depends on the signature of the name; -and that is genuine, I suppose, Mrs Helmer? It was your father himself -who signed his name here? - -NORA. -_[after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly at him]_. -No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa’s name. - -KROGSTAD. -Are you aware that is a dangerous confession? - -NORA. -In what way? You shall have your money soon. - -KROGSTAD. -Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to your -father? - -NORA. -It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him for his -signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was to be used -for; and when he was so ill himself I couldn’t tell him that my -husband’s life was in danger—it was impossible. - -KROGSTAD. -It would have been better for you if you had given up your trip abroad. - -NORA. -No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband’s life; I -couldn’t give that up. - -KROGSTAD. -But did it never occur to you that you were committing a fraud on me? - -NORA. -I couldn’t take that into account; I didn’t trouble myself about you at -all. I couldn’t bear you, because you put so many heartless -difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous condition my -husband was in. - -KROGSTAD. -Mrs Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly what it is that you -have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my one false step, which -lost me all my reputation, was nothing more or nothing worse than what -you have done. - -NORA. -You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run a risk -to save your wife’s life? - -KROGSTAD. -The law cares nothing about motives. - -NORA. -Then it must be a very foolish law. - -KROGSTAD. -Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if I produce -this paper in court. - -NORA. -I don’t believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to spare her dying -father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be allowed to save her -husband’s life? I don’t know much about law; but I am certain that -there must be laws permitting such things as that. Have you no -knowledge of such laws—you who are a lawyer? You must be a very poor -lawyer, Mr. Krogstad. - -KROGSTAD. -Maybe. But matters of business—such business as you and I have had -together—do you think I don’t understand that? Very well. Do as you -please. But let me tell you this—if I lose my position a second time, -you shall lose yours with me. _[He bows, and goes out through the -hall.]_ - -NORA. -_[appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her head]_. -Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!—I am not so silly as he -thinks. _[Begins to busy herself putting the children’s things in -order.]_ And yet—? No, it’s impossible! I did it for love’s sake. - -THE CHILDREN. -_[in the doorway on the left]_. Mother, the stranger man has gone out -through the gate. - -NORA. -Yes, dears, I know. But, don’t tell anyone about the stranger man. Do -you hear? Not even papa. - -CHILDREN. -No, mother; but will you come and play again? - -NORA. -No, no,—not now. - -CHILDREN. -But, mother, you promised us. - -NORA. -Yes, but I can’t now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run away -in, my sweet little darlings. _[She gets them into the room by degrees -and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes up a -piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops.]_ No! -_[Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.]_ -Helen! bring the Tree in. _[Goes to the table on the left, opens a -drawer, and stops again.]_ No, no! it is quite impossible! - -MAID. -_[coming in with the Tree]_. Where shall I put it, ma’am? - -NORA. -Here, in the middle of the floor. - -MAID. -Shall I get you anything else? - -NORA. -No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit MAID.] - -NORA. -_[begins dressing the tree]_. A candle here-and flowers here—The -horrible man! It’s all nonsense—there’s nothing wrong. The tree shall -be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to please you, -Torvald!—I will sing for you, dance for you—_[HELMER comes in with some -papers under his arm.]_ Oh! are you back already? - -HELMER. -Yes. Has anyone been here? - -NORA. -Here? No. - -HELMER. -That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate. - -NORA. -Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment. - -HELMER. -Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging you to -say a good word for him. - -NORA. -Yes. - -HELMER. -And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were to conceal -from me the fact of his having been here; didn’t he beg that of you -too? - -NORA. -Yes, Torvald, but— - -HELMER. -Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To have any -talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? And to -tell me a lie into the bargain? - -NORA. -A lie—? - -HELMER. -Didn’t you tell me no one had been here? _[Shakes his finger at her.]_ -My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a -clean beak to chirp with—no false notes! _[Puts his arm round her -waist.]_ That is so, isn’t it? Yes, I am sure it is. _[Lets her go.]_ -We will say no more about it. _[Sits down by the stove.]_ How warm and -snug it is here! _[Turns over his papers.]_ - -NORA. -_[after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the -Christmas Tree.]_ Torvald! - -HELMER. -Yes. - -NORA. -I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the -Stenborgs’ the day after tomorrow. - -HELMER. -And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me -with. - -NORA. -It was very silly of me to want to do that. - -HELMER. -What do you mean? - -NORA. -I can’t hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of seems so -silly and insignificant. - -HELMER. -Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? - -NORA. -_[standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it]_. Are you -very busy, Torvald? - -HELMER. -Well— - -NORA. -What are all those papers? - -HELMER. -Bank business. - -NORA. -Already? - -HELMER. -I have got authority from the retiring manager to undertake the -necessary changes in the staff and in the rearrangement of the work; -and I must make use of the Christmas week for that, so as to have -everything in order for the new year. - -NORA. -Then that was why this poor Krogstad— - -HELMER. -Hm! - -NORA. -_[leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair]_. If you -hadn’t been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, -Torvald. - -HELMER. -What is that? Tell me. - -NORA. -There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so want to look -nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn’t you take me in hand and -decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shall wear? - -HELMER. -Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to -her rescue? - -NORA. -Yes, Torvald, I can’t get along a bit without your help. - -HELMER. -Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon something. - -NORA. -That is nice of you. _[Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short pause.]_ How -pretty the red flowers look—. But, tell me, was it really something -very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of? - -HELMER. -He forged someone’s name. Have you any idea what that means? - -NORA. -Isn’t it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity? - -HELMER. -Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so heartless as -to condemn a man altogether because of a single false step of that -kind. - -NORA. -No, you wouldn’t, would you, Torvald? - -HELMER. -Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has openly -confessed his fault and taken his punishment. - -NORA. -Punishment—? - -HELMER. -But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out of it by a -cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether. - -NORA. -But do you think it would—? - -HELMER. -Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the hypocrite -with 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. - -NORA. -How? - -HELMER. -Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life -of a home. Each breath the children take in such a house is full of the -germs of evil. - -NORA. -_[coming nearer him]_. Are you sure of that? - -HELMER. -My dear, I have often seen it in the course of my life as a lawyer. -Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has had a -deceitful mother. - -NORA. -Why do you only say—mother? - -HELMER. -It seems most commonly to be the mother’s influence, though naturally a -bad father’s would have the same result. Every lawyer is familiar with -the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been persistently poisoning his own -children with lies and dissimulation; that is why I say he has lost all -moral character. _[Holds out his hands to her.]_ That is why my sweet -little Nora must promise me not to plead his cause. Give me your hand -on it. Come, come, what is this? Give me your hand. There now, that’s -settled. I assure you it would be quite impossible for me to work with -him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the company of such -people. - -NORA. -_[takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of the -Christmas Tree]_. How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot to do. - -HELMER. -_[getting up and putting his papers in order]_. Yes, and I must try and -read through some of these before dinner; and I must think about your -costume, too. And it is just possible I may have something ready in -gold paper to hang up on the Tree. _[Puts his hand on her head.]_ My -precious little singing-bird! _[He goes into his room and shuts the -door after him.]_ - -NORA. -_[after a pause, whispers]_. No, no—it isn’t true. It’s impossible; it -must be impossible. - -_[The NURSE opens the door on the left.]_ - -NURSE. -The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come in to mamma. - -NORA. -No, no, no! Don’t let them come in to me! You stay with them, Anne. - -NURSE. -Very well, ma’am. _[Shuts the door.]_ - -NORA. -_[pale with terror]_. Deprave my little children? Poison my home? _[A -short pause. Then she tosses her head.]_ It’s not true. It can’t -possibly be true. - - - - -ACT II - - -_[THE SAME SCENE.—THE Christmas Tree is in the corner by the piano, -stripped of its ornaments and with burnt-down candle-ends on its -dishevelled branches. NORA’S cloak and hat are lying on the sofa. She -is alone in the room, walking about uneasily. She stops by the sofa and -takes up her cloak.]_ - -NORA. -_[drops her cloak]_. Someone is coming now! _[Goes to the door and -listens.]_ No—it is no one. Of course, no one will come today, -Christmas Day—nor tomorrow either. But, perhaps—_[opens the door and -looks out]_. No, nothing in the letterbox; it is quite empty. _[Comes -forward.]_ What rubbish! of course he can’t be in earnest about it. -Such a thing couldn’t happen; it is impossible—I have three little -children. - -_[Enter the NURSE from the room on the left, carrying a big cardboard -box.]_ - -NURSE. -At last I have found the box with the fancy dress. - -NORA. -Thanks; put it on the table. - -NURSE. -_[doing so]_. But it is very much in want of mending. - -NORA. -I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces. - -NURSE. -What an idea! It can easily be put in order—just a little patience. - -NORA. -Yes, I will go and get Mrs Linde to come and help me with it. - -NURSE. -What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch cold, ma’am, -and make yourself ill. - -NORA. -Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children? - -NURSE. -The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, but— - -NORA. -Do they ask much for me? - -NURSE. -You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them. - -NORA. -Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now as I -was before. - -NURSE. -Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything. - -NORA. -Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if she -went away altogether? - -NURSE. -Good heavens!—went away altogether? - -NORA. -Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often wondered about—how -could you have the heart to put your own child out among strangers? - -NURSE. -I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora’s nurse. - -NORA. -Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? - -NURSE. -What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A poor girl who -has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, that wicked man didn’t -do a single thing for me. - -NORA. -But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you. - -NURSE. -No, indeed she hasn’t. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, and when -she was married. - -NORA. -_[putting her arms round her neck]_. Dear old Anne, you were a good -mother to me when I was little. - -NURSE. -Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. - -NORA. -And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would—What -nonsense I am talking! _[Opens the box.]_ Go in to them. Now I must—. -You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look. - -NURSE. -I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as you, ma’am. -_[Goes into the room on the left.]_ - -NORA. -_[begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from her]_. If only -I dared go out. If only no one would come. If only I could be sure -nothing would happen here in the meantime. Stuff and nonsense! No one -will come. Only I mustn’t think about it. I will brush my muff. What -lovely, lovely gloves! Out of my thoughts, out of my thoughts! One, -two, three, four, five, six— _[Screams.]_ Ah! there is someone coming—. -_[Makes a movement towards the door, but stands irresolute.]_ - -_[Enter Mrs Linde from the hall, where she has taken off her cloak and -hat.]_ - -NORA. -Oh, it’s you, Christine. There is no one else out there, is there? How -good of you to come! - -MRS LINDE. -I heard you were up asking for me. - -NORA. -Yes, I was passing by. As a matter of fact, it is something you could -help me with. Let us sit down here on the sofa. Look here. Tomorrow -evening there is to be a fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs’, who live -above us; and Torvald wants me to go as a Neapolitan fisher-girl, and -dance the Tarantella that I learned at Capri. - -MRS LINDE. -I see; you are going to keep up the character. - -NORA. -Yes, Torvald wants me to. Look, here is the dress; Torvald had it made -for me there, but now it is all so torn, and I haven’t any idea— - -MRS LINDE. -We will easily put that right. It is only some of the trimming come -unsewn here and there. Needle and thread? Now then, that’s all we want. - -NORA. -It is nice of you. - -MRS LINDE. -_[sewing]_. So you are going to be dressed up tomorrow Nora. I will -tell you what—I shall come in for a moment and see you in your fine -feathers. But I have completely forgotten to thank you for a delightful -evening yesterday. - -NORA. -_[gets up, and crosses the stage]_. Well, I don’t think yesterday was -as pleasant as usual. You ought to have come to town a little earlier, -Christine. Certainly Torvald does understand how to make a house dainty -and attractive. - -MRS LINDE. -And so do you, it seems to me; you are not your father’s daughter for -nothing. But tell me, is Doctor Rank always as depressed as he was -yesterday? - -NORA. -No; yesterday it was very noticeable. I must tell you that he suffers -from a very dangerous disease. He has consumption of the spine, poor -creature. His father was a horrible man who committed all sorts of -excesses; and that is why his son was sickly from childhood, do you -understand? - -MRS LINDE. -_[dropping her sewing]_. But, my dearest Nora, how do you know anything -about such things? - -NORA. -_[walking about]_. Pooh! When you have three children, you get visits -now and then from—from married women, who know something of medical -matters, and they talk about one thing and another. - -MRS LINDE. -_[goes on sewing. A short silence]_. Does Doctor Rank come here -everyday? - -NORA. -Everyday regularly. He is Torvald’s most intimate friend, and a great -friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family. - -MRS LINDE. -But tell me this—is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn’t he the kind of -man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable? - -NORA. -Not in the least. What makes you think that? - -MRS LINDE. -When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he had often heard -my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I noticed that your -husband hadn’t the slightest idea who I was. So how could Doctor Rank—? - -NORA. -That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of me that -he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first he used to seem -almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk at home, so -naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about such things with -Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them. - -MRS LINDE. -Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in many 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. - -NORA. -What ought I to make an end of? - -MRS LINDE. -Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense about a rich -admirer who was to leave you money— - -NORA. -An admirer who doesn’t exist, unfortunately! But what then? - -MRS LINDE. -Is Doctor Rank a man of means? - -NORA. -Yes, he is. - -MRS LINDE. -And has no one to provide for? - -NORA. -No, no one; but— - -MRS LINDE. -And comes here everyday? - -NORA. -Yes, I told you so. - -MRS LINDE. -But how can this well-bred man be so tactless? - -NORA. -I don’t understand you at all. - -MRS LINDE. -Don’t prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don’t guess who lent you the -two hundred and fifty pounds? - -NORA. -Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! A friend -of ours, who comes here everyday! Do you realise what a horribly -painful position that would be? - -MRS LINDE. -Then it really isn’t he? - -NORA. -No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head for a -moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into his money -afterwards. - -MRS LINDE. -Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora. - -NORA. -No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank. Although -I am quite sure that if I had asked him— - -MRS LINDE. -But of course you won’t. - -NORA. -Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly be -necessary. But I am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank— - -MRS LINDE. -Behind your husband’s back? - -NORA. -I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will be behind -his back too. I must make an end of it with him. - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but— - -NORA. -_[walking up and down]_. A man can put a thing like that straight much -easier than a woman— - -MRS LINDE. -One’s husband, yes. - -NORA. -Nonsense! _[Standing still.]_ When you pay off a debt you get your bond -back, don’t you? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, as a matter of course. - -NORA. -And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up—the -nasty dirty paper! - -MRS LINDE. -_[looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly]_. Nora, -you are concealing something from me. - -NORA. -Do I look as if I were? - -MRS LINDE. -Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, what is -it? - -NORA. -_[going nearer to her]_. Christine! _[Listens.]_ Hush! there’s Torvald -come home. Do you mind going in to the children for the present? -Torvald can’t bear to see dressmaking going on. Let Anne help you. - -MRS LINDE. -_[gathering some of the things together]_. Certainly—but I am not going -away from here until we have had it out with one another. _[She goes -into the room on the left, as HELMER comes in from the hall.]_ - -NORA. -_[going up to HELMER]_. I have wanted you so much, Torvald dear. - -HELMER. -Was that the dressmaker? - -NORA. -No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in order. You -will see I shall look quite smart. - -HELMER. -Wasn’t that a happy thought of mine, now? - -NORA. -Splendid! But don’t you think it is nice of me, too, to do as you wish? - -HELMER. -Nice?—because you do as your husband wishes? Well, well, you little -rogue, I am sure you did not mean it in that way. But I am not going to -disturb you; you will want to be trying on your dress, I expect. - -NORA. -I suppose you are going to work. - -HELMER. -Yes. _[Shows her a bundle of papers.]_ Look at that. I have just been -into the bank. _[Turns to go into his room.]_ - -NORA. -Torvald. - -HELMER. -Yes. - -NORA. -If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, very -prettily—? - -HELMER. -What then? - -NORA. -Would you do it? - -HELMER. -I should like to hear what it is, first. - -NORA. -Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you would be -nice, and do what she wants. - -HELMER. -Speak plainly. - -NORA. -Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song rising and -falling— - -HELMER. -Well, my skylark does that anyhow. - -NORA. -I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, Torvald. - -HELMER. -Nora—you surely don’t mean that request you made to me this morning? - -NORA. -_[going near him]_. Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly— - -HELMER. -Have you really the courage to open up that question again? - -NORA. -Yes, dear, you must do as I ask; you must let Krogstad keep his post in -the bank. - -HELMER. -My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs Linde shall have. - -NORA. -Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could just as well -dismiss some other clerk instead of Krogstad. - -HELMER. -This is simply incredible obstinacy! Because you chose to give him a -thoughtless promise that you would speak for him, I am expected to— - -NORA. -That isn’t the reason, Torvald. It is for your own sake. This fellow -writes in the most scurrilous newspapers; you have told me so yourself. -He can do you an unspeakable amount of harm. I am frightened to death -of him— - -HELMER. -Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that scare you. - -NORA. -What do you mean? - -HELMER. -Naturally you are thinking of your father. - -NORA. -Yes—yes, of course. Just recall to your mind what these malicious -creatures wrote in the papers about papa, and how horribly they -slandered him. I believe they would have procured his dismissal if the -Department had not sent you over to inquire into it, and if you had not -been so kindly disposed and helpful to him. - -HELMER. -My little Nora, there is an important difference between your father -and me. Your father’s reputation as a public official was not above -suspicion. Mine is, and I hope it will continue to be so, as long as I -hold my office. - -NORA. -You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought to be -so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no -cares—you and I and the children, Torvald! That is why I beg you so -earnestly— - -HELMER. -And it is just by interceding for him that you make it impossible for -me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank that I mean to dismiss -Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the new manager has changed his -mind at his wife’s bidding— - -NORA. -And what if it did? - -HELMER. -Of course!—if only this obstinate little person can get her way! Do you -suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole staff, to -let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of outside -influence? I should very soon feel the consequences of it, I can tell -you! And besides, there is one thing that makes it quite impossible for -me to have Krogstad in the Bank as long as I am manager. - -NORA. -Whatever is that? - -HELMER. -His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if necessary— - -NORA. -Yes, you could—couldn’t you? - -HELMER. -And I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when we were boys. -It was one of those rash friendships that so often prove an incubus in -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. - -NORA. -Torvald, I don’t believe you mean that. - -HELMER. -Don’t you? Why not? - -NORA. -Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at things. - -HELMER. -What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am narrow-minded? - -NORA. -No, just the opposite, dear—and it is exactly for that reason. - -HELMER. -It’s the same thing. You say my point of view is narrow-minded, so I -must be so too. Narrow-minded! Very well—I must put an end to this. -_[Goes to the hall door and calls.]_ Helen! - -NORA. -What are you going to do? - -HELMER. -_[looking among his papers]_. Settle it. _[Enter MAID.]_ Look here; -take this letter and go downstairs with it at once. Find a messenger -and tell him to deliver it, and be quick. The address is on it, and -here is the money. - -MAID. -Very well, sir. _[Exit with the letter.]_ - -HELMER. -_[putting his papers together]_. Now then, little Miss Obstinate. - -NORA. -_[breathlessly]_. Torvald—what was that letter? - -HELMER. -Krogstad’s dismissal. - -NORA. -Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald, call her back! -Do it for my sake—for your own sake—for the children’s sake! Do you -hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You don’t know what that letter can -bring upon us. - -HELMER. -It’s too late. - -NORA. -Yes, it’s too late. - -HELMER. -My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although really it -is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn’t it an insult to think that I -should be afraid of a starving quill-driver’s vengeance? But I forgive -you nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your great -love for me. _[Takes her in his arms.]_ And that is as it should be, my -own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall have both -courage and strength if they be needed. You will see I am man enough to -take everything upon myself. - -NORA. -_[in a horror-stricken voice]_. What do you mean by that? - -HELMER. -Everything, I say— - -NORA. -_[recovering herself]_. You will never have to do that. - -HELMER. -That’s right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man and wife should. -That is how it shall be. _[Caressing her.]_ Are you content now? There! -There!—not these frightened dove’s eyes! The whole thing is only the -wildest fancy!—Now, you must go and play through the Tarantella and -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. _[Turns back at the door.]_ And when Rank comes, tell him -where he will find me. _[Nods to her, takes his papers and goes into -his room, and shuts the door after him.]_ - -NORA. -_[bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, and -whispers]_. He was capable of doing it. He will do it. He will do it in -spite of everything.—No, not that! Never, never! Anything rather than -that! Oh, for some help, some way out of it! _[The door-bell rings.]_ -Doctor Rank! Anything rather than that—anything, whatever it is! _[She -puts her hands over her face, pulls herself together, goes to the door -and opens it. RANK is standing without, hanging up his coat. During the -following dialogue it begins to grow dark.]_ - -NORA. -Good day, Doctor Rank. I knew your ring. But you mustn’t go in to -Torvald now; I think he is busy with something. - -RANK. -And you? - -NORA. -_[brings him in and shuts the door after him]_. Oh, you know very well -I always have time for you. - -RANK. -Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can. - -NORA. -What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can? - -RANK. -Well, does that alarm you? - -NORA. -It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely to happen? - -RANK. -Nothing but what I have long been prepared for. But I certainly didn’t -expect it to happen so soon. - -NORA. -_[gripping him by the arm]_. What have you found out? Doctor Rank, you -must tell me. - -RANK. -_[sitting down by the stove]_. It is all up with me. And it can’t be -helped. - -NORA. -_[with a sigh of relief]_. Is it about yourself? - -RANK. -Who else? It is no use lying to one’s self. I am the most wretched of -all my patients, Mrs Helmer. Lately I have been taking stock of my -internal economy. Bankrupt! Probably within a month I shall lie rotting -in the churchyard. - -NORA. -What an ugly thing to say! - -RANK. -The thing itself is cursedly ugly, and the worst of it is that I shall -have to face so much more that is ugly before that. I shall only make -one more examination of myself; when I have done that, I shall know -pretty certainly when it will be that the horrors of dissolution will -begin. There is something I want to tell you. Helmer’s refined nature -gives him an unconquerable disgust at everything that is ugly; I won’t -have him in my sick-room. - -NORA. -Oh, but, Doctor Rank— - -RANK. -I won’t have him there. Not on any account. I bar my door to him. As -soon as I am quite certain that the worst has come, I shall send you my -card with a black cross on it, and then you will know that the -loathsome end has begun. - -NORA. -You are quite absurd today. And I wanted you so much to be in a really -good humour. - -RANK. -With death stalking beside me?—To have to pay this penalty for another -man’s sin? Is there any justice in that? And in every single family, in -one way or another, some such inexorable retribution is being exacted— - -NORA. -_[putting her hands over her ears]_. Rubbish! Do talk of something -cheerful. - -RANK. -Oh, it’s a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor innocent -spine has to suffer for my father’s youthful amusements. - -NORA. -_[sitting at the table on the left]_. I suppose you mean that he was -too partial to asparagus and pate de foie gras, don’t you? - -RANK. -Yes, and to truffles. - -NORA. -Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose? - -RANK. -Oysters, of course, that goes without saying. - -NORA. -And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these nice things -should take their revenge on our bones. - -RANK. -Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky bones of -those who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them. - -NORA. -Yes, that’s the saddest part of it all. - -RANK. -_[with a searching look at her]_. Hm!— - -NORA. -_[after a short pause]_. Why did you smile? - -RANK. -No, it was you that laughed. - -NORA. -No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank! - -RANK. -_[rising]_. You are a greater rascal than I thought. - -NORA. -I am in a silly mood today. - -RANK. -So it seems. - -NORA. -_[putting her hands on his shoulders]_. Dear, dear Doctor Rank, death -mustn’t take you away from Torvald and me. - -RANK. -It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are gone are soon -forgotten. - -NORA. -_[looking at him anxiously]_. Do you believe that? - -RANK. -People form new ties, and then— - -NORA. -Who will form new ties? - -RANK. -Both you and Helmer, when I am gone. You yourself are already on the -high road to it, I think. What did that Mrs Linde want here last night? - -NORA. -Oho!—you don’t mean to say you are jealous of poor Christine? - -RANK. -Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am done for, -this woman will— - -NORA. -Hush! don’t speak so loud. She is in that room. - -RANK. -Today again. There, you see. - -NORA. -She has only come to sew my dress for me. Bless my soul, how -unreasonable you are! _[Sits down on the sofa.]_ Be nice now, Doctor -Rank, and 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. -_[Takes various things out of the box.]_ Doctor Rank, come and sit down -here, and I will show you something. - -RANK. -_[sitting down]_. What is it? - -NORA. -Just look at those! - -RANK. -Silk stockings. - -NORA. -Flesh-coloured. Aren’t they lovely? It is so dark here now, but -tomorrow—. No, no, no! you must only look at the feet. Oh well, you may -have leave to look at the legs too. - -RANK. -Hm!— - -NORA. -Why are you looking so critical? Don’t you think they will fit me? - -RANK. -I have no means of forming an opinion about that. - -NORA. -_[looks at him for a moment]_. For shame! _[Hits him lightly on the ear -with the stockings.]_ That’s to punish you. _[Folds them up again.]_ - -RANK. -And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see? - -NORA. -Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. _[She looks among the -things, humming to herself.]_ - -RANK. -_[after a short silence]_. When I am sitting here, talking to you as -intimately as this, I cannot imagine for a moment what would have -become of me if I had never come into this house. - -NORA. -_[smiling]_. I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. - -RANK. -_[in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him]_. And to be -obliged to leave it all— - -NORA. -Nonsense, you are not going to leave it. - -RANK. -_[as before]_. And not be able to leave behind one the slightest token -of one’s gratitude, scarcely even a fleeting regret—nothing but an -empty place which the first comer can fill as well as any other. - -NORA. -And if I asked you now for a—? No! - -RANK. -For what? - -NORA. -For a big proof of your friendship— - -RANK. -Yes, yes! - -NORA. -I mean a tremendously big favour— - -RANK. -Would you really make me so happy for once? - -NORA. -Ah, but you don’t know what it is yet. - -RANK. -No—but tell me. - -NORA. -I really can’t, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason; it -means advice, and help, and a favour— - -RANK. -The bigger a thing it is the better. I can’t conceive what it is you -mean. Do tell me. Haven’t I your confidence? - -NORA. -More than anyone else. I know you are my truest and best friend, and so -I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it is something you must -help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, how inexpressibly deeply -Torvald loves me; he would never for a moment hesitate to give his life -for me. - -RANK. -_[leaning towards her]_. Nora—do you think he is the only one—? - -NORA. -_[with a slight start]_. The only one—? - -RANK. -The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake. - -NORA. -_[sadly]_. Is that it? - -RANK. -I was determined you should know it before I went away, and there will -never be a better opportunity than this. Now you know it, Nora. And now -you know, too, that you can trust me as you would trust no one else. - -NORA. -_[rises, deliberately and quietly]_. Let me pass. - -RANK. -_[makes room for her to pass him, but sits still]_. Nora! - -NORA. -_[at the hall door]_. Helen, bring in the lamp. _[Goes over to the -stove.]_ Dear Doctor Rank, that was really horrid of you. - -RANK. -To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that horrid? - -NORA. -No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need— - -RANK. -What do you mean? Did you know—? _[MAID enters with lamp, puts it down -on the table, and goes out.]_ Nora—Mrs Helmer—tell me, had you any idea -of this? - -NORA. -Oh, how do I know whether I had or whether I hadn’t? I really can’t -tell you—To think you could be so clumsy, Doctor Rank! We were getting -on so nicely. - -RANK. -Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, body and -soul. So won’t you speak out? - -NORA. -_[looking at him]_. After what happened? - -RANK. -I beg you to let me know what it is. - -NORA. -I can’t tell you anything now. - -RANK. -Yes, yes. You mustn’t punish me in that way. Let me have permission to -do for you whatever a man may do. - -NORA. -You can do nothing for me now. Besides, I really don’t need any help at -all. You will find that the whole thing is merely fancy on my part. It -really is so—of course it is! _[Sits down in the rocking-chair, and -looks at him with a smile.]_ You are a nice sort of man, Doctor -Rank!—don’t you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lamp has come? - -RANK. -Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go—for ever? - -NORA. -No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here just as before. -You know very well Torvald can’t do without you. - -RANK. -Yes, but you? - -NORA. -Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come. - -RANK. -It is just that, that put me on the wrong track. You are a riddle to -me. I have often thought that you would almost as soon be in my company -as in Helmer’s. - -NORA. -Yes—you see there are some people one loves best, and others whom one -would almost always rather have as companions. - -RANK. -Yes, there is something in that. - -NORA. -When I was at home, of course I loved papa best. But I always thought -it tremendous fun if I could steal down into the maids’ room, because -they never moralised at all, and talked to each other about such -entertaining things. - -RANK. -I see—it is their place I have taken. - -NORA. -_[jumping up and going to him]_. Oh, dear, nice Doctor Rank, I never -meant that at all. But surely you can understand that being with -Torvald is a little like being with papa—_[Enter MAID from the hall.]_ - -MAID. -If you please, ma’am. _[Whispers and hands her a card.]_ - -NORA. -_[glancing at the card]_. Oh! _[Puts it in her pocket.]_ - -RANK. -Is there anything wrong? - -NORA. -No, no, not in the least. It is only something—it is my new dress— - -RANK. -What? Your dress is lying there. - -NORA. -Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn’t -know about it— - -RANK. -Oho! Then that was the great secret. - -NORA. -Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room. Keep him -as long as— - -RANK. -Make your mind easy; I won’t let him escape. - -_[Goes into HELMER’S room.]_ - -NORA. -_[to the MAID]_. And he is standing waiting in the kitchen? - -MAID. -Yes; he came up the back stairs. - -NORA. -But didn’t you tell him no one was in? - -MAID. -Yes, but it was no good. - -NORA. -He won’t go away? - -MAID. -No; he says he won’t until he has seen you, ma’am. - -NORA. -Well, let him come in—but quietly. Helen, you mustn’t say anything -about it to anyone. It is a surprise for my husband. - -MAID. -Yes, ma’am, I quite understand. _[Exit.]_ - -NORA. -This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of me! -No, no, no, it can’t happen—it shan’t happen! _[She bolts the door of -HELMER’S room. The MAID opens the hall door for KROGSTAD and shuts it -after him. He is wearing a fur coat, high boots and a fur cap.]_ - -NORA. -_[advancing towards him]_. Speak low—my husband is at home. - -KROGSTAD. -No matter about that. - -NORA. -What do you want of me? - -KROGSTAD. -An explanation of something. - -NORA. -Make haste then. What is it? - -KROGSTAD. -You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal. - -NORA. -I couldn’t prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought as hard as I could on -your side, but it was no good. - -KROGSTAD. -Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I can expose -you to, and yet he ventures— - -NORA. -How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort? - -KROGSTAD. -I didn’t suppose so at all. It would not be the least like our dear -Torvald Helmer to show so much courage— - -NORA. -Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please. - -KROGSTAD. -Certainly—all the respect he deserves. But since you have kept the -matter so carefully to yourself, I make bold to suppose that you have a -little clearer idea, than you had yesterday, of what it actually is -that you have done? - -NORA. -More than you could ever teach me. - -KROGSTAD. -Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am. - -NORA. -What is it you want of me? - -KROGSTAD. -Only to see how you were, Mrs Helmer. I have been thinking about you -all day long. A mere cashier, a quill-driver, a—well, a man like -me—even he has a little of what is called feeling, you know. - -NORA. -Show it, then; think of my little children. - -KROGSTAD. -Have you and your husband thought of mine? But never mind about that. I -only wanted to tell you that you need not take this matter too -seriously. In the first place there will be no accusation made on my -part. - -NORA. -No, of course not; I was sure of that. - -KROGSTAD. -The whole thing can be arranged amicably; there is no reason why anyone -should know anything about it. It will remain a secret between us -three. - -NORA. -My husband must never get to know anything about it. - -KROGSTAD. -How will you be able to prevent it? Am I to understand that you can pay -the balance that is owing? - -NORA. -No, not just at present. - -KROGSTAD. -Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the money soon? - -NORA. -No expedient that I mean to make use of. - -KROGSTAD. -Well, in any case, it would have been of no use to you now. If you -stood there with ever so much money in your hand, I would never part -with your bond. - -NORA. -Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to. - -KROGSTAD. -I shall only preserve it—keep it in my possession. No one who is not -concerned in the matter shall have the slightest hint of it. So that if -the thought of it has driven you to any desperate resolution— - -NORA. -It has. - -KROGSTAD. -If you had it in your mind to run away from your home— - -NORA. -I had. - -KROGSTAD. -Or even something worse— - -NORA. -How could you know that? - -KROGSTAD. -Give up the idea. - -NORA. -How did you know I had thought of that? - -KROGSTAD. -Most of us think of that at first. I did, too—but I hadn’t the courage. - -NORA. -_[faintly]_. No more had I. - -KROGSTAD. -_[in a tone of relief]_. No, that’s it, isn’t it—you hadn’t the courage -either? - -NORA. -No, I haven’t—I haven’t. - -KROGSTAD. -Besides, it would have been a great piece of folly. Once the first -storm at home is over—. I have a letter for your husband in my pocket. - -NORA. -Telling him everything? - -KROGSTAD. -In as lenient a manner as I possibly could. - -NORA. -_[quickly]_. He mustn’t get the letter. Tear it up. I will find some -means of getting money. - -KROGSTAD. -Excuse me, Mrs Helmer, but I think I told you just now— - -NORA. -I am not speaking of what I owe you. Tell me what sum you are asking my -husband for, and I will get the money. - -KROGSTAD. -I am not asking your husband for a penny. - -NORA. -What do you want, then? - -KROGSTAD. -I will tell you. I want to rehabilitate myself, Mrs Helmer; I want to -get on; and in that your husband must help me. For the last year and a -half I have not had a hand in anything dishonourable, 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— - -NORA. -That he will never do! - -KROGSTAD. -He will; I know him; he dare not protest. And as soon as I am in there -again with him, then you will see! Within a year I shall be the -manager’s right hand. It will be Nils Krogstad and not Torvald Helmer -who manages the Bank. - -NORA. -That’s a thing you will never see! - -KROGSTAD. -Do you mean that you will—? - -NORA. -I have courage enough for it now. - -KROGSTAD. -Oh, you can’t frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you— - -NORA. -You will see, you will see. - -KROGSTAD. -Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, coal-black water? And then, -in the spring, to float up to the surface, all horrible and -unrecognisable, with your hair fallen out— - -NORA. -You can’t frighten me. - -KROGSTAD. -Nor you me. People don’t do such things, Mrs Helmer. Besides, what use -would it be? I should have him completely in my power all the same. - -NORA. -Afterwards? When I am no longer— - -KROGSTAD. -Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of your -reputation? _[NORA stands speechlessly looking at him.]_ Well, now, I -have warned you. Do not do anything foolish. When Helmer has had my -letter, I shall expect a message from him. And be sure you remember -that it is your husband himself who has forced me into such ways as -this again. I will never forgive him for that. Goodbye, Mrs Helmer. -_[Exit through the hall.]_ - -NORA. -_[goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens.]_ He is going. -He is not putting the letter in the box. Oh no, no! that’s impossible! -_[Opens the door by degrees.]_ What is that? He is standing outside. He -is not going downstairs. Is he hesitating? Can he—? _[A letter drops -into the box; then KROGSTAD’S footsteps are heard, 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.]_ - -NORA. -In the letter-box. _[Steals across to the hall door.]_ There it -lies—Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now! - -_[Mrs Linde comes in from the room on the left, carrying the dress.]_ - -MRS LINDE. -There, I can’t see anything more to mend now. Would you like to try it -on—? - -NORA. -_[in a hoarse whisper]_. Christine, come here. - -MRS LINDE. -_[throwing the dress down on the sofa]_. What is the matter with you? -You look so agitated! - -NORA. -Come here. Do you see that letter? There, look—you can see it through -the glass in the letter-box. - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, I see it. - -NORA. -That letter is from Krogstad. - -MRS LINDE. -Nora—it was Krogstad who lent you the money! - -NORA. -Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it. - -MRS LINDE. -Believe me, Nora, that’s the best thing for both of you. - -NORA. -You don’t know all. I forged a name. - -MRS LINDE. -Good heavens—! - -NORA. -I only want to say this to you, Christine—you must be my witness. - -MRS LINDE. -Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to—? - -NORA. -If I should go out of my mind—and it might easily happen— - -MRS LINDE. -Nora! - -NORA. -Or if anything else should happen to me—anything, for instance, that -might prevent my being here— - -MRS LINDE. -Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind. - -NORA. -And if it should happen that there were some one who wanted to take all -the responsibility, all the blame, you understand— - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, yes—but how can you suppose—? - -NORA. -Then you must be my witness, that it is not true, Christine. I am not -out of my mind at all; I am in my right senses now, and I tell you no -one else has known anything about it; I, and I alone, did the whole -thing. Remember that. - -MRS LINDE. -I will, indeed. But I don’t understand all this. - -NORA. -How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going to happen! - -MRS LINDE. -A wonderful thing? - -NORA. -Yes, a wonderful thing!—But it is so terrible, Christine; it mustn’t -happen, not for all the world. - -MRS LINDE. -I will go at once and see Krogstad. - -NORA. -Don’t go to him; he will do you some harm. - -MRS LINDE. -There was a time when he would gladly do anything for my sake. - -NORA. -He? - -MRS LINDE. -Where does he live? - -NORA. -How should I know—? Yes _[feeling in her pocket]_, here is his card. -But the letter, the letter—! - -HELMER. -_[calls from his room, knocking at the door]_. Nora! - -NORA. -_[cries out anxiously]_. Oh, what’s that? What do you want? - -HELMER. -Don’t be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked the door. -Are you trying on your dress? - -NORA. -Yes, that’s it. I look so nice, Torvald. - -MRS LINDE. -_[who has read the card]_. I see he lives at the corner here. - -NORA. -Yes, but it’s no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying there in the -box. - -MRS LINDE. -And your husband keeps the key? - -NORA. -Yes, always. - -MRS LINDE. -Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must find some -pretence— - -NORA. -But it is just at this time that Torvald generally— - -MRS LINDE. -You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I will come back as -soon as I can. _[She goes out hurriedly through the hall door.]_ - -NORA. -_[goes to HELMER’S door, opens it and peeps in]_. Torvald! - -HELMER. -_[from the inner room]_. Well? May I venture at last to come into my -own room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see— _[Halting in the -doorway.]_ But what is this? - -NORA. -What is what, dear? - -HELMER. -Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation. - -RANK. -_[in the doorway]_. I understood so, but evidently I was mistaken. - -NORA. -Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress until -tomorrow. - -HELMER. -But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been practising too -much? - -NORA. -No, I have not practised at all. - -HELMER. -But you will need to— - -NORA. -Yes, indeed I shall, Torvald. But I can’t get on a bit without you to -help me; I have absolutely forgotten the whole thing. - -HELMER. -Oh, we will soon work it up again. - -NORA. -Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise that you will! I am so nervous about -it—all the people—. You must give yourself up to me entirely this -evening. Not the tiniest bit of business—you mustn’t even take a pen in -your hand. Will you promise, Torvald dear? - -HELMER. -I promise. This evening I will be wholly and absolutely at your -service, you helpless little mortal. Ah, by the way, first of all I -will just— _[Goes towards the hall door.]_ - -NORA. -What are you going to do there? - -HELMER. -Only see if any letters have come. - -NORA. -No, no! don’t do that, Torvald! - -HELMER. -Why not? - -NORA. -Torvald, please don’t. There is nothing there. - -HELMER. -Well, let me look. _[Turns to go to the letter-box. NORA, at the piano, -plays the first bars of the Tarantella. HELMER stops in the doorway.]_ -Aha! - -NORA. -I can’t dance tomorrow if I don’t practise with you. - -HELMER. -_[going up to her]_. Are you really so afraid of it, dear? - -NORA. -Yes, so dreadfully afraid of it. Let me practise at once; there is time -now, before we go to dinner. Sit down and play for me, Torvald dear; -criticise me, and correct me as you play. - -HELMER. -With great pleasure, if you wish me to. _[Sits down at the piano.]_ - -NORA. -_[takes out of the box a tambourine and a long variegated shawl. She -hastily drapes the shawl round her. Then she springs to the front of -the stage and calls out]_. Now play for me! I am going to dance! - -_[HELMER plays and NORA dances. RANK stands by the piano behind HELMER, -and looks on.]_ - -HELMER. -_[as he plays]_. Slower, slower! - -NORA. -I can’t do it any other way. - -HELMER. -Not so violently, Nora! - -NORA. -This is the way. - -HELMER. -_[stops playing]_. No, no—that is not a bit right. - -NORA. -_[laughing and swinging the tambourine]_. Didn’t I tell you so? - -RANK. -Let me play for her. - -HELMER. -_[getting up]_. Yes, do. I can correct her better then. - -_[RANK sits down at the piano and plays. NORA dances more and more -wildly. HELMER has taken up a position beside the stove, and during her -dance gives her frequent instructions. She does not seem to hear him; -her hair comes down and falls over her shoulders; she pays no attention -to it, but goes on dancing. Enter Mrs Linde.]_ - -MRS LINDE. -_[standing as if spell-bound in the doorway]_. Oh!— - -NORA. -_[as she dances]_. Such fun, Christine! - -HELMER. -My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it. - -NORA. -So it does. - -HELMER. -Stop, Rank; this is sheer madness. Stop, I tell you! _[RANK stops -playing, and NORA suddenly stands still. HELMER goes up to her.]_ I -could never have believed it. You have forgotten everything I taught -you. - -NORA. -_[throwing away the tambourine]_. There, you see. - -HELMER. -You will want a lot of coaching. - -NORA. -Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to the last -minute. Promise me that, Torvald! - -HELMER. -You can depend on me. - -NORA. -You must not think of anything but me, either today or tomorrow; you -mustn’t open a single letter—not even open the letter-box— - -HELMER. -Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow— - -NORA. -Yes, indeed I am. - -HELMER. -Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter from him lying -there. - -NORA. -I don’t know; I think there is; but you must not read anything of that -kind now. Nothing horrid must come between us until this is all over. - -RANK. -_[whispers to HELMER]_. You mustn’t contradict her. - -HELMER. -_[taking her in his arms]_. The child shall have her way. But tomorrow -night, after you have danced— - -NORA. -Then you will be free. _[The MAID appears in the doorway to the -right.]_ - -MAID. -Dinner is served, ma’am. - -NORA. -We will have champagne, Helen. - -MAID. -Very good, ma’am. [Exit. - -HELMER. -Hullo!—are we going to have a banquet? - -NORA. -Yes, a champagne banquet until the small hours. _[Calls out.]_ And a -few macaroons, Helen—lots, just for once! - -HELMER. -Come, come, don’t be so wild and nervous. Be my own little skylark, as -you used. - -NORA. -Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. Christine, -you must help me to do up my hair. - -RANK. -_[whispers to HELMER as they go out]_. I suppose there is nothing—she -is not expecting anything? - -HELMER. -Far from it, my dear fellow; it is simply nothing more than this -childish nervousness I was telling you of. _[They go into the -right-hand room.]_ - -NORA. -Well! - -MRS LINDE. -Gone out of town. - -NORA. -I could tell from your face. - -MRS LINDE. -He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note for him. - -NORA. -You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. After all, it -is splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to happen. - -MRS LINDE. -What is it that you are waiting for? - -NORA. -Oh, you wouldn’t understand. Go in to them, I will come in a moment. -_[Mrs Linde goes into the dining-room. NORA stands still for a little -while, as if to compose herself. Then she looks at her watch.]_ Five -o’clock. Seven hours 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. - -HELMER. -_[from the doorway on the right]_. Where’s my little skylark? - -NORA. -_[going to him with her arms outstretched]_. Here she is! - - - - -ACT III - - -_[THE SAME SCENE.—The table has been placed in the middle of the stage, -with chairs around it. A lamp is burning on the table. The door into -the hall stands open. Dance music is heard in the room above. Mrs Linde -is sitting at the table idly turning over the leaves of a book; she -tries to read, but does not seem able to collect her thoughts. Every -now and then she listens intently for a sound at the outer door.]_ - -MRS LINDE. -_[looking at her watch]_. Not yet—and the time is nearly up. If only he -does not—. _[Listens again.]_ Ah, there he is. _[Goes into the hall and -opens the outer door carefully. Light footsteps are heard on the -stairs. She whispers.]_ Come in. There is no one here. - -KROGSTAD. -_[in the doorway]_. I found a note from you at home. What does this -mean? - -MRS LINDE. -It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with you. - -KROGSTAD. -Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should be here? - -MRS LINDE. -It is impossible where I live; there is no private entrance to my -rooms. Come in; we are quite alone. The maid is asleep, and the Helmers -are at the dance upstairs. - -KROGSTAD. -_[coming into the room]_. Are the Helmers really at a dance tonight? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, why not? - -KROGSTAD. -Certainly—why not? - -MRS LINDE. -Now, Nils, let us have a talk. - -KROGSTAD. -Can we two have anything to talk about? - -MRS LINDE. -We have a great deal to talk about. - -KROGSTAD. -I shouldn’t have thought so. - -MRS LINDE. -No, you have never properly understood me. - -KROGSTAD. -Was there anything else to understand except what was obvious to all -the world—a heartless woman jilts a man when a more lucrative chance -turns up? - -MRS LINDE. -Do you believe I am as absolutely heartless as all that? And do you -believe that I did it with a light heart? - -KROGSTAD. -Didn’t you? - -MRS LINDE. -Nils, did you really think that? - -KROGSTAD. -If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at the time? - -MRS LINDE. -I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, it was my duty -also to put an end to all that you felt for me. - -KROGSTAD. -_[wringing his hands]_. So that was it. And all this—only for the sake -of money! - -MRS LINDE. -You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two little -brothers. We couldn’t wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed -hopeless then. - -KROGSTAD. -That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for anyone else’s -sake. - -MRS LINDE. -Indeed I don’t know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had the right to -do it. - -KROGSTAD. -_[more gently]_. When I lost you, it was as if all the solid ground -went from under my feet. Look at me now—I am a shipwrecked man clinging -to a bit of wreckage. - -MRS LINDE. -But help may be near. - -KROGSTAD. -It was near; but then you came and stood in my way. - -MRS LINDE. -Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I learned it was your -place I was going to take in the Bank. - -KROGSTAD. -I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, are you not -going to give it up to me? - -MRS LINDE. -No, because that would not benefit you in the least. - -KROGSTAD. -Oh, benefit, benefit—I would have done it whether or no. - -MRS LINDE. -I have learned to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter necessity have -taught me that. - -KROGSTAD. -And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches. - -MRS LINDE. -Then life has taught you something very reasonable. But deeds you must -believe in? - -KROGSTAD. -What do you mean by that? - -MRS LINDE. -You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to some wreckage. - -KROGSTAD. -I had good reason to say so. - -MRS LINDE. -Well, I am like a shipwrecked woman clinging to some wreckage—no one to -mourn for, no one to care for. - -KROGSTAD. -It was your own choice. - -MRS LINDE. -There was no other choice—then. - -KROGSTAD. -Well, what now? - -MRS LINDE. -Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people could join forces? - -KROGSTAD. -What are you saying? - -MRS LINDE. -Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a better chance than each -on their own. - -KROGSTAD. -Christine I... - -MRS LINDE. -What do you suppose brought me to town? - -KROGSTAD. -Do you mean that you gave me a thought? - -MRS LINDE. -I could not endure life without work. All my life, as long as I can -remember, I have worked, and it has been my greatest and only pleasure. -But now I am quite alone in the world—my life is so dreadfully empty -and I feel so forsaken. There is not the least pleasure in working for -one’s self. Nils, give me someone and something to work for. - -KROGSTAD. -I don’t trust that. It is nothing but a woman’s overstrained sense of -generosity that prompts you to make such an offer of yourself. - -MRS LINDE. -Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me? - -KROGSTAD. -Could you really do it? Tell me—do you know all about my past life? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes. - -KROGSTAD. -And do you know what they think of me here? - -MRS LINDE. -You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite -another man. - -KROGSTAD. -I am certain of it. - -MRS LINDE. -Is it too late now? - -KROGSTAD. -Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure you are. I -see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then—? - -MRS LINDE. -I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need a mother. We -two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real character—I can -dare anything together with you. - -KROGSTAD. -_[grasps her hands]_. Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find a way -to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot— - -MRS LINDE. -_[listening]_. Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go! - -KROGSTAD. -Why? What is it? - -MRS LINDE. -Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may expect them back. - -KROGSTAD. -Yes, yes—I will go. But it is all no use. Of course you are not aware -what steps I have taken in the matter of the Helmers. - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, I know all about that. - -KROGSTAD. -And in spite of that have you the courage to—? - -MRS LINDE. -I understand very well to what lengths a man like you might be driven -by despair. - -KROGSTAD. -If I could only undo what I have done! - -MRS LINDE. -You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box now. - -KROGSTAD. -Are you sure of that? - -MRS LINDE. -Quite sure, but— - -KROGSTAD. -_[with a searching look at her]_. Is that what it all means?—that you -want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. Is that it? - -MRS LINDE. -Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another’s sake, doesn’t do -it a second time. - -KROGSTAD. -I will ask for my letter back. - -MRS LINDE. -No, no. - -KROGSTAD. -Yes, of course I will. I will wait here 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— - -MRS LINDE. -No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. - -KROGSTAD. -But, tell me, wasn’t it for that very purpose that you asked me to meet -you here? - -MRS LINDE. -In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four hours have -elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed incredible things -in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret must -be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them, -which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on. - -KROGSTAD. -Very well, if you will take the responsibility. But there is one thing -I can do in any case, and I shall do it at once. - -MRS LINDE. -_[listening]_. You must be quick and go! The dance is over; we are not -safe a moment longer. - -KROGSTAD. -I will wait for you below. - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, do. You must see me back to my door... - -KROGSTAD. -I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life! -_[Goes out through the outer door. The door between the room and the -hall remains open.]_ - -MRS LINDE. -_[tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak ready]_. What a -difference! what a difference! Someone to work for and live for—a home -to bring comfort into. That I will do, indeed. I wish they would be -quick and come—_[Listens.]_ Ah, there they are now. I must put on my -things. _[Takes up her hat and cloak. HELMER’S and NORA’S voices are -heard outside; a key is turned, and HELMER brings NORA almost by force -into the hall. She is in an Italian costume with a large black shawl -around her; he is in evening dress, and a black domino which is flying -open.]_ - -NORA. -_[hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him]_. No, no, -no!—don’t take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don’t want to -leave so early. - -HELMER. -But, my dearest Nora— - -NORA. -Please, Torvald dear—please, please—only an hour more. - -HELMER. -Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our agreement. -Come along into the room; you are catching cold standing there. _[He -brings her gently into the room, in spite of her resistance.]_ - -MRS LINDE. -Good evening. - -NORA. -Christine! - -HELMER. -You here, so late, Mrs Linde? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora in her dress. - -NORA. -Have you been sitting here waiting for me? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, unfortunately I came too late, you had already gone upstairs; and -I thought I couldn’t go away again without having seen you. - -HELMER. -_[taking off NORA’S shawl]_. Yes, take a good look at her. I think she -is worth looking at. Isn’t she charming, Mrs Linde? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, indeed she is. - -HELMER. -Doesn’t she look remarkably pretty? Everyone thought so at the dance. -But she is terribly self-willed, this sweet little person. What are we -to do with her? You will hardly believe that I had almost to bring her -away by force. - -NORA. -Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it were only -for half an hour. - -HELMER. -Listen to her, Mrs Linde! She had danced her Tarantella, and it had -been a tremendous success, as it deserved—although possibly the -performance was a trifle too realistic—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. _[Throws his domino on a chair, and -opens the door of his room.]_ Hullo! it’s all dark in here. Oh, of -course—excuse me—. _[He goes in, and lights some candles.]_ - -NORA. -_[in a hurried and breathless whisper]_. Well? - -MRS LINDE. -_[in a low voice]_. I have had a talk with him. - -NORA. -Yes, and— - -MRS LINDE. -Nora, you must tell your husband all about it. - -NORA. -_[in an expressionless voice]_. I knew it. - -MRS LINDE. -You have nothing to be afraid of as far as Krogstad is concerned; but -you must tell him. - -NORA. -I won’t tell him. - -MRS LINDE. -Then the letter will. - -NORA. -Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush—! - -HELMER. -_[coming in again]_. Well, Mrs Linde, have you admired her? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, and now I will say goodnight. - -HELMER. -What, already? Is this yours, this knitting? - -MRS LINDE. -_[taking it]_. Yes, thank you, I had very nearly forgotten it. - -HELMER. -So you knit? - -MRS LINDE. -Of course. - -HELMER. -Do you know, you ought to embroider. - -MRS LINDE. -Really? Why? - -HELMER. -Yes, it’s far more becoming. Let me show you. You hold the embroidery -thus in your left hand, and use the needle with the right—like -this—with a long, easy sweep. Do you see? - -MRS LINDE. -Yes, perhaps— - -HELMER. -But in the case of knitting—that can never be anything but ungraceful; -look here—the arms close together, the knitting-needles going up and -down—it has a sort of Chinese effect—. That was really excellent -champagne they gave us. - -MRS LINDE. -Well,—goodnight, Nora, and don’t be self-willed any more. - -HELMER. -That’s right, Mrs Linde. - -MRS LINDE. -Goodnight, Mr. Helmer. - -HELMER. -_[accompanying her to the door]_. 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. _[She goes out; he shuts the door -after her, and comes in again.]_ Ah!—at last we have got rid of her. -She is a frightful bore, that woman. - -NORA. -Aren’t you very tired, Torvald? - -HELMER. -No, not in the least. - -NORA. -Nor sleepy? - -HELMER. -Not a bit. On the contrary, I feel extraordinarily lively. And you?—you -really look both tired and sleepy. - -NORA. -Yes, I am very tired. I want to go to sleep at once. - -HELMER. -There, you see it was quite right of me not to let you stay there any -longer. - -NORA. -Everything you do is quite right, Torvald. - -HELMER. -_[kissing her on the forehead]_. Now my little skylark is speaking -reasonably. Did you notice what good spirits Rank was in this evening? - -NORA. -Really? Was he? I didn’t speak to him at all. - -HELMER. -And I very little, but I have not for a long time seen him in such good -form. _[Looks for a while at her and then goes nearer to her.]_ It is -delightful to be at home by ourselves again, to be all alone with -you—you fascinating, charming little darling! - -NORA. -Don’t look at me like that, Torvald. - -HELMER. -Why shouldn’t I look at my dearest treasure?—at all the beauty that is -mine, all my very own? - -NORA. -_[going to the other side of the table]_. You mustn’t say things like -that to me tonight. - -HELMER. -_[following her]_. You have still got the Tarantella in your blood, I -see. And it makes you more captivating than ever. Listen—the guests are -beginning to go now. _[In a lower voice.]_ Nora—soon the whole house -will be quiet. - -NORA. -Yes, I hope so. - -HELMER. -Yes, my own darling Nora. Do you know, when I am out at a party with -you like this, why I speak so little to you, keep away from you, and -only send a stolen glance in your direction now and then?—do you know -why I do that? It is because I make believe to myself that we are -secretly in love, and you are my secretly promised bride, and that no -one suspects there is anything between us. - -NORA. -Yes, yes—I know very well your thoughts are with me all the time. - -HELMER. -And when we are leaving, and I am putting the shawl over your beautiful -young shoulders—on your lovely neck—then I imagine that you are my -young bride and that we have just come from the wedding, and I am -bringing you for the first time into our home—to be alone with you for -the first time—quite alone with my shy little darling! All this evening -I have longed for nothing but you. When I watched the seductive figures -of the Tarantella, my blood was on fire; I could endure it no longer, -and that was why I brought you down so early— - -NORA. -Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won’t— - -HELMER. -What’s that? You’re joking, my little Nora! You won’t—you won’t? Am I -not your husband—? _[A knock is heard at the outer door.]_ - -NORA. -_[starting]_. Did you hear—? - -HELMER. -_[going into the hall]_. Who is it? - -RANK. -_[outside]_. It is I. May I come in for a moment? - -HELMER. -_[in a fretful whisper]_. Oh, what does he want now? _[Aloud.]_ Wait a -minute! _[Unlocks the door.]_ Come, that’s kind of you not to pass by -our door. - -RANK. -I thought I heard your voice, and felt as if I should like to look in. -_[With a swift glance round.]_ Ah, yes!—these dear familiar rooms. You -are very happy and cosy in here, you two. - -HELMER. -It seems to me that you looked after yourself pretty well upstairs too. - -RANK. -Excellently. Why shouldn’t I? Why shouldn’t one enjoy everything in -this world?—at any rate as much as one can, and as long as one can. The -wine was capital— - -HELMER. -Especially the champagne. - -RANK. -So you noticed that too? It is almost incredible how much I managed to -put away! - -NORA. -Torvald drank a great deal of champagne tonight too. - -RANK. -Did he? - -NORA. -Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards. - -RANK. -Well, why should one not enjoy a merry evening after a well-spent day? - -HELMER. -Well spent? I am afraid I can’t take credit for that. - -RANK. -_[clapping him on the back]_. But I can, you know! - -NORA. -Doctor Rank, you must have been occupied with some scientific -investigation today. - -RANK. -Exactly. - -HELMER. -Just listen!—little Nora talking about scientific investigations! - -NORA. -And may I congratulate you on the result? - -RANK. -Indeed you may. - -NORA. -Was it favourable, then? - -RANK. -The best possible, for both doctor and patient—certainty. - -NORA. -_[quickly and searchingly]_. Certainty? - -RANK. -Absolute certainty. So wasn’t I entitled to make a merry evening of it -after that? - -NORA. -Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank. - -HELMER. -I think so too, so long as you don’t have to pay for it in the morning. - -RANK. -Oh well, one can’t have anything in this life without paying for it. - -NORA. -Doctor Rank—are you fond of fancy-dress balls? - -RANK. -Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes. - -NORA. -Tell me—what shall we two wear at the next? - -HELMER. -Little featherbrain!—are you thinking of the next already? - -RANK. -We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy— - -HELMER. -Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume for that? - -RANK. -Let your wife go dressed just as she is in everyday life. - -HELMER. -That was really very prettily turned. But can’t you tell us what you -will be? - -RANK. -Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that. - -HELMER. -Well? - -RANK. -At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible. - -HELMER. -That’s a good joke! - -RANK. -There is a big black hat—have you never heard of hats that make you -invisible? If you put one on, no one can see you. - -HELMER. -_[suppressing a smile]_. Yes, you are quite right. - -RANK. -But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me a cigar—one -of the dark Havanas. - -HELMER. -With the greatest pleasure. _[Offers him his case.]_ - -RANK. -_[takes a cigar and cuts off the end]_. Thanks. - -NORA. -_[striking a match]_. Let me give you a light. - -RANK. -Thank you. _[She holds the match for him to light his cigar.]_ And now -goodbye! - -HELMER. -Goodbye, goodbye, dear old man! - -NORA. -Sleep well, Doctor Rank. - -RANK. -Thank you for that wish. - -NORA. -Wish me the same. - -RANK. -You? Well, if you want me to sleep well! And thanks for the light. _[He -nods to them both and goes out.]_ - -HELMER. -_[in a subdued voice]_. He has drunk more than he ought. - -NORA. -_[absently]_. Maybe. _[HELMER takes a bunch of keys out of his pocket -and goes into the hall.]_ Torvald! what are you going to do there? - -HELMER. -Emptying the letter-box; it is quite full; there will be no room to put -the newspaper in tomorrow morning. - -NORA. -Are you going to work tonight? - -HELMER. -You know quite well I’m not. What is this? Someone has been at the -lock. - -NORA. -At the lock—? - -HELMER. -Yes, someone has. What can it mean? I should never have thought the -maid—. Here is a broken hairpin. Nora, it is one of yours. - -NORA. -_[quickly]_. Then it must have been the children— - -HELMER. -Then you must get them out of those ways. There, at last I have got it -open. _[Takes out the contents of the letter-box, and calls to the -kitchen.]_ Helen!—Helen, put out the light over the front door. _[Goes -back into the room and shuts the door into the hall. He holds out his -hand full of letters.]_ Look at that—look what a heap of them there -are. _[Turning them over.]_ What on earth is that? - -NORA. -_[at the window]_. The letter—No! Torvald, no! - -HELMER. -Two cards—of Rank’s. - -NORA. -Of Doctor Rank’s? - -HELMER. -_[looking at them]_. Doctor Rank. They were on the top. He must have -put them in when he went out. - -NORA. -Is there anything written on them? - -HELMER. -There is a black cross over the name. Look there—what an uncomfortable -idea! It looks as if he were announcing his own death. - -NORA. -It is just what he is doing. - -HELMER. -What? Do you know anything about it? Has he said anything to you? - -NORA. -Yes. He told me that when the cards came it would be his leave-taking -from us. He means to shut himself up and die. - -HELMER. -My poor old friend! Certainly I knew we should not have him very long -with us. But so soon! And so he hides himself away like a wounded -animal. - -NORA. -If it has to happen, it is best it should be without a word—don’t you -think so, Torvald? - -HELMER. -_[walking up and down]_. He 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. _[Standing still.]_ And perhaps -for us too, Nora. We two are thrown quite upon each other now. _[Puts -his arms round her.]_ My darling wife, I don’t feel as if I could hold -you tight enough. Do you know, Nora, I have often wished that you might -be threatened by some great danger, so that I might risk my life’s -blood, and everything, for your sake. - -NORA. -_[disengages herself, and says firmly and decidedly]_. Now you must -read your letters, Torvald. - -HELMER. -No, no; not tonight. I want to be with you, my darling wife. - -NORA. -With the thought of your friend’s death— - -HELMER. -You are right, it has affected us both. Something ugly has come between -us—the thought of the horrors of death. We must try and rid our minds -of that. Until then—we will each go to our own room. - -NORA. -_[hanging on his neck]_. Goodnight, Torvald—Goodnight! - -HELMER. -_[kissing her on the forehead]_. Goodnight, my little singing-bird. -Sleep sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters through. _[He takes his -letters and goes into his room, shutting the door after him.]_ - -NORA. -_[gropes distractedly about, seizes HELMER’S domino, throws it round -her, while she says in quick, hoarse, spasmodic whispers]_. Never to -see him again. Never! Never! _[Puts her shawl over her head.]_ Never to -see my children again either—never again. Never! Never!—Ah! the icy, -black water—the unfathomable depths—If only it were over! He has got it -now—now he is reading it. Goodbye, Torvald and my children! _[She is -about to rush out through the hall, when HELMER opens his door -hurriedly and stands with an open letter in his hand.]_ - -HELMER. -Nora! - -NORA. -Ah!— - -HELMER. -What is this? Do you know what is in this letter? - -NORA. -Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me get out! - -HELMER. -_[holding her back]_. Where are you going? - -NORA. -_[trying to get free]_. You shan’t save me, Torvald! - -HELMER. -_[reeling]_. True? Is this true, that I read here? Horrible! No, no—it -is impossible that it can be true. - -NORA. -It is true. I have loved you above everything else in the world. - -HELMER. -Oh, don’t let us have any silly excuses. - -NORA. -_[taking a step towards him]_. Torvald—! - -HELMER. -Miserable creature—what have you done? - -NORA. -Let me go. You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not take it upon -yourself. - -HELMER. -No tragic airs, please. _[Locks the hall door.]_ Here you shall stay -and give me an explanation. Do you understand what you have done? -Answer me! Do you understand what you have done? - -NORA. -_[looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of coldness in her -face]_. Yes, now I am beginning to understand thoroughly. - -HELMER. -_[walking about the room]_. What a horrible awakening! All these eight -years—she who was my joy and pride—a hypocrite, a liar—worse, worse—a -criminal! The unutterable ugliness of it all!—For shame! For shame! -_[NORA is silent and looks steadily at him. He stops in front of her.]_ -I ought to have suspected that something of the sort would happen. I -ought to have foreseen it. All your father’s want of principle—be -silent!—all your father’s want of principle has come out in you. No -religion, no morality, no sense of duty—. How I am punished for having -winked at what he did! I did it for your sake, and this is how you -repay me. - -NORA. -Yes, that’s just it. - -HELMER. -Now you have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined all my future. -It is horrible to think of! I am in the power of an unscrupulous man; -he can do what he likes with me, ask anything he likes of me, give me -any orders he pleases—I dare not refuse. And I must sink to such -miserable depths because of a thoughtless woman! - -NORA. -When I am out of the way, you will be free. - -HELMER. -No fine speeches, please. Your father had always plenty of those ready, -too. What good would it be to me if you were out of the way, as you -say? Not the slightest. He can make the affair known everywhere; and if -he does, I may be falsely suspected of having been a party to your -criminal action. Very likely people will think I was behind it all—that -it was I who prompted you! And I have to thank you for all this—you -whom I have cherished during the whole of our married life. Do you -understand now what it is you have done for me? - -NORA. -_[coldly and quietly]_. Yes. - -HELMER. -It is so incredible that I can’t take it in. But we must come to some -understanding. Take off that shawl. Take it off, I tell you. I must try -and appease him some way or another. The matter must be hushed up at -any cost. And as for you and me, it must appear as if everything -between us were 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— - -_[A ring is heard at the front-door bell.]_ - -HELMER. -_[with a start]_. What is that? So late! Can the worst—? Can he—? Hide -yourself, Nora. Say you are ill. - -_[NORA stands motionless. HELMER goes and unlocks the hall door.]_ - -MAID. -_[half-dressed, comes to the door]_. A letter for the mistress. - -HELMER. -Give it to me. _[Takes the letter, and shuts the door.]_ Yes, it is -from him. You shall not have it; I will read it myself. - -NORA. -Yes, read it. - -HELMER. -_[standing by the lamp]_. I scarcely have the courage to do it. It may -mean ruin for both of us. No, I must know. _[Tears open the letter, -runs his eye over a few lines, looks at a paper enclosed, and gives a -shout of joy.]_ Nora! _[She looks at him questioningly.]_ Nora!—No, I -must read it once again—. Yes, it is true! I am saved! Nora, I am -saved! - -NORA. -And I? - -HELMER. -You too, of course; we are both saved, both you and I. Look, he sends -you your bond back. He says he regrets and repents—that a happy change -in his life—never mind what he says! We are saved, Nora! No one can do -anything to you. Oh, Nora, Nora!—no, first I must destroy these hateful -things. Let me see—. _[Takes a look at the bond.]_ No, no, I won’t look -at it. The whole thing shall be nothing but a bad dream to me. _[Tears -up the bond and both letters, throws them all into the stove, and -watches them burn.]_ There—now it doesn’t exist any longer. He says -that since Christmas Eve you—. These must have been three dreadful days -for you, Nora. - -NORA. -I have fought a hard fight these three days. - -HELMER. -And suffered agonies, and seen no way out but—. No, we won’t call any -of the horrors to mind. We will only shout with joy, and keep saying, -“It’s all over! It’s all over!” Listen to me, Nora. You don’t seem to -realise that it is all over. What is this?—such a cold, set face! My -poor little Nora, I quite understand; you don’t feel as if you could -believe that I have forgiven you. But it is true, Nora, I swear it; I -have forgiven you everything. I know that what you did, you did out of -love for me. - -NORA. -That is true. - -HELMER. -You have loved me as a wife ought to love her husband. Only you had not -sufficient knowledge to judge of the means you used. But do you suppose -you are any the less dear to me, because you don’t understand how to -act on your own responsibility? No, no; only lean on me; I will advise -you and direct you. I should not be a man if this womanly helplessness -did not just give you a double attractiveness in my eyes. You must not -think 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. - -NORA. -Thank you for your forgiveness. _[She goes out through the door to the -right.]_ - -HELMER. -No, don’t go—. _[Looks in.]_ What are you doing in there? - -NORA. -_[from within]_. Taking off my fancy dress. - -HELMER. -_[standing at the open door]_. Yes, do. Try and calm yourself, and make -your mind easy again, my frightened little singing-bird. Be at rest, -and feel secure; I have broad wings to shelter you under. _[Walks up -and down by the door.]_ How warm and cosy our home is, Nora. Here is -shelter for you; here I will protect you like a hunted dove that I have -saved from a hawk’s claws; I will bring peace to your poor beating -heart. It will come, little by little, Nora, believe me. 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? - -NORA. -_[in everyday dress]_. Yes, Torvald, I have changed my things now. - -HELMER. -But what for?—so late as this. - -NORA. -I shall not sleep tonight. - -HELMER. -But, my dear Nora— - -NORA. -_[looking at her watch]_. It is not so very late. Sit down here, -Torvald. You and I have much to say to one another. _[She sits down at -one side of the table.]_ - -HELMER. -Nora—what is this?—this cold, set face? - -NORA. -Sit down. It will take some time; I have a lot to talk over with you. - -HELMER. -_[sits down at the opposite side of the table]_. You alarm me, -Nora!—and I don’t understand you. - -NORA. -No, that is just it. You don’t understand me, and I have never -understood you either—before tonight. No, you mustn’t interrupt me. You -must simply listen to what I say. Torvald, this is a settling of -accounts. - -HELMER. -What do you mean by that? - -NORA. -_[after a short silence]_. Isn’t there one thing that strikes you as -strange in our sitting here like this? - -HELMER. -What is that? - -NORA. -We have been married now eight years. Does it not occur to you that -this is the first time we two, you and I, husband and wife, have had a -serious conversation? - -HELMER. -What do you mean by serious? - -NORA. -In all these eight years—longer than that—from the very beginning of -our acquaintance, we have never exchanged a word on any serious -subject. - -HELMER. -Was it likely that I would be continually and forever telling you about -worries that you could not help me to bear? - -NORA. -I am not speaking about business matters. I say that we have never sat -down in earnest together to try and get at the bottom of anything. - -HELMER. -But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you? - -NORA. -That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been greatly -wronged, Torvald—first by papa and then by you. - -HELMER. -What! By us two—by us two, who have loved you better than anyone else -in the world? - -NORA. -_[shaking her head]_. You have never loved me. You have only thought it -pleasant to be in love with me. - -HELMER. -Nora, what do I hear you saying? - -NORA. -It is perfectly true, Torvald. When I was at home with papa, he told me -his opinion about everything, and so I had the same opinions; and if I -differed from him I concealed the fact, because he would not have liked -it. He called me his doll-child, and he played with me just as I used -to play with my dolls. And when I came to live with you— - -HELMER. -What sort of an expression is that to use about our marriage? - -NORA. -_[undisturbed]_. I mean that I was simply transferred from papa’s hands -into yours. You arranged everything according to your own taste, and so -I got the same tastes as you—or else I pretended to, I am really not -quite sure which—I think sometimes the one and sometimes the other. -When I look back on it, it seems to me as if I had been living here -like a poor woman—just from hand to mouth. I have existed merely to -perform tricks for you, Torvald. But you would have it so. You and papa -have committed a great sin against me. It is your fault that I have -made nothing of my life. - -HELMER. -How unreasonable and how ungrateful you are, Nora! Have you not been -happy here? - -NORA. -No, I have never been happy. I thought I was, but it has never really -been so. - -HELMER. -Not—not happy! - -NORA. -No, only merry. And you have always been so kind to me. But our home -has been nothing but a playroom. I have been your doll-wife, just as at -home I was papa’s doll-child; and here the children have been my dolls. -I thought it great fun when you played with me, just as they thought it -great fun when I played with them. That is what our marriage has been, -Torvald. - -HELMER. -There is some truth in what you say—exaggerated and strained as your -view of it is. But for the future it shall be different. Playtime shall -be over, and lesson-time shall begin. - -NORA. -Whose lessons? Mine, or the children’s? - -HELMER. -Both yours and the children’s, my darling Nora. - -NORA. -Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being a proper -wife for you. - -HELMER. -And you can say that! - -NORA. -And I—how am I fitted to bring up the children? - -HELMER. -Nora! - -NORA. -Didn’t you say so yourself a little while ago—that you dare not trust -me to bring them up? - -HELMER. -In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? - -NORA. -Indeed, you were perfectly right. I am not fit for the task. There is -another task I must undertake first. I must try and educate myself—you -are not the man to help me in that. I must do that for myself. And that -is why I am going to leave you now. - -HELMER. -_[springing up]_. What do you say? - -NORA. -I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and everything -about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you any -longer. - -HELMER. -Nora, Nora! - -NORA. -I am going away from here now, at once. I am sure Christine will take -me in for the night— - -HELMER. -You are out of your mind! I won’t allow it! I forbid you! - -NORA. -It is no use forbidding me anything any longer. I will take with me -what belongs to myself. I will take nothing from you, either now or -later. - -HELMER. -What sort of madness is this! - -NORA. -Tomorrow I shall go home—I mean, to my old home. It will be easiest for -me to find something to do there. - -HELMER. -You blind, foolish woman! - -NORA. -I must try and get some sense, Torvald. - -HELMER. -To desert your home, your husband and your children! And you don’t -consider what people will say! - -NORA. -I cannot consider that at all. I only know that it is necessary for me. - -HELMER. -It’s shocking. This is how you would neglect your most sacred duties. - -NORA. -What do you consider my most sacred duties? - -HELMER. -Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your husband -and your children? - -NORA. -I have other duties just as sacred. - -HELMER. -That you have not. What duties could those be? - -NORA. -Duties to myself. - -HELMER. -Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. - -NORA. -I don’t believe that any longer. I believe that before all else I am a -reasonable human being, just as you are—or, at all events, that I must -try and become one. I know quite well, Torvald, that most people would -think you right, and that views of that kind are to be found in books; -but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or with -what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get to -understand them. - -HELMER. -Can you not understand your place in your own home? Have you not a -reliable guide in such matters as that?—have you no religion? - -NORA. -I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. - -HELMER. -What are you saying? - -NORA. -I know nothing but what the clergyman said, when I went to be -confirmed. He told us that religion was this, and that, and the other. -When I am away from all this, and am alone, I will look into that -matter too. I will see if what the clergyman said is true, or at all -events if it is true for me. - -HELMER. -This is unheard of in a girl of your age! But if religion cannot lead -you aright, let me try and awaken your conscience. I suppose you have -some moral sense? Or—answer me—am I to think you have none? - -NORA. -I assure you, Torvald, that is not an easy question to answer. I really -don’t know. The thing perplexes me altogether. I only know that you and -I look at it in quite a different light. I am learning, too, that the -law is quite another thing from what I supposed; but I find it -impossible to convince myself that the law is right. According to it a -woman has no right to spare her old dying father, or to save her -husband’s life. I can’t believe that. - -HELMER. -You talk like a child. You don’t understand the conditions of the world -in which you live. - -NORA. -No, I don’t. But now I am going to try. I am going to see if I can make -out who is right, the world or I. - -HELMER. -You are ill, Nora; you are delirious; I almost think you are out of -your mind. - -NORA. -I have never felt my mind so clear and certain as tonight. - -HELMER. -And is it with a clear and certain mind that you forsake your husband -and your children? - -NORA. -Yes, it is. - -HELMER. -Then there is only one possible explanation. - -NORA. -What is that? - -HELMER. -You do not love me anymore. - -NORA. -No, that is just it. - -HELMER. -Nora!—and you can say that? - -NORA. -It gives me great pain, Torvald, for you have always been so kind to -me, but I cannot help it. I do not love you any more. - -HELMER. -_[regaining his composure]_. Is that a clear and certain conviction -too? - -NORA. -Yes, absolutely clear and certain. That is the reason why I will not -stay here any longer. - -HELMER. -And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love? - -NORA. -Yes, indeed I can. It was tonight, when the wonderful thing did not -happen; then I saw you were not the man I had thought you were. - -HELMER. -Explain yourself better. I don’t understand you. - -NORA. -I have waited so patiently for eight years; for, goodness knows, I knew -very well that wonderful things don’t happen every day. Then this -horrible misfortune came upon me; and then I felt quite certain that -the wonderful thing was going to happen at last. When Krogstad’s letter -was lying out there, never for a moment did I imagine that you would -consent to accept this man’s conditions. I was so absolutely certain -that you would say to him: Publish the thing to the whole world. And -when that was done— - -HELMER. -Yes, what then?—when I had exposed my wife to shame and disgrace? - -NORA. -When that was done, I was so absolutely certain, you would come forward -and take everything upon yourself, and say: I am the guilty one. - -HELMER. -Nora—! - -NORA. -You mean that I would never have accepted such a sacrifice on your -part? No, of course not. But what would my assurances have been worth -against yours? That was the wonderful thing which I hoped for and -feared; and it was to prevent that, that I wanted to kill myself. - -HELMER. -I would gladly work night and day for you, Nora—bear sorrow and want -for your sake. But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he -loves. - -NORA. -It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done. - -HELMER. -Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child. - -NORA. -Maybe. But you neither think nor talk like the man I could bind myself -to. As soon as your fear was over—and it was not fear for what -threatened me, but for what might happen to you—when the whole thing -was past, as far as you were concerned it was exactly as if nothing at -all had happened. Exactly as before, I was your little skylark, your -doll, which you would in future treat with doubly gentle care, because -it was so brittle and fragile. _[Getting up.]_ Torvald—it was then it -dawned upon me that for eight years I had been living here with a -strange man, and had borne him three children—. Oh, I can’t bear to -think of it! I could tear myself into little bits! - -HELMER. -_[sadly]_. I see, I see. An abyss has opened between us—there is no -denying it. But, Nora, would it not be possible to fill it up? - -NORA. -As I am now, I am no wife for you. - -HELMER. -I have it in me to become a different man. - -NORA. -Perhaps—if your doll is taken away from you. - -HELMER. -But to part!—to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can’t understand that -idea. - -NORA. -_[going out to the right]_. That makes it all the more certain that it -must be done. _[She comes back with her cloak and hat and a small bag -which she puts on a chair by the table.]_ - -HELMER. -Nora, Nora, not now! Wait until tomorrow. - -NORA. -_[putting on her cloak]_. I cannot spend the night in a strange man’s -room. - -HELMER. -But can’t we live here like brother and sister—? - -NORA. -_[putting on her hat]_. You know very well that would not last long. -_[Puts the shawl round her.]_ 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. - -HELMER. -But some day, Nora—some day? - -NORA. -How can I tell? I have no idea what is going to become of me. - -HELMER. -But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you. - -NORA. -Listen, Torvald. I have heard that when a wife deserts her husband’s -house, as I am doing now, he is legally freed from all obligations -towards her. In any case, I set you free from all your obligations. You -are not to feel yourself bound in the slightest way, any more than I -shall. There must be perfect freedom on both sides. See, here is your -ring back. Give me mine. - -HELMER. -That too? - -NORA. -That too. - -HELMER. -Here it is. - -NORA. -That’s right. Now it is all over. I have put the keys here. The maids -know all about everything in the house—better than I do. Tomorrow, -after I have left her, Christine will come here and pack up my own -things that I brought with me from home. I will have them sent after -me. - -HELMER. -All over! All over!—Nora, shall you never think of me again? - -NORA. -I know I shall often think of you, the children, and this house. - -HELMER. -May I write to you, Nora? - -NORA. -No—never. You must not do that. - -HELMER. -But at least let me send you— - -NORA. -Nothing—nothing— - -HELMER. -Let me help you if you are in want. - -NORA. -No. I can receive nothing from a stranger. - -HELMER. -Nora—can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? - -NORA. -_[taking her bag]_. Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of all would -have to happen. - -HELMER. -Tell me what that would be! - -NORA. -Both you and I would have to be so changed that—. Oh, Torvald, I don’t -believe any longer in wonderful things happening. - -HELMER. -But I will believe in it. Tell me! So changed that—? - -NORA. -That our life together would be a real wedlock. Goodbye. _[She goes out -through the hall.]_ - -HELMER. -_[sinks down on a chair at the door and buries his face in his hands]_. -Nora! Nora! _[Looks round, and rises.]_ Empty. She is gone. _[A hope -flashes across his mind.]_ The most wonderful thing of all—? - -_[The sound of a door shutting is heard from below.]_ - - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL’S HOUSE *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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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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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: A Doll's House - -Author: Henrik Ibsen - -Posting Date: December 13, 2008 [EBook #2542] -Release Date: March, 2001 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL'S HOUSE *** - - - - -Produced by Martin Adamson - - - - - -A DOLL'S HOUSE - -by Henrik Ibsen - - - - -DRAMATIS PERSONAE - - Torvald Helmer. - Nora, his wife. - Doctor Rank. - Mrs. Linde. - Nils Krogstad. - Helmer's three young children. - Anne, their nurse. - A Housemaid. - A Porter. - (The action takes place in Helmer's house.) - - A DOLL'S HOUSE - - - - -ACT I - -(SCENE.--A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not -extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the -entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. Between the -doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and -beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, 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. - -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.) - -Nora. Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children -do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. (To the PORTER, -taking out her purse.) How much? - -Porter. Sixpence. - -Nora. There is a shilling. No, keep the change. (The PORTER thanks her, -and goes out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as she -takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her -pocket and eats one or two; then goes cautiously to her husband's door -and listens.) Yes, he is in. (Still humming, she goes to the table on -the right.) - -Helmer (calls out from his room). Is that my little lark twittering out -there? - -Nora (busy opening some of the parcels). Yes, it is! - -Helmer. Is it my little squirrel bustling about? - -Nora. Yes! - -Helmer. When did my squirrel come home? - -Nora. Just now. (Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her -mouth.) Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought. - -Helmer. Don't disturb me. (A little later, he opens the door and looks -into the room, pen in hand.) Bought, did you say? All these things? Has -my little spendthrift been wasting money again? - -Nora. Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go -a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to -economise. - -Helmer. Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly. Nora. Yes, -Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn't we? Just a tiny -wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of -money. - -Helmer. Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter -before the salary is due. - -Nora. Pooh! we can borrow until then. - -Helmer. Nora! (Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.) The -same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds -today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New -Year's Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and--Nora (putting her -hands over his mouth). Oh! don't say such horrid things. - -Helmer. Still, suppose that happened,--what then? - -Nora. If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I -owed money or not. - -Helmer. Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? - -Nora. They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they -were. - -Helmer. That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think -about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty -about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept -bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for -the short time longer that there need be any struggle. - -Nora (moving towards the stove). As you please, Torvald. - -Helmer (following her). Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her -wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? (Taking out -his purse.) Nora, what do you think I have got here? - -Nora (turning round quickly). Money! - -Helmer. There you are. (Gives her some money.) Do you think I don't know -what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time? - -Nora (counting). Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you, thank -you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time. - -Helmer. Indeed it must. - -Nora. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have -bought. And 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. - -Helmer. And what is in this parcel? - -Nora (crying out). No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening. - -Helmer. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what -would you like for yourself? - -Nora. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything. - -Helmer. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would -particularly like to have. - -Nora. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald-- - -Helmer. Well? - -Nora (playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to -his). If you really want to give me something, you might--you might-- - -Helmer. Well, out with it! - -Nora (speaking quickly). You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as -much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something -with it. - -Helmer. But, Nora-- - -Nora. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up in -beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that be -fun? - -Helmer. What are little people called that are always wasting money? - -Nora. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then -I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very -sensible plan, isn't it? - -Helmer (smiling). Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were really to -save out of the money I give you, and then really buy something for -yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of -unnecessary things, then I merely have to pay up again. - -Nora. Oh but, Torvald-- - -Helmer. You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. (Puts his arm round -her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of -money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are! - -Nora. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can. - -Helmer (laughing). That's very true,--all you can. But you can't save -anything! - -Nora (smiling quietly and happily). You haven't any idea how many -expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald. - -Helmer. You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always -find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you -have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it -has gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; for -indeed it is true that you can inherit these things, Nora. - -Nora. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities. - -Helmer. And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, -my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that you are -looking rather--what shall I say--rather uneasy today? - -Nora. Do I? - -Helmer. You do, really. Look straight at me. - -Nora (looks at him). Well? - -Helmer (wagging his finger at her). Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been -breaking rules in town today? - -Nora. No; what makes you think that? - -Helmer. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's? - -Nora. No, I assure you, Torvald-- - -Helmer. Not been nibbling sweets? - -Nora. No, certainly not. - -Helmer. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two? - -Nora. No, Torvald, I assure you really-- - -Helmer. There, there, of course I was only joking. - -Nora (going to the table on the right). I should not think of going -against your wishes. - -Helmer. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word-- (Going -up to her.) Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. -They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no -doubt. - -Nora. Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank? - -Helmer. No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come to -dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in this morning. -I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can't think how I am looking -forward to this evening. - -Nora. So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! - -Helmer. It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe -appointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to think of, isn't -it? - -Nora. It's wonderful! - -Helmer. Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks -beforehand you shut yourself up every evening 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! - -Nora. I didn't find it dull. - -Helmer (smiling). But there was precious little result, Nora. - -Nora. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I help the -cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces? - -Helmer. Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had the best of -intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing. But it is a good -thing that our hard times are over. - -Nora. Yes, it is really wonderful. - -Helmer. This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and you -needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands-- - -Nora (clapping her hands). No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need I! -It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (Taking his arm.) Now I will -tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. -As soon as Christmas is over--(A bell rings in the hall.) There's the -bell. (She tidies the room a little.) There's some one at the door. What -a nuisance! - -Helmer. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home. - -Maid (in the doorway). A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger. - -Nora. Ask her to come in. - -Maid (to HELMER). The doctor came at the same time, sir. - -Helmer. Did he go straight into my room? - -Maid. Yes, sir. - -(HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs. LINDE, who is in -travelling dress, and shuts the door.) Mrs. Linde (in a dejected and -timid voice). How do you do, Nora? - -Nora (doubtfully). How do you do--Mrs. Linde. You don't recognise me, I -suppose. - -Nora. No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--(Suddenly.) Yes! -Christine! Is it really you? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, it is I. - -Nora. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could -I--(In a gentle voice.) How you have altered, Christine! - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years-- - -Nora. Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight years -have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you have come -into the town, and have taken this long journey in winter--that was -plucky of you. - -Mrs. Linde. I arrived by steamer this morning. - -Nora. To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How delightful! We -will have such fun together! But take off your things. You are not cold, -I hope. (Helps her.) Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. -No, take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. (Takes -her hands.) Now you look like your old self again; it was only the first -moment--You are a little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little thinner. - -Mrs. Linde. And much, much older, Nora. - -Nora. Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. -(Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.) What a thoughtless creature I am, -chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me. - -Mrs. Linde. What do you mean, Nora? - -Nora (gently). Poor Christine, you are a widow. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes; it is three years ago now. - -Nora. Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I -meant ever so often to write to you at the time, but I always put it off -and something always prevented me. - -Mrs. Linde. I quite understand, dear. - -Nora. It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have -suffered. And he left you nothing? - -Mrs. Linde. No. - -Nora. And no children? - -Mrs. Linde. No. - -Nora. Nothing at all, then. - -Mrs. Linde. Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon. - -Nora (looking incredulously at her). But, Christine, is that possible? - -Mrs. Linde (smiles sadly and strokes her hair). It sometimes happens, -Nora. - -Nora. So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have -three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they are out -with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it. - -Mrs. Linde. No, no; I want to hear about you. - -Nora. No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I must only -think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do you -know we have just had a great piece of good luck? - -Mrs. Linde. No, what is it? - -Nora. Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank! - -Mrs. Linde. Your husband? What good luck! - -Nora. Yes, tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an uncertain -thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavoury cases; and naturally -Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him. -You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the -Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lots of -commissions. For the future we can live quite differently--we can do -just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be -splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won't -it? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one -needs. - -Nora. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money. - -Mrs. Linde (smiling). Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our -schooldays you were a great spendthrift. - -Nora (laughing). Yes, that is what Torvald says now. (Wags her finger at -her.) But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think. We have not been in -a position for me to waste money. We have both had to work. - -Mrs. Linde. You too? - -Nora. Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and -that kind of thing. (Dropping her voice.) And other things as well. You -know Torvald left his office when we were married? There was no prospect -of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than before. But -during the first year he 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. - -Mrs. Linde. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you? - -Nora. Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It -was just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a -wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's life. But it cost -a tremendous lot of money, Christine. - -Mrs. Linde. So I should think. - -Nora. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, isn't -it? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the -money. - -Nora. I ought to tell you that we had it from papa. - -Mrs. Linde. Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn't -it? - -Nora. Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn't go and nurse him. I was -expecting little Ivar's birth every day and I had my poor sick Torvald -to look after. My dear, kind father--I never saw him again, Christine. -That was the saddest time I have known since our marriage. - -Mrs. Linde. I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to -Italy? - -Nora. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our -going, so we started a month later. - -Mrs. Linde. And your husband came back quite well? - -Nora. As sound as a bell! - -Mrs. Linde. But--the doctor? - -Nora. What doctor? - -Mrs. Linde. I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just -as I did, was the doctor? - -Nora. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here -professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once -every day. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since then, and our -children are strong and healthy and so am I. (Jumps up and claps her -hands.) Christine! Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!--But how -horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. (Sits on a -stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.) You mustn't be angry -with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband? -Why did you marry him? - -Mrs. Linde. My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless, -and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I -was justified in refusing his offer. - -Nora. No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then? - -Mrs. Linde. I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a -precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was -nothing left. - -Nora. And then?-- - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find--first -a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have -seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at an end, -Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the boys -do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift for -themselves. - -Nora. What a relief you must feel if-- - -Mrs. Linde. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to -live for anymore. (Gets up restlessly.) 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-- - -Nora. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired -out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place. - -Mrs. Linde (walking to the window). I have no father to give me money -for a journey, Nora. - -Nora (rising). Oh, don't be angry with me! - -Mrs. Linde (going up to her). It is you that must not be angry with me, -dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. -No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on the 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. - -Nora. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald -could get you something to do. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, that was what I was thinking of. - -Nora. He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject -very cleverly--I will think of something that will please him very much. -It will make me so happy to be of some use to you. - -Mrs. Linde. How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is -doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles -of life. - -Nora. I--? I know so little of them? - -Mrs. Linde (smiling). My dear! Small household cares and that sort of -thing!--You are a child, Nora. - -Nora (tosses her head and crosses the stage). You ought not to be so -superior. - -Mrs. Linde. No? - -Nora. You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable -of anything really serious-- - -Mrs. Linde. Come, come-- - -Nora.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares. - -Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles. - -Nora. Pooh!--those were trifles. (Lowering her voice.) I have not told -you the important thing. - -Mrs. Linde. The important thing? What do you mean? - -Nora. You look down upon me altogether, Christine--but you ought not to. -You are proud, aren't you, of having worked so hard and so long for your -mother? - -Mrs. Linde. Indeed, I don't look down on 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. - -Nora. And you are proud to think of what you have done for your -brothers? - -Mrs. Linde. I think I have the right to be. - -Nora. I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have something to -be proud and glad of. - -Mrs. Linde. I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to? - -Nora. Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn't on any -account--no one in the world must know, Christine, except you. - -Mrs. Linde. But what is it? - -Nora. Come here. (Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.) Now I will -show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who -saved Torvald's life. - -Mrs. Linde. "Saved"? How? - -Nora. I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have -recovered if he had not gone there-- - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. - -Nora (smiling). Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, -but-- - -Mrs. Linde. But-- - -Nora. Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money. - -Mrs. Linde. You? All that large sum? - -Nora. Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that? - -Mrs. Linde. But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a prize -in the Lottery? - -Nora (contemptuously). In the Lottery? There would have been no credit -in that. - -Mrs. Linde. But where did you get it from, then? Nora (humming and -smiling with an air of mystery). Hm, hm! Aha! - -Mrs. Linde. Because you couldn't have borrowed it. - -Nora. Couldn't I? Why not? - -Mrs. Linde. No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband's consent. - -Nora (tossing her head). Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for -business--a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever-- - -Mrs. Linde. I don't understand it at all, Nora. - -Nora. There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed the -money. I may have got it some other way. (Lies back on the sofa.) -Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is as attractive -as I am-- - -Mrs. Linde. You are a mad creature. - -Nora. Now, you know you're full of curiosity, Christine. - -Mrs. Linde. Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven't you been a little bit -imprudent? - -Nora (sits up straight). Is it imprudent to save your husband's life? - -Mrs. Linde. It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to-- - -Nora. But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My -goodness, can't you understand that? It was necessary he should have no -idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctors -came and said that his life was in danger, and that the only thing to -save him was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn't try, first of -all, to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much -I should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and -entreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition -I was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even -hinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, -Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my -husband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices--as I believe he -called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved--and that was how I -came to devise a way out of the difficulty-- - -Mrs. Linde. And did your husband never get to know from your father that -the money had not come from him? - -Nora. No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let him -into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill -then--alas, there never was any need to tell him. - -Mrs. Linde. And since then have you never told your secret to your -husband? - -Nora. Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has such -strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful and -humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to -know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations -altogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now. - -Mrs. Linde. Do you mean never to tell him about it? - -Nora (meditatively, and with a half smile). Yes--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--(Breaking -off.) What nonsense! That time will never come. Now, what do you think -of my great secret, Christine? Do you still think I am of no use? I can -tell you, too, that this affair has caused me a lot of worry. It has -been by no means easy for me to meet my engagements punctually. I may -tell you that there is something that is called, in business, quarterly -interest, and another thing called payment in 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! - -Mrs. Linde. So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries of -life, poor Nora? - -Nora. Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever -Torvald has given me money for new dresses and such things, I have -never spent more than half of it; I have always bought the simplest -and cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, and -so Torvald has never noticed it. But it was often very hard on me, -Christine--because it is delightful to be really well dressed, isn't it? - -Mrs. Linde. Quite so. - -Nora. Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last winter -I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I locked myself up -and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I -was desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to -sit there working and earning money. It was like being a man. - -Mrs. Linde. How much have you been able to pay off in that way? - -Nora. I can't tell you exactly. You see, it is very difficult to keep an -account of a business matter of that kind. I only know that I have paid -every penny that I could scrape together. Many a time I was at my wits' -end. (Smiles.) Then I used to sit here and imagine that a rich old -gentleman had fallen in love with me-- - -Mrs. Linde. What! Who was it? - -Nora. Be quiet!--that he had died; and that when his will was opened -it contained, written in big letters, the instruction: "The lovely Mrs. -Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over to her at once in cash." - -Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora--who could the man be? - -Nora. Good gracious, can't you understand? There was no old gentleman at -all; it was only something that I used to sit here and imagine, when I -couldn't think of any way of procuring money. But it's all the same now; -the tiresome old person can stay where he is, as far as I am concerned; -I don't care about him or his will either, for I am free from care now. -(Jumps up.) My goodness, it's delightful to think of, Christine! Free -from care! To be able to be free from care, quite free from care; to be -able to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house -beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it! And, think of -it, soon the spring will come and the big blue sky! Perhaps we shall be -able to take a little trip--perhaps I shall see the sea again! Oh, it's -a wonderful thing to be alive and be happy. (A bell is heard in the -hall.) - -Mrs. Linde (rising). There is the bell; perhaps I had better go. - -Nora. No, don't go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be for -Torvald. - -Servant (at the hall door). Excuse me, ma'am--there is a gentleman to -see the master, and as the doctor is with him-- - -Nora. Who is it? - -Krogstad (at the door). It is I, Mrs. Helmer. (Mrs. LINDE starts, -trembles, and turns to the window.) - -Nora (takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low voice). -You? What is it? What do you want to see my husband about? - -Krogstad. Bank business--in a way. I have a small post in the Bank, and -I hear your husband is to be our chief now-- - -Nora. Then it is-- - -Krogstad. Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs. Helmer; absolutely -nothing else. - -Nora. Be so good as to go into the study, then. (She bows indifferently -to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes back and makes up -the fire in the stove.) - -Mrs. Linde. Nora--who was that man? - -Nora. A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad. - -Mrs. Linde. Then it really was he. - -Nora. Do you know the man? - -Mrs. Linde. I used to--many years ago. At one time he was a solicitor's -clerk in our town. - -Nora. Yes, he was. - -Mrs. Linde. He is greatly altered. - -Nora. He made a very unhappy marriage. - -Mrs. Linde. He is a widower now, isn't he? - -Nora. With several children. There now, it is burning up. (Shuts the -door of the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.) - -Mrs. Linde. They say he carries on various kinds of business. - -Nora. Really! Perhaps he does; I don't know anything about it. But don't -let us think of business; it is so tiresome. - -Doctor Rank (comes out of HELMER'S study. Before he shuts the door he -calls to him). No, my dear fellow, I won't disturb you; I would rather -go in to your wife for a little while. (Shuts the door and sees Mrs. -LINDE.) I beg your pardon; I am afraid I am disturbing you too. - -Nora. No, not at all. (Introducing him). Doctor Rank, Mrs. Linde. - -Rank. I have often heard Mrs. Linde's name mentioned here. I think I -passed you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I go up very slowly; I can't manage stairs well. - -Rank. Ah! some slight internal weakness? - -Mrs. Linde. No, the fact is I have been overworking myself. - -Rank. Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to town to -amuse yourself with our entertainments? - -Mrs. Linde. I have come to look for work. - -Rank. Is that a good cure for overwork? - -Mrs. Linde. One must live, Doctor Rank. - -Rank. Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary. - -Nora. Look here, Doctor Rank--you know you want to live. - -Rank. Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong the -agony as long as possible. All my patients are like that. And so are -those who are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad case too, is at -this very moment with Helmer-- - -Mrs. Linde (sadly). Ah! - -Nora. Whom do you mean? - -Rank. A lawyer of the name of Krogstad, a fellow you don't know at all. -He suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs. Helmer; but even he -began talking of its being highly important that he should live. - -Nora. Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about? - -Rank. I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about the Bank. - -Nora. I didn't know this--what's his name--Krogstad had anything to do -with the Bank. - -Rank. Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. (To Mrs. LINDE.) I -don't know whether you find also in your part of the world that there -are certain people who go zealously snuffing about to smell out moral -corruption, and, as soon as they have found some, put the person -concerned into some lucrative position where they can keep their eye on -him. Healthy natures are left out in the cold. - -Mrs. Linde. Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care -of. - -Rank (shrugging his shoulders). Yes, there you are. That is the -sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house. - -(NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into smothered -laughter and claps her hands.) - -Rank. Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society really -is? - -Nora. What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at something -quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, Doctor Rank, are -all the people who are employed in the Bank dependent on Torvald now? - -Rank. Is that what you find so extremely amusing? - -Nora (smiling and humming). That's my affair! (Walking about the room.) -It's perfectly glorious to think that we have--that Torvald has so much -power over so many people. (Takes the packet from her pocket.) Doctor -Rank, what do you say to a macaroon? - -Rank. What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here. - -Nora. Yes, but these are some Christine gave me. - -Mrs. Linde. What! I?-- - -Nora. Oh, well, don't be alarmed! You couldn't know that Torvald had -forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil my -teeth. But, bah!--once in a way--That's so, isn't it, Doctor Rank? By -your leave! (Puts a macaroon into his mouth.) You must have one too, -Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one--or at most two. -(Walking about.) I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in the -world now that I should dearly love to do. - -Rank. Well, what is that? - -Nora. It's something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald could hear -me. - -Rank. Well, why can't you say it? - -Nora. No, I daren't; it's so shocking. - -Mrs. Linde. Shocking? - -Rank. Well, I should not advise you to say it. Still, with us you might. -What is it you would so much like to say if Torvald could hear you? - -Nora. I should just love to say--Well, I'm damned! - -Rank. Are you mad? - -Mrs. Linde. Nora, dear--! - -Rank. Say it, here he is! - -Nora (hiding the packet). Hush! Hush! Hush! (HELMER comes out of his -room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.) - -Nora. Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him? - -Helmer. Yes, he has just gone. - -Nora. Let me introduce you--this is Christine, who has come to town. - -Helmer. Christine--? Excuse me, but I don't know-- - -Nora. Mrs. Linde, dear; Christine Linde. - -Helmer. Of course. A school friend of my wife's, I presume? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, we have known each other since then. - -Nora. And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you. - -Helmer. What do you mean? Mrs. Linde. No, really, I-- - -Nora. Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is -frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect -herself-- - -Helmer. Very sensible, Mrs. Linde. - -Nora. And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank--the -news was telegraphed, you know--she 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? - -Helmer. Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a -widow, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes. - -Helmer. And have had some experience of book-keeping? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, a fair amount. - -Helmer. Ah! well, it's very likely I may be able to find something for -you-- - -Nora (clapping her hands). What did I tell you? What did I tell you? - -Helmer. You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs. Linde. - -Mrs. Linde. How am I to thank you? - -Helmer. There is no need. (Puts on his coat.) But today you must excuse -me-- - -Rank. Wait a minute; I will come with you. (Brings his fur coat from the -hall and warms it at the fire.) - -Nora. Don't be long away, Torvald dear. - -Helmer. About an hour, not more. - -Nora. Are you going too, Christine? - -Mrs. Linde (putting on her cloak). Yes, I must go and look for a room. - -Helmer. Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together. - -Nora (helping her). What a pity it is we are so short of space here; I -am afraid it is impossible for us-- - -Mrs. Linde. Please don't think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and many -thanks. - -Nora. 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. (They go to the door all talking -together. Children's voices are heard on the staircase.) - -Nora. There they are! There they are! (She runs to open the door. The -NURSE comes in with the children.) Come in! Come in! (Stoops and kisses -them.) Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren't they -darlings? - -Rank. Don't let us stand here in the draught. - -Helmer. Come along, Mrs. Linde; the place will only be bearable for a -mother now! - -(RANK, HELMER, and Mrs. LINDE go downstairs. The NURSE comes forward -with the children; NORA shuts the hall door.) - -Nora. How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples and -roses. (The children all talk at once while she speaks to them.) Have -you had great fun? That's splendid! What, you pulled both Emmy and Bob -along on the sledge?--both at once?--that was good. You are a clever -boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, Anne. My sweet little baby -doll! (Takes the baby from the MAID and dances it up and down.) Yes, -yes, mother will dance with Bob too. What! Have you been 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. - -(The NURSE goes into the room on the left. NORA takes off the children's -things and throws them about, while they all talk to her at once.) - -Nora. Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn't bite you? No, -dogs don't bite nice little dolly children. You mustn't look at the -parcels, Ivar. What are they? Ah, I daresay you would like to know. No, -no--it's something nasty! Come, let us have a game! What shall we play -at? Hide and Seek? Yes, we'll play Hide and Seek. Bob shall hide first. -Must I hide? Very well, I'll hide first. (She and the children laugh -and shout, and romp in and out of the room; at last NORA hides under the -table, the children rush in and 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.) - -Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer. - -Nora (with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her knees). Ah! -what do you want? - -Krogstad. Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone forgot -to shut it. - -Nora (rising). My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad. - -Krogstad. I know that. - -Nora. What do you want here, then? - -Krogstad. A word with you. - -Nora. With me?--(To the children, gently.) Go in to nurse. What? No, -the strange man won't do mother any harm. When he has gone we will have -another game. (She takes the children into the room on the left, and -shuts the door after them.) You want to speak to me? - -Krogstad. Yes, I do. - -Nora. Today? It is not the first of the month yet. - -Krogstad. No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself what -sort of a Christmas you will spend. - -Nora. What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me-- - -Krogstad. We won't talk about that until later on. This is something -different. I presume you can give me a moment? - -Nora. Yes--yes, I can--although-- - -Krogstad. Good. I was in Olsen's Restaurant and saw your husband going -down the street-- - -Nora. Yes? - -Krogstad. With a lady. - -Nora. What then? - -Krogstad. May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs. Linde? - -Nora. It was. - -Krogstad. Just arrived in town? - -Nora. Yes, today. - -Krogstad. She is a great friend of yours, isn't she? - -Nora. She is. But I don't see-- - -Krogstad. I knew her too, once upon a time. - -Nora. I am aware of that. - -Krogstad. Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. Then I -can ask you, without beating about the bush--is Mrs. Linde to have an -appointment in the Bank? - -Nora. What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?--You, one of -my husband's subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs. -Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause, Mr. -Krogstad, let me tell you that. - -Krogstad. I was right in what I thought, then. - -Nora (walking up and down the stage). Sometimes one has a tiny little -bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not -necessarily follow that--. When anyone is in a subordinate position, -Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone -who--who-- - -Krogstad. Who has influence? - -Nora. Exactly. - -Krogstad (changing his tone). Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as to use -your influence on my behalf. - -Nora. What? What do you mean? - -Krogstad. You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my -subordinate position in the Bank. - -Nora. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from -you? - -Krogstad. Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of -ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious -to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I -quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off. - -Nora. But I assure you-- - -Krogstad. Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when -I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that. - -Nora. But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence. - -Krogstad. Haven't you? I thought you said yourself just now-- - -Nora. Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I! -What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my -husband? - -Krogstad. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don't -suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands. - -Nora. If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of -the house. - -Krogstad. You are bold, Mrs. Helmer. - -Nora. I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year comes, -I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing. - -Krogstad (controlling himself). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If necessary, -I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were -fighting for my life. - -Nora. So it seems. - -Krogstad. It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs -least with me in the matter. There is another reason--well, I may as -well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like everybody -else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion. - -Nora. I think I have heard something of the kind. - -Krogstad. The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be -closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I -had to do something; and, honestly, 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. - -Nora. But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to -help you at all. - -Krogstad. Then it is because you haven't the will; but I have means to -compel you. - -Nora. You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money? - -Krogstad. Hm!--suppose I were to tell him? - -Nora. It would be perfectly infamous of you. (Sobbing.) To think of his -learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, -clumsy way--that he should learn it from you! And it would put me in a -horribly disagreeable position-- - -Krogstad. Only disagreeable? - -Nora (impetuously). Well, do it, then!--and it will be the worse for -you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you are, and you -certainly won't keep your post then. - -Krogstad. I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that -you were afraid of? - -Nora. If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once -pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to do with -you. - -Krogstad (coming a step nearer). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. Either you -have a very bad memory or you know very little of business. I shall be -obliged to remind you of a few details. - -Nora. What do you mean? - -Krogstad. When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two -hundred and fifty pounds. - -Nora. I didn't know anyone else to go to. - -Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount-- - -Nora. Yes, and you did so. - -Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount, on certain conditions. -Your mind was so taken up with your husband's illness, and you were so -anxious to get the money for your journey, that you seem to have paid -no attention to the conditions of our bargain. Therefore it will not be -amiss if I remind you of them. Now, I promised to get the money on the -security of a bond which I drew up. - -Nora. Yes, and which I signed. - -Krogstad. Good. But below your signature there were a few lines -constituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your father -should have signed. - -Nora. Should? He did sign them. - -Krogstad. I had left the date blank; that is to say, your father should -himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. Do you -remember that? - -Nora. Yes, I think I remember-- - -Krogstad. Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is -that not so? - -Nora. Yes. - -Krogstad. And you naturally did so at once, because five or six days -afterwards you brought me the bond with your father's signature. And -then I gave you the money. - -Nora. Well, haven't I been paying it off regularly? - -Krogstad. Fairly so, yes. But--to come back to the matter in hand--that -must have been a very trying time for you, Mrs. Helmer? - -Nora. It was, indeed. - -Krogstad. Your father was very ill, wasn't he? - -Nora. He was very near his end. - -Krogstad. And died soon afterwards? - -Nora. Yes. - -Krogstad. Tell me, Mrs. Helmer, can you by any chance remember what day -your father died?--on what day of the month, I mean. - -Nora. Papa died on the 29th of September. - -Krogstad. That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as -that is so, there is a discrepancy (taking a paper from his pocket) -which I cannot account for. - -Nora. What discrepancy? I don't know-- - -Krogstad. The discrepancy consists, Mrs. Helmer, in the fact that your -father signed this bond three days after his death. - -Nora. What do you mean? I don't understand-- - -Krogstad. Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look here; -your father has dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is a -discrepancy, isn't it? (NORA is silent.) Can you explain it to me? (NORA -is still silent.) It is a remarkable thing, too, that the words "2nd -of October," as well as the year, are not written in your father's -handwriting but in one that I think I know. Well, of course it can be -explained; your father may have forgotten to date his signature, and -someone else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of his death. -There is no harm in that. It all depends on the signature of the name; -and that is genuine, I suppose, Mrs. Helmer? It was your father himself -who signed his name here? - -Nora (after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly at -him). No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa's name. - -Krogstad. Are you aware that is a dangerous confession? - -Nora. In what way? You shall have your money soon. - -Krogstad. Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to -your father? - -Nora. It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him for his -signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was to be -used for; and when he was so ill himself I couldn't tell him that my -husband's life was in danger--it was impossible. - -Krogstad. It would have been better for you if you had given up your -trip abroad. - -Nora. No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband's life; -I couldn't give that up. - -Krogstad. But did it never occur to you that you were committing a fraud -on me? - -Nora. I couldn't take that into account; I didn't trouble myself about -you at all. I couldn't bear you, because you put so many heartless -difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous condition my -husband was in. - -Krogstad. Mrs. Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly what it is -that you have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my one false -step, which lost me all my reputation, was nothing more or nothing worse -than what you have done. - -Nora. You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run a -risk to save your wife's life? - -Krogstad. The law cares nothing about motives. - -Nora. Then it must be a very foolish law. - -Krogstad. Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if -I produce this paper in court. - -Nora. I don't believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to spare her -dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be allowed to save her -husband's life? I don't know much about law; but I am certain that there -must be laws permitting such things as that. Have you no knowledge of -such laws--you who are a lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. -Krogstad. - -Krogstad. Maybe. But matters of business--such business as you and I -have had together--do you think I don't understand that? Very well. Do -as you please. But let me tell you this--if I lose my position a second -time, you shall lose yours with me. (He bows, and goes out through the -hall.) - -Nora (appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her head). -Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!--I am not so silly as he -thinks. (Begins to busy herself putting the children's things in order.) -And yet--? No, it's impossible! I did it for love's sake. - -The Children (in the doorway on the left). Mother, the stranger man has -gone out through the gate. - -Nora. Yes, dears, I know. But, don't tell anyone about the stranger man. -Do you hear? Not even papa. - -Children. No, mother; but will you come and play again? - -Nora. No, no,--not now. - -Children. But, mother, you promised us. - -Nora. Yes, but I can't now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run -away in, my sweet little darlings. (She gets them into the room by -degrees and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes -up a piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops.) No! -(Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.) -Helen! bring the Tree in. (Goes to the table on the left, opens a -drawer, and stops again.) No, no! it is quite impossible! - -Maid (coming in with the Tree). Where shall I put it, ma'am? - -Nora. Here, in the middle of the floor. - -Maid. Shall I get you anything else? - -Nora. No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit MAID.] - -Nora (begins dressing the tree). A candle here-and flowers here--The -horrible man! It's all nonsense--there's nothing wrong. The tree -shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to please you, -Torvald!--I will sing for you, dance for you--(HELMER comes in with some -papers under his arm.) Oh! are you back already? - -Helmer. Yes. Has anyone been here? - -Nora. Here? No. - -Helmer. That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate. - -Nora. Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment. - -Helmer. Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging -you to say a good word for him. - -Nora. Yes. - -Helmer. And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were to -conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn't he beg that of -you too? - -Nora. Yes, Torvald, but-- - -Helmer. Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To -have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? -And to tell me a lie into the bargain? - -Nora. A lie--? - -Helmer. Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (Shakes his finger at -her.) My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have -a clean beak to chirp with--no false notes! (Puts his arm round her -waist.) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure it is. (Lets her go.) We -will say no more about it. (Sits down by the stove.) How warm and snug -it is here! (Turns over his papers.) - -Nora (after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the -Christmas Tree.) Torvald! - -Helmer. Yes. - -Nora. I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the -Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow. - -Helmer. And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to -surprise me with. - -Nora. It was very silly of me to want to do that. - -Helmer. What do you mean? - -Nora. I can't hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of -seems so silly and insignificant. - -Helmer. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? - -Nora (standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it). Are -you very busy, Torvald? - -Helmer. Well-- - -Nora. What are all those papers? - -Helmer. Bank business. - -Nora. Already? - -Helmer. I have got authority from the retiring manager to undertake the -necessary changes in the staff and in the rearrangement of the work; and -I must make use of the Christmas week for that, so as to have everything -in order for the new year. - -Nora. Then that was why this poor Krogstad-- - -Helmer. Hm! - -Nora (leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair). If you -hadn't been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, -Torvald. - -Helmer. What is that? Tell me. - -Nora. There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so want to -look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn't you take me in hand -and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shall wear? - -Helmer. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to -come to her rescue? - -Nora. Yes, Torvald, I can't get along a bit without your help. - -Helmer. Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon -something. - -Nora. That is nice of you. (Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short pause.) -How pretty the red flowers look--. But, tell me, was it really something -very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of? - -Helmer. He forged someone's name. Have you any idea what that means? - -Nora. Isn't it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity? - -Helmer. Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so -heartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false step -of that kind. - -Nora. No, you wouldn't, would you, Torvald? - -Helmer. Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has -openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment. - -Nora. Punishment--? - -Helmer. But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out of it -by a cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether. - -Nora. But do you think it would--? - -Helmer. Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the -hypocrite with 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. - -Nora. How? - -Helmer. Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole -life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a house is full of -the germs of evil. - -Nora (coming nearer him). Are you sure of that? - -Helmer. My dear, I have often seen it in the course of my life as a -lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has had a -deceitful mother. - -Nora. Why do you only say--mother? - -Helmer. It seems most commonly to be the mother's influence, though -naturally a bad father's would have the same result. Every lawyer -is familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been persistently -poisoning his own children with lies and dissimulation; that is why I -say he has lost all moral character. (Holds out his hands to her.) That -is why my sweet little Nora must promise me not to plead his cause. Give -me your hand on it. Come, come, what is this? Give me your hand. There -now, that's settled. I assure you it would be quite impossible for me to -work with him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the company -of such people. - -Nora (takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of the -Christmas Tree). How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot to do. - -Helmer (getting up and putting his papers in order). Yes, and I must -try and read through some of these before dinner; and I must think about -your costume, too. And it is just possible I may have something ready -in gold paper to hang up on the Tree. (Puts his hand on her head.) My -precious little singing-bird! (He goes into his room and shuts the door -after him.) - -Nora (after a pause, whispers). No, no--it isn't true. It's impossible; -it must be impossible. - -(The NURSE opens the door on the left.) - -Nurse. The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come in to -mamma. - -Nora. No, no, no! Don't let them come in to me! You stay with them, -Anne. - -Nurse. Very well, ma'am. (Shuts the door.) - -Nora (pale with terror). Deprave my little children? Poison my home? (A -short pause. Then she tosses her head.) It's not true. It can't possibly -be true. - - - - -ACT II - -(THE SAME SCENE.--THE Christmas Tree is in the corner by the piano, -stripped of its ornaments and with burnt-down candle-ends on its -dishevelled branches. NORA'S cloak and hat are lying on the sofa. She -is alone in the room, walking about uneasily. She stops by the sofa and -takes up her cloak.) - -Nora (drops her cloak). Someone is coming now! (Goes to the door and -listens.) No--it is no one. Of course, no one will come today, Christmas -Day--nor tomorrow either. But, perhaps--(opens the door and looks out). -No, nothing in the letterbox; it is quite empty. (Comes forward.) -What rubbish! of course he can't be in earnest about it. Such a thing -couldn't happen; it is impossible--I have three little children. - -(Enter the NURSE from the room on the left, carrying a big cardboard -box.) - -Nurse. At last I have found the box with the fancy dress. - -Nora. Thanks; put it on the table. - -Nurse (doing so). But it is very much in want of mending. - -Nora. I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces. - -Nurse. What an idea! It can easily be put in order--just a little -patience. - -Nora. Yes, I will go and get Mrs. Linde to come and help me with it. - -Nurse. What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch cold, -ma'am, and make yourself ill. - -Nora. Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children? - -Nurse. The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, -but-- - -Nora. Do they ask much for me? - -Nurse. You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them. - -Nora. Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now -as I was before. - -Nurse. Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything. - -Nora. Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if -she went away altogether? - -Nurse. Good heavens!--went away altogether? - -Nora. Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often wondered -about--how could you have the heart to put your own child out among -strangers? - -Nurse. I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora's nurse. - -Nora. Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? - -Nurse. What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A poor -girl who has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, that wicked -man didn't do a single thing for me. - -Nora. But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you. - -Nurse. No, indeed she hasn't. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, -and when she was married. - -Nora (putting her arms round her neck). Dear old Anne, you were a good -mother to me when I was little. - -Nurse. Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. - -Nora. And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you -would--What nonsense I am talking! (Opens the box.) Go in to them. -Now I must--. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look. - -Nurse. I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as you, -ma'am. (Goes into the room on the left.) - -Nora (begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from her). If -only I dared go out. If only no one would come. If only I could be sure -nothing would happen here in the meantime. Stuff and nonsense! No one -will come. Only I mustn't think about it. I will brush my muff. What -lovely, lovely gloves! Out of my thoughts, out of my thoughts! One, -two, three, four, five, six-- (Screams.) Ah! there is someone coming--. -(Makes a movement towards the door, but stands irresolute.) - -(Enter MRS. LINDE from the hall, where she has taken off her cloak and -hat.) - -Nora. Oh, it's you, Christine. There is no one else out there, is there? -How good of you to come! - -Mrs. Linde. I heard you were up asking for me. - -Nora. Yes, I was passing by. As a matter of fact, it is something -you could help me with. Let us sit down here on the sofa. Look here. -Tomorrow evening there is to be a fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs', -who live above us; and Torvald wants me to go as a Neapolitan -fisher-girl, and dance the Tarantella that I learned at Capri. - -Mrs. Linde. I see; you are going to keep up the character. - -Nora. Yes, Torvald wants me to. Look, here is the dress; Torvald had it -made for me there, but now it is all so torn, and I haven't any idea-- - -Mrs. Linde. We will easily put that right. It is only some of the -trimming come unsewn here and there. Needle and thread? Now then, that's -all we want. - -Nora. It is nice of you. - -Mrs. Linde (sewing). So you are going to be dressed up tomorrow Nora. -I will tell you what--I shall come in for a moment and see you in -your fine feathers. But I have completely forgotten to thank you for a -delightful evening yesterday. - -Nora (gets up, and crosses the stage). Well, I don't think yesterday was -as pleasant as usual. You ought to have come to town a little earlier, -Christine. Certainly Torvald does understand how to make a house dainty -and attractive. - -Mrs. Linde. And so do you, it seems to me; you are not your father's -daughter for nothing. But tell me, is Doctor Rank always as depressed as -he was yesterday? - -Nora. No; yesterday it was very noticeable. I must tell you that he -suffers from a very dangerous disease. He has consumption of the spine, -poor creature. His father was a horrible man who committed all sorts -of excesses; and that is why his son was sickly from childhood, do you -understand? - -Mrs. Linde (dropping her sewing). But, my dearest Nora, how do you know -anything about such things? - -Nora (walking about). Pooh! When you have three children, you get visits -now and then from--from married women, who know something of medical -matters, and they talk about one thing and another. - -Mrs. Linde (goes on sewing. A short silence). Does Doctor Rank come here -everyday? - -Nora. Everyday regularly. He is Torvald's most intimate friend, and a -great friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family. - -Mrs. Linde. But tell me this--is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn't he -the kind of man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable? - -Nora. Not in the least. What makes you think that? - -Mrs. Linde. When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he had -often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I noticed -that your husband hadn't the slightest idea who I was. So how could -Doctor Rank--? - -Nora. That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of me -that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first he used -to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk at home, so -naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about such things with -Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them. - -Mrs. Linde. Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in many -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. - -Nora. What ought I to make an end of? - -Mrs. Linde. Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense -about a rich admirer who was to leave you money-- - -Nora. An admirer who doesn't exist, unfortunately! But what then? - -Mrs. Linde. Is Doctor Rank a man of means? - -Nora. Yes, he is. - -Mrs. Linde. And has no one to provide for? - -Nora. No, no one; but-- - -Mrs. Linde. And comes here everyday? - -Nora. Yes, I told you so. - -Mrs. Linde. But how can this well-bred man be so tactless? - -Nora. I don't understand you at all. - -Mrs. Linde. Don't prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don't guess who -lent you the two hundred and fifty pounds? - -Nora. Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! A -friend of ours, who comes here everyday! Do you realise what a horribly -painful position that would be? - -Mrs. Linde. Then it really isn't he? - -Nora. No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head for -a moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into his money -afterwards. - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora. - -Nora. No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank. -Although I am quite sure that if I had asked him-- - -Mrs. Linde. But of course you won't. - -Nora. Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly be -necessary. But I am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank-- - -Mrs. Linde. Behind your husband's back? - -Nora. I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will be -behind his back too. I must make an end of it with him. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but-- - -Nora (walking up and down). A man can put a thing like that straight -much easier than a woman-- - -Mrs. Linde. One's husband, yes. - -Nora. Nonsense! (Standing still.) When you pay off a debt you get your -bond back, don't you? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, as a matter of course. - -Nora. And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it -up--the nasty dirty paper! - -Mrs. Linde (looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly). -Nora, you are concealing something from me. - -Nora. Do I look as if I were? - -Mrs. Linde. Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, -what is it? - -Nora (going nearer to her). Christine! (Listens.) Hush! there's Torvald -come home. Do you mind going in to the children for the present? Torvald -can't bear to see dressmaking going on. Let Anne help you. - -Mrs. Linde (gathering some of the things together). Certainly--but I am -not going away from here until we have had it out with one another. (She -goes into the room on the left, as HELMER comes in from the hall.) - -Nora (going up to HELMER). I have wanted you so much, Torvald dear. - -Helmer. Was that the dressmaker? - -Nora. No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in order. -You will see I shall look quite smart. - -Helmer. Wasn't that a happy thought of mine, now? - -Nora. Splendid! But don't you think it is nice of me, too, to do as you -wish? - -Helmer. Nice?--because you do as your husband wishes? Well, well, you -little rogue, I am sure you did not mean it in that way. But I am -not going to disturb you; you will want to be trying on your dress, I -expect. - -Nora. I suppose you are going to work. - -Helmer. Yes. (Shows her a bundle of papers.) Look at that. I have just -been into the bank. (Turns to go into his room.) - -Nora. Torvald. - -Helmer. Yes. - -Nora. If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, very -prettily--? - -Helmer. What then? - -Nora. Would you do it? - -Helmer. I should like to hear what it is, first. - -Nora. Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you would -be nice, and do what she wants. - -Helmer. Speak plainly. - -Nora. Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song rising -and falling-- - -Helmer. Well, my skylark does that anyhow. - -Nora. I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, -Torvald. - -Helmer. Nora--you surely don't mean that request you made to me this -morning? - -Nora (going near him). Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly-- - -Helmer. Have you really the courage to open up that question again? - -Nora. Yes, dear, you must do as I ask; you must let Krogstad keep his -post in the bank. - -Helmer. My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs. Linde -shall have. - -Nora. Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could just as -well dismiss some other clerk instead of Krogstad. - -Helmer. This is simply incredible obstinacy! Because you chose to give -him a thoughtless promise that you would speak for him, I am expected -to-- - -Nora. That isn't the reason, Torvald. It is for your own sake. This -fellow writes in the most scurrilous newspapers; you have told me so -yourself. He can do you an unspeakable amount of harm. I am frightened -to death of him-- - -Helmer. Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that scare -you. - -Nora. What do you mean? - -Helmer. Naturally you are thinking of your father. - -Nora. Yes--yes, of course. Just recall to your mind what these malicious -creatures wrote in the papers about papa, and how horribly they -slandered him. I believe they would have procured his dismissal if the -Department had not sent you over to inquire into it, and if you had not -been so kindly disposed and helpful to him. - -Helmer. My little Nora, there is an important difference between your -father and me. Your father's reputation as a public official was not -above suspicion. Mine is, and I hope it will continue to be so, as long -as I hold my office. - -Nora. You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought -to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have -no cares--you and I and the children, Torvald! That is why I beg you so -earnestly-- - -Helmer. And it is just by interceding for him that you make it -impossible for me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank that I -mean to dismiss Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the new manager -has changed his mind at his wife's bidding-- - -Nora. And what if it did? - -Helmer. Of course!--if only this obstinate little person can get her -way! Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole -staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of -outside influence? I should very soon feel the consequences of it, I can -tell you! And besides, there is one thing that makes it quite impossible -for me to have Krogstad in the Bank as long as I am manager. - -Nora. Whatever is that? - -Helmer. His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if -necessary-- - -Nora. Yes, you could--couldn't you? - -Helmer. And I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when we -were boys. It was one of those rash friendships that so often prove an -incubus in 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. - -Nora. Torvald, I don't believe you mean that. - -Helmer. Don't you? Why not? - -Nora. Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at things. - -Helmer. What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am -narrow-minded? - -Nora. No, just the opposite, dear--and it is exactly for that reason. - -Helmer. It's the same thing. You say my point of view is narrow-minded, -so I must be so too. Narrow-minded! Very well--I must put an end to -this. (Goes to the hall door and calls.) Helen! - -Nora. What are you going to do? - -Helmer (looking among his papers). Settle it. (Enter MAID.) Look here; -take this letter and go downstairs with it at once. Find a messenger and -tell him to deliver it, and be quick. The address is on it, and here is -the money. - -Maid. Very well, sir. (Exit with the letter.) - -Helmer (putting his papers together). Now then, little Miss Obstinate. - -Nora (breathlessly). Torvald--what was that letter? - -Helmer. Krogstad's dismissal. - -Nora. Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald, call her -back! Do it for my sake--for your own sake--for the children's sake! Do -you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You don't know what that letter can -bring upon us. - -Helmer. It's too late. - -Nora. Yes, it's too late. - -Helmer. My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although -really it is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn't it an insult to think -that I should be afraid of a starving quill-driver's vengeance? But I -forgive you nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your -great love for me. (Takes her in his arms.) And that is as it should be, -my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall have both -courage and strength if they be needed. You will see I am man enough to -take everything upon myself. - -Nora (in a horror-stricken voice). What do you mean by that? - -Helmer. Everything, I say-- - -Nora (recovering herself). You will never have to do that. - -Helmer. That's right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man and wife -should. That is how it shall be. (Caressing her.) Are you content now? -There! There!--not these frightened dove's eyes! The whole thing is only -the wildest fancy!--Now, you must go and play through the Tarantella and -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. (Turns back at the door.) And when Rank comes, tell him where he -will find me. (Nods to her, takes his papers and goes into his room, and -shuts the door after him.) - -Nora (bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, and -whispers). He was capable of doing it. He will do it. He will do it in -spite of everything.--No, not that! Never, never! Anything rather than -that! Oh, for some help, some way out of it! (The door-bell rings.) -Doctor Rank! Anything rather than that--anything, whatever it is! (She -puts her hands over her face, pulls herself together, goes to the door -and opens it. RANK is standing without, hanging up his coat. During the -following dialogue it begins to grow dark.) - -Nora. Good day, Doctor Rank. I knew your ring. But you mustn't go in to -Torvald now; I think he is busy with something. - -Rank. And you? - -Nora (brings him in and shuts the door after him). Oh, you know very -well I always have time for you. - -Rank. Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can. - -Nora. What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can? - -Rank. Well, does that alarm you? - -Nora. It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely to -happen? - -Rank. Nothing but what I have long been prepared for. But I certainly -didn't expect it to happen so soon. - -Nora (gripping him by the arm). What have you found out? Doctor Rank, -you must tell me. - -Rank (sitting down by the stove). It is all up with me. And it can't be -helped. - -Nora (with a sigh of relief). Is it about yourself? - -Rank. Who else? It is no use lying to one's self. I am the most wretched -of all my patients, Mrs. Helmer. Lately I have been taking stock of my -internal economy. Bankrupt! Probably within a month I shall lie rotting -in the churchyard. - -Nora. What an ugly thing to say! - -Rank. The thing itself is cursedly ugly, and the worst of it is that I -shall have to face so much more that is ugly before that. I shall only -make one more examination of myself; when I have done that, I shall know -pretty certainly when it will be that the horrors of dissolution will -begin. There is something I want to tell you. Helmer's refined nature -gives him an unconquerable disgust at everything that is ugly; I won't -have him in my sick-room. - -Nora. Oh, but, Doctor Rank-- - -Rank. I won't have him there. Not on any account. I bar my door to him. -As soon as I am quite certain that the worst has come, I shall send -you my card with a black cross on it, and then you will know that the -loathsome end has begun. - -Nora. You are quite absurd today. And I wanted you so much to be in a -really good humour. - -Rank. With death stalking beside me?--To have to pay this penalty for -another man's sin? Is there any justice in that? And in every single -family, in one way or another, some such inexorable retribution is being -exacted-- - -Nora (putting her hands over her ears). Rubbish! Do talk of something -cheerful. - -Rank. Oh, it's a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor innocent -spine has to suffer for my father's youthful amusements. - -Nora (sitting at the table on the left). I suppose you mean that he was -too partial to asparagus and pate de foie gras, don't you? - -Rank. Yes, and to truffles. - -Nora. Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose? - -Rank. Oysters, of course, that goes without saying. - -Nora. And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these nice -things should take their revenge on our bones. - -Rank. Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky -bones of those who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them. - -Nora. Yes, that's the saddest part of it all. - -Rank (with a searching look at her). Hm!-- - -Nora (after a short pause). Why did you smile? - -Rank. No, it was you that laughed. - -Nora. No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank! - -Rank (rising). You are a greater rascal than I thought. - -Nora. I am in a silly mood today. - -Rank. So it seems. - -Nora (putting her hands on his shoulders). Dear, dear Doctor Rank, death -mustn't take you away from Torvald and me. - -Rank. It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are gone are -soon forgotten. - -Nora (looking at him anxiously). Do you believe that? - -Rank. People form new ties, and then-- - -Nora. Who will form new ties? - -Rank. Both you and Helmer, when I am gone. You yourself are already on -the high road to it, I think. What did that Mrs. Linde want here last -night? - -Nora. Oho!--you don't mean to say you are jealous of poor Christine? - -Rank. Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am done -for, this woman will-- - -Nora. Hush! don't speak so loud. She is in that room. - -Rank. Today again. There, you see. - -Nora. She has only come to sew my dress for me. Bless my soul, how -unreasonable you are! (Sits down on the sofa.) Be nice now, Doctor Rank, -and 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. -(Takes various things out of the box.) Doctor Rank, come and sit down -here, and I will show you something. - -Rank (sitting down). What is it? - -Nora. Just look at those! - -Rank. Silk stockings. - -Nora. Flesh-coloured. Aren't they lovely? It is so dark here now, but -tomorrow--. No, no, no! you must only look at the feet. Oh well, you may -have leave to look at the legs too. - -Rank. Hm!--Nora. Why are you looking so critical? Don't you think they -will fit me? - -Rank. I have no means of forming an opinion about that. - -Nora (looks at him for a moment). For shame! (Hits him lightly on the -ear with the stockings.) That's to punish you. (Folds them up again.) - -Rank. And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see? - -Nora. Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. (She looks among -the things, humming to herself.) - -Rank (after a short silence). When I am sitting here, talking to you as -intimately as this, I cannot imagine for a moment what would have become -of me if I had never come into this house. - -Nora (smiling). I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. - -Rank (in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him). And to be -obliged to leave it all-- - -Nora. Nonsense, you are not going to leave it. - -Rank (as before). And not be able to leave behind one the slightest -token of one's gratitude, scarcely even a fleeting regret--nothing but -an empty place which the first comer can fill as well as any other. - -Nora. And if I asked you now for a--? No! - -Rank. For what? - -Nora. For a big proof of your friendship-- - -Rank. Yes, yes! - -Nora. I mean a tremendously big favour-- - -Rank. Would you really make me so happy for once? - -Nora. Ah, but you don't know what it is yet. - -Rank. No--but tell me. - -Nora. I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason; it -means advice, and help, and a favour-- - -Rank. The bigger a thing it is the better. I can't conceive what it is -you mean. Do tell me. Haven't I your confidence? - -Nora. More than anyone else. I know you are my truest and best friend, -and so I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it is something -you must help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, how inexpressibly -deeply Torvald loves me; he would never for a moment hesitate to give -his life for me. - -Rank (leaning towards her). Nora--do you think he is the only one--? - -Nora (with a slight start). The only one--? - -Rank. The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake. - -Nora (sadly). Is that it? - -Rank. I was determined you should know it before I went away, and there -will never be a better opportunity than this. Now you know it, Nora. And -now you know, too, that you can trust me as you would trust no one else. - -Nora (rises, deliberately and quietly). Let me pass. - -Rank (makes room for her to pass him, but sits still). Nora! - -Nora (at the hall door). Helen, bring in the lamp. (Goes over to the -stove.) Dear Doctor Rank, that was really horrid of you. - -Rank. To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that horrid? - -Nora. No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need-- - -Rank. What do you mean? Did you know--? (MAID enters with lamp, puts it -down on the table, and goes out.) Nora--Mrs. Helmer--tell me, had you -any idea of this? - -Nora. Oh, how do I know whether I had or whether I hadn't? I really -can't tell you--To think you could be so clumsy, Doctor Rank! We were -getting on so nicely. - -Rank. Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, body and -soul. So won't you speak out? - -Nora (looking at him). After what happened? - -Rank. I beg you to let me know what it is. - -Nora. I can't tell you anything now. - -Rank. Yes, yes. You mustn't punish me in that way. Let me have -permission to do for you whatever a man may do. - -Nora. You can do nothing for me now. Besides, I really don't need any -help at all. You will find that the whole thing is merely fancy on my -part. It really is so--of course it is! (Sits down in the rocking-chair, -and looks at him with a smile.) You are a nice sort of man, Doctor -Rank!--don't you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lamp has come? - -Rank. Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go--for ever? - -Nora. No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here just as -before. You know very well Torvald can't do without you. - -Rank. Yes, but you? - -Nora. Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come. - -Rank. It is just that, that put me on the wrong track. You are a riddle -to me. I have often thought that you would almost as soon be in my -company as in Helmer's. - -Nora. Yes--you see there are some people one loves best, and others whom -one would almost always rather have as companions. - -Rank. Yes, there is something in that. - -Nora. When I was at home, of course I loved papa best. But I always -thought it tremendous fun if I could steal down into the maids' room, -because they never moralised at all, and talked to each other about such -entertaining things. - -Rank. I see--it is their place I have taken. - -Nora (jumping up and going to him). Oh, dear, nice Doctor Rank, I never -meant that at all. But surely you can understand that being with Torvald -is a little like being with papa--(Enter MAID from the hall.) - -Maid. If you please, ma'am. (Whispers and hands her a card.) - -Nora (glancing at the card). Oh! (Puts it in her pocket.) - -Rank. Is there anything wrong? - -Nora. No, no, not in the least. It is only something--it is my new -dress-- - -Rank. What? Your dress is lying there. - -Nora. Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald -mustn't know about it-- - -Rank. Oho! Then that was the great secret. - -Nora. Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room. -Keep him as long as-- - -Rank. Make your mind easy; I won't let him escape. - -(Goes into HELMER'S room.) - -Nora (to the MAID). And he is standing waiting in the kitchen? - -Maid. Yes; he came up the back stairs. - -Nora. But didn't you tell him no one was in? - -Maid. Yes, but it was no good. - -Nora. He won't go away? - -Maid. No; he says he won't until he has seen you, ma'am. - -Nora. Well, let him come in--but quietly. Helen, you mustn't say -anything about it to anyone. It is a surprise for my husband. - -Maid. Yes, ma'am, I quite understand. (Exit.) - -Nora. This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of -me! No, no, no, it can't happen--it shan't happen! (She bolts the door -of HELMER'S room. The MAID opens the hall door for KROGSTAD and shuts it -after him. He is wearing a fur coat, high boots and a fur cap.) - -Nora (advancing towards him). Speak low--my husband is at home. - -Krogstad. No matter about that. - -Nora. What do you want of me? - -Krogstad. An explanation of something. - -Nora. Make haste then. What is it? - -Krogstad. You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal. - -Nora. I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought as hard as I could -on your side, but it was no good. - -Krogstad. Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I -can expose you to, and yet he ventures-- - -Nora. How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort? - -Krogstad. I didn't suppose so at all. It would not be the least like our -dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage-- - -Nora. Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please. - -Krogstad. Certainly--all the respect he deserves. But since you have -kept the matter so carefully to yourself, I make bold to suppose that -you have a little clearer idea, than you had yesterday, of what it -actually is that you have done? - -Nora. More than you could ever teach me. - -Krogstad. Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am. - -Nora. What is it you want of me? - -Krogstad. Only to see how you were, Mrs. Helmer. I have been thinking -about you all day long. A mere cashier, a quill-driver, a--well, a man -like me--even he has a little of what is called feeling, you know. - -Nora. Show it, then; think of my little children. - -Krogstad. Have you and your husband thought of mine? But never mind -about that. I only wanted to tell you that you need not take this matter -too seriously. In the first place there will be no accusation made on my -part. - -Nora. No, of course not; I was sure of that. - -Krogstad. The whole thing can be arranged amicably; there is no reason -why anyone should know anything about it. It will remain a secret -between us three. - -Nora. My husband must never get to know anything about it. - -Krogstad. How will you be able to prevent it? Am I to understand that -you can pay the balance that is owing? - -Nora. No, not just at present. - -Krogstad. Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the money -soon? - -Nora. No expedient that I mean to make use of. - -Krogstad. Well, in any case, it would have been of no use to you now. If -you stood there with ever so much money in your hand, I would never part -with your bond. - -Nora. Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to. - -Krogstad. I shall only preserve it--keep it in my possession. No one who -is not concerned in the matter shall have the slightest hint of it. So -that if the thought of it has driven you to any desperate resolution-- - -Nora. It has. - -Krogstad. If you had it in your mind to run away from your home-- - -Nora. I had. - -Krogstad. Or even something worse-- - -Nora. How could you know that? - -Krogstad. Give up the idea. - -Nora. How did you know I had thought of that? - -Krogstad. Most of us think of that at first. I did, too--but I hadn't -the courage. - -Nora (faintly). No more had I. - -Krogstad (in a tone of relief). No, that's it, isn't it--you hadn't the -courage either? - -Nora. No, I haven't--I haven't. - -Krogstad. Besides, it would have been a great piece of folly. Once the -first storm at home is over--. I have a letter for your husband in my -pocket. - -Nora. Telling him everything? - -Krogstad. In as lenient a manner as I possibly could. - -Nora (quickly). He mustn't get the letter. Tear it up. I will find some -means of getting money. - -Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer, but I think I told you just now-- - -Nora. I am not speaking of what I owe you. Tell me what sum you are -asking my husband for, and I will get the money. - -Krogstad. I am not asking your husband for a penny. - -Nora. What do you want, then? - -Krogstad. I will tell you. I want to rehabilitate myself, Mrs. Helmer; I -want to get on; and in that your husband must help me. For the last year -and a half I have not had a hand in anything dishonourable, 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-- - -Nora. That he will never do! - -Krogstad. He will; I know him; he dare not protest. And as soon as I am -in there again with him, then you will see! Within a year I shall be the -manager's right hand. It will be Nils Krogstad and not Torvald Helmer -who manages the Bank. - -Nora. That's a thing you will never see! - -Krogstad. Do you mean that you will--? - -Nora. I have courage enough for it now. - -Krogstad. Oh, you can't frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you-- - -Nora. You will see, you will see. - -Krogstad. Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, coal-black water? -And then, in the spring, to float up to the surface, all horrible and -unrecognisable, with your hair fallen out-- - -Nora. You can't frighten me. - -Krogstad. Nor you me. People don't do such things, Mrs. Helmer. Besides, -what use would it be? I should have him completely in my power all the -same. - -Nora. Afterwards? When I am no longer-- - -Krogstad. Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of your -reputation? (NORA stands speechlessly looking at him.) Well, now, I have -warned you. Do not do anything foolish. When Helmer has had my letter, -I shall expect a message from him. And be sure you remember that it is -your husband himself who has forced me into such ways as this again. I -will never forgive him for that. Goodbye, Mrs. Helmer. (Exit through the -hall.) - -Nora (goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens.) He is -going. He is not putting the letter in the box. Oh no, no! that's -impossible! (Opens the door by degrees.) What is that? He is standing -outside. He is not going downstairs. Is he hesitating? Can he--? (A -letter drops into the box; then KROGSTAD'S footsteps are heard, 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.) - -Nora. In the letter-box. (Steals across to the hall door.) There it -lies--Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now! - -(Mrs. LINDE comes in from the room on the left, carrying the dress.) - -Mrs. Linde. There, I can't see anything more to mend now. Would you like -to try it on--? - -Nora (in a hoarse whisper). Christine, come here. - -Mrs. Linde (throwing the dress down on the sofa). What is the matter -with you? You look so agitated! - -Nora. Come here. Do you see that letter? There, look--you can see it -through the glass in the letter-box. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I see it. - -Nora. That letter is from Krogstad. - -Mrs. Linde. Nora--it was Krogstad who lent you the money! - -Nora. Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it. - -Mrs. Linde. Believe me, Nora, that's the best thing for both of you. - -Nora. You don't know all. I forged a name. - -Mrs. Linde. Good heavens--! - -Nora. I only want to say this to you, Christine--you must be my witness. - -Mrs. Linde. Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to--? - -Nora. If I should go out of my mind--and it might easily happen-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora! - -Nora. Or if anything else should happen to me--anything, for instance, -that might prevent my being here-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind. - -Nora. And if it should happen that there were some one who wanted to -take all the responsibility, all the blame, you understand-- - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, yes--but how can you suppose--? - -Nora. Then you must be my witness, that it is not true, Christine. I am -not out of my mind at all; I am in my right senses now, and I tell you -no one else has known anything about it; I, and I alone, did the whole -thing. Remember that. - -Mrs. Linde. I will, indeed. But I don't understand all this. - -Nora. How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going to -happen! - -Mrs. Linde. A wonderful thing? - -Nora. Yes, a wonderful thing!--But it is so terrible, Christine; it -mustn't happen, not for all the world. - -Mrs. Linde. I will go at once and see Krogstad. - -Nora. Don't go to him; he will do you some harm. - -Mrs. Linde. There was a time when he would gladly do anything for my -sake. - -Nora. He? - -Mrs. Linde. Where does he live? - -Nora. How should I know--? Yes (feeling in her pocket), here is his -card. But the letter, the letter--! - -Helmer (calls from his room, knocking at the door). Nora! Nora (cries -out anxiously). Oh, what's that? What do you want? - -Helmer. Don't be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked -the door. Are you trying on your dress? - -Nora. Yes, that's it. I look so nice, Torvald. - -Mrs. Linde (who has read the card). I see he lives at the corner here. - -Nora. Yes, but it's no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying there in -the box. - -Mrs. Linde. And your husband keeps the key? - -Nora. Yes, always. - -Mrs. Linde. Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must find -some pretence-- - -Nora. But it is just at this time that Torvald generally-- - -Mrs. Linde. You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I will -come back as soon as I can. (She goes out hurriedly through the hall -door.) - -Nora (goes to HELMER'S door, opens it and peeps in). Torvald! - -Helmer (from the inner room). Well? May I venture at last to come into -my own room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see-- (Halting in the -doorway.) But what is this? - -Nora. What is what, dear? - -Helmer. Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation. - -Rank (in the doorway). I understood so, but evidently I was mistaken. - -Nora. Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress until -tomorrow. - -Helmer. But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been -practising too much? - -Nora. No, I have not practised at all. - -Helmer. But you will need to-- - -Nora. Yes, indeed I shall, Torvald. But I can't get on a bit without you -to help me; I have absolutely forgotten the whole thing. - -Helmer. Oh, we will soon work it up again. - -Nora. Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise that you will! I am so nervous -about it--all the people--. You must give yourself up to me entirely -this evening. Not the tiniest bit of business--you mustn't even take a -pen in your hand. Will you promise, Torvald dear? - -Helmer. I promise. This evening I will be wholly and absolutely at your -service, you helpless little mortal. Ah, by the way, first of all I will -just--(Goes towards the hall door.) - -Nora. What are you going to do there? - -Helmer. Only see if any letters have come. - -Nora. No, no! don't do that, Torvald! - -Helmer. Why not? - -Nora. Torvald, please don't. There is nothing there. - -Helmer. Well, let me look. (Turns to go to the letter-box. NORA, at -the piano, plays the first bars of the Tarantella. HELMER stops in the -doorway.) Aha! - -Nora. I can't dance tomorrow if I don't practise with you. - -Helmer (going up to her). Are you really so afraid of it, dear? - -Nora. Yes, so dreadfully afraid of it. Let me practise at once; there -is time now, before we go to dinner. Sit down and play for me, Torvald -dear; criticise me, and correct me as you play. - -Helmer. With great pleasure, if you wish me to. (Sits down at the -piano.) - -Nora (takes out of the box a tambourine and a long variegated shawl. She -hastily drapes the shawl round her. Then she springs to the front of the -stage and calls out). Now play for me! I am going to dance! - -(HELMER plays and NORA dances. RANK stands by the piano behind HELMER, -and looks on.) - -Helmer (as he plays). Slower, slower! - -Nora. I can't do it any other way. - -Helmer. Not so violently, Nora! - -Nora. This is the way. - -Helmer (stops playing). No, no--that is not a bit right. - -Nora (laughing and swinging the tambourine). Didn't I tell you so? - -Rank. Let me play for her. - -Helmer (getting up). Yes, do. I can correct her better then. - -(RANK sits down at the piano and plays. NORA dances more and more -wildly. HELMER has taken up a position beside the stove, and during her -dance gives her frequent instructions. She does not seem to hear him; -her hair comes down and falls over her shoulders; she pays no attention -to it, but goes on dancing. Enter Mrs. LINDE.) - -Mrs. Linde (standing as if spell-bound in the doorway). Oh!-- - -Nora (as she dances). Such fun, Christine! - -Helmer. My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended -on it. - -Nora. So it does. - -Helmer. Stop, Rank; this is sheer madness. Stop, I tell you! (RANK stops -playing, and NORA suddenly stands still. HELMER goes up to her.) I could -never have believed it. You have forgotten everything I taught you. - -Nora (throwing away the tambourine). There, you see. - -Helmer. You will want a lot of coaching. - -Nora. Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to the last -minute. Promise me that, Torvald! - -Helmer. You can depend on me. - -Nora. You must not think of anything but me, either today or tomorrow; -you mustn't open a single letter--not even open the letter-box-- - -Helmer. Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow-- - -Nora. Yes, indeed I am. - -Helmer. Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter from him -lying there. - -Nora. I don't know; I think there is; but you must not read anything -of that kind now. Nothing horrid must come between us until this is all -over. - -Rank (whispers to HELMER). You mustn't contradict her. - -Helmer (taking her in his arms). The child shall have her way. But -tomorrow night, after you have danced-- - -Nora. Then you will be free. (The MAID appears in the doorway to the -right.) - -Maid. Dinner is served, ma'am. - -Nora. We will have champagne, Helen. - -Maid. Very good, ma'am. [Exit. - -Helmer. Hullo!--are we going to have a banquet? - -Nora. Yes, a champagne banquet until the small hours. (Calls out.) And a -few macaroons, Helen--lots, just for once! - -Helmer. Come, come, don't be so wild and nervous. Be my own little -skylark, as you used. - -Nora. Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. -Christine, you must help me to do up my hair. - -Rank (whispers to HELMER as they go out). I suppose there is -nothing--she is not expecting anything? - -Helmer. Far from it, my dear fellow; it is simply nothing more than this -childish nervousness I was telling you of. (They go into the right-hand -room.) - -Nora. Well! - -Mrs. Linde. Gone out of town. - -Nora. I could tell from your face. - -Mrs. Linde. He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note for him. - -Nora. You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. After all, -it is splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to happen. - -Mrs. Linde. What is it that you are waiting for? - -Nora. Oh, you wouldn't understand. Go in to them, I will come in a -moment. (Mrs. LINDE goes into the dining-room. NORA stands still for a -little while, as if to compose herself. Then she looks at her watch.) -Five o'clock. Seven hours 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. - -Helmer (from the doorway on the right). Where's my little skylark? - -Nora (going to him with her arms outstretched). Here she is! - - - - -ACT III - -(THE SAME SCENE.--The table has been placed in the middle of the stage, -with chairs around it. A lamp is burning on the table. The door into the -hall stands open. Dance music is heard in the room above. Mrs. LINDE is -sitting at the table idly turning over the leaves of a book; she tries -to read, but does not seem able to collect her thoughts. Every now and -then she listens intently for a sound at the outer door.) - -Mrs. Linde (looking at her watch). Not yet--and the time is nearly up. -If only he does not--. (Listens again.) Ah, there he is. (Goes into the -hall and opens the outer door carefully. Light footsteps are heard on -the stairs. She whispers.) Come in. There is no one here. - -Krogstad (in the doorway). I found a note from you at home. What does -this mean? - -Mrs. Linde. It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with -you. - -Krogstad. Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should be here? - -Mrs. Linde. It is impossible where I live; there is no private entrance -to my rooms. Come in; we are quite alone. The maid is asleep, and the -Helmers are at the dance upstairs. - -Krogstad (coming into the room). Are the Helmers really at a dance -tonight? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, why not? - -Krogstad. Certainly--why not? - -Mrs. Linde. Now, Nils, let us have a talk. - -Krogstad. Can we two have anything to talk about? - -Mrs. Linde. We have a great deal to talk about. - -Krogstad. I shouldn't have thought so. - -Mrs. Linde. No, you have never properly understood me. - -Krogstad. Was there anything else to understand except what was obvious -to all the world--a heartless woman jilts a man when a more lucrative -chance turns up? - -Mrs. Linde. Do you believe I am as absolutely heartless as all that? And -do you believe that I did it with a light heart? - -Krogstad. Didn't you? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, did you really think that? - -Krogstad. If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at -the time? - -Mrs. Linde. I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, it was -my duty also to put an end to all that you felt for me. - -Krogstad (wringing his hands). So that was it. And all this--only for -the sake of money! - -Mrs. Linde. You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and two -little brothers. We couldn't wait for you, Nils; your prospects seemed -hopeless then. - -Krogstad. That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for -anyone else's sake. - -Mrs. Linde. Indeed I don't know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had -the right to do it. - -Krogstad (more gently). When I lost you, it was as if all the solid -ground went from under my feet. Look at me now--I am a shipwrecked man -clinging to a bit of wreckage. - -Mrs. Linde. But help may be near. - -Krogstad. It was near; but then you came and stood in my way. - -Mrs. Linde. Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I learned it -was your place I was going to take in the Bank. - -Krogstad. I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, are -you not going to give it up to me? - -Mrs. Linde. No, because that would not benefit you in the least. - -Krogstad. Oh, benefit, benefit--I would have done it whether or no. - -Mrs. Linde. I have learned to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter -necessity have taught me that. - -Krogstad. And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches. - -Mrs. Linde. Then life has taught you something very reasonable. But -deeds you must believe in? - -Krogstad. What do you mean by that? - -Mrs. Linde. You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to some -wreckage. - -Krogstad. I had good reason to say so. - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I am like a shipwrecked woman clinging to some -wreckage--no one to mourn for, no one to care for. - -Krogstad. It was your own choice. - -Mrs. Linde. There was no other choice--then. - -Krogstad. Well, what now? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people could -join forces? - -Krogstad. What are you saying? - -Mrs. Linde. Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a better -chance than each on their own. - -Krogstad. Christine I... - -Mrs. Linde. What do you suppose brought me to town? - -Krogstad. Do you mean that you gave me a thought? - -Mrs. Linde. I could not endure life without work. All my life, as long -as I can remember, I have worked, and it has been my greatest and -only pleasure. But now I am quite alone in the world--my life is so -dreadfully empty and I feel so forsaken. There is not the least pleasure -in working for one's self. Nils, give me someone and something to work -for. - -Krogstad. I don't trust that. It is nothing but a woman's overstrained -sense of generosity that prompts you to make such an offer of yourself. - -Mrs. Linde. Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me? - -Krogstad. Could you really do it? Tell me--do you know all about my past -life? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes. - -Krogstad. And do you know what they think of me here? - -Mrs. Linde. You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been -quite another man. - -Krogstad. I am certain of it. - -Mrs. Linde. Is it too late now? - -Krogstad. Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am sure -you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, then--? - -Mrs. Linde. I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need -a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real -character--I can dare anything together with you. - -Krogstad (grasps her hands). Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find -a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot-- - -Mrs. Linde (listening). Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go! - -Krogstad. Why? What is it? - -Mrs. Linde. Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may expect -them back. - -Krogstad. Yes, yes--I will go. But it is all no use. Of course you are -not aware what steps I have taken in the matter of the Helmers. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I know all about that. - -Krogstad. And in spite of that have you the courage to--? - -Mrs. Linde. I understand very well to what lengths a man like you might -be driven by despair. - -Krogstad. If I could only undo what I have done! - -Mrs. Linde. You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box now. - -Krogstad. Are you sure of that? - -Mrs. Linde. Quite sure, but-- - -Krogstad (with a searching look at her). Is that what it all -means?--that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. -Is that it? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's sake, -doesn't do it a second time. - -Krogstad. I will ask for my letter back. - -Mrs. Linde. No, no. - -Krogstad. Yes, of course I will. I will wait here 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-- - -Mrs. Linde. No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. - -Krogstad. But, tell me, wasn't it for that very purpose that you asked -me to meet you here? - -Mrs. Linde. In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four hours -have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed incredible -things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret -must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them, -which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on. - -Krogstad. Very well, if you will take the responsibility. But there is -one thing I can do in any case, and I shall do it at once. - -Mrs. Linde (listening). You must be quick and go! The dance is over; we -are not safe a moment longer. - -Krogstad. I will wait for you below. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, do. You must see me back to my door... - -Krogstad. I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my -life! (Goes out through the outer door. The door between the room and -the hall remains open.) - -Mrs. Linde (tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak ready). -What a difference! what a difference! Someone to work for and live -for--a home to bring comfort into. That I will do, indeed. I wish they -would be quick and come--(Listens.) Ah, there they are now. I must put -on my things. (Takes up her hat and cloak. HELMER'S and NORA'S voices -are heard outside; a key is turned, and HELMER brings NORA almost by -force into the hall. She is in an Italian costume with a large black -shawl around her; he is in evening dress, and a black domino which is -flying open.) - -Nora (hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him). No, no, -no!--don't take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don't want to -leave so early. - -Helmer. But, my dearest Nora-- - -Nora. Please, Torvald dear--please, please--only an hour more. - -Helmer. Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our -agreement. Come along into the room; you are catching cold standing -there. (He brings her gently into the room, in spite of her resistance.) - -Mrs. Linde. Good evening. - -Nora. Christine! - -Helmer. You here, so late, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora in her -dress. - -Nora. Have you been sitting here waiting for me? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, unfortunately I came too late, you had already gone -upstairs; and I thought I couldn't go away again without having seen -you. - -Helmer (taking off NORA'S shawl). Yes, take a good look at her. I think -she is worth looking at. Isn't she charming, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, indeed she is. - -Helmer. Doesn't she look remarkably pretty? Everyone thought so at the -dance. But she is terribly self-willed, this sweet little person. What -are we to do with her? You will hardly believe that I had almost to -bring her away by force. - -Nora. Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it were -only for half an hour. - -Helmer. Listen to her, Mrs. Linde! She had danced her Tarantella, and -it had been a tremendous success, as it deserved--although possibly the -performance was a trifle too realistic--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. (Throws his domino on a chair, -and opens the door of his room.) Hullo! it's all dark in here. Oh, of -course--excuse me--. (He goes in, and lights some candles.) - -Nora (in a hurried and breathless whisper). Well? - -Mrs. Linde (in a low voice). I have had a talk with him. - -Nora. Yes, and-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora, you must tell your husband all about it. - -Nora (in an expressionless voice). I knew it. - -Mrs. Linde. You have nothing to be afraid of as far as Krogstad is -concerned; but you must tell him. - -Nora. I won't tell him. - -Mrs. Linde. Then the letter will. - -Nora. Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush--! - -Helmer (coming in again). Well, Mrs. Linde, have you admired her? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, and now I will say goodnight. - -Helmer. What, already? Is this yours, this knitting? - -Mrs. Linde (taking it). Yes, thank you, I had very nearly forgotten it. - -Helmer. So you knit? - -Mrs. Linde. Of course. - -Helmer. Do you know, you ought to embroider. - -Mrs. Linde. Really? Why? - -Helmer. Yes, it's far more becoming. Let me show you. You hold -the embroidery thus in your left hand, and use the needle with the -right--like this--with a long, easy sweep. Do you see? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, perhaps-- - -Helmer. But in the case of knitting--that can never be anything but -ungraceful; look here--the arms close together, the knitting-needles -going up and down--it has a sort of Chinese effect--. That was really -excellent champagne they gave us. - -Mrs. Linde. Well,--goodnight, Nora, and don't be self-willed any more. - -Helmer. That's right, Mrs. Linde. - -Mrs. Linde. Goodnight, Mr. Helmer. - -Helmer (accompanying her to the door). 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. (She goes out; he shuts the -door after her, and comes in again.) Ah!--at last we have got rid of -her. She is a frightful bore, that woman. - -Nora. Aren't you very tired, Torvald? - -Helmer. No, not in the least. - -Nora. Nor sleepy? - -Helmer. Not a bit. On the contrary, I feel extraordinarily lively. And -you?--you really look both tired and sleepy. - -Nora. Yes, I am very tired. I want to go to sleep at once. - -Helmer. There, you see it was quite right of me not to let you stay -there any longer. - -Nora. Everything you do is quite right, Torvald. - -Helmer (kissing her on the forehead). Now my little skylark is speaking -reasonably. Did you notice what good spirits Rank was in this evening? - -Nora. Really? Was he? I didn't speak to him at all. - -Helmer. And I very little, but I have not for a long time seen him in -such good form. (Looks for a while at her and then goes nearer to her.) -It is delightful to be at home by ourselves again, to be all alone with -you--you fascinating, charming little darling! - -Nora. Don't look at me like that, Torvald. - -Helmer. Why shouldn't I look at my dearest treasure?--at all the beauty -that is mine, all my very own? - -Nora (going to the other side of the table). You mustn't say things like -that to me tonight. - -Helmer (following her). You have still got the Tarantella in your blood, -I see. And it makes you more captivating than ever. Listen--the guests -are beginning to go now. (In a lower voice.) Nora--soon the whole house -will be quiet. - -Nora. Yes, I hope so. - -Helmer. Yes, my own darling Nora. Do you know, when I am out at a party -with you like this, why I speak so little to you, keep away from you, -and only send a stolen glance in your direction now and then?--do you -know why I do that? It is because I make believe to myself that we are -secretly in love, and you are my secretly promised bride, and that no -one suspects there is anything between us. - -Nora. Yes, yes--I know very well your thoughts are with me all the time. - -Helmer. And when we are leaving, and I am putting the shawl over your -beautiful young shoulders--on your lovely neck--then I imagine that you -are my young bride and that we have just come from the wedding, and I am -bringing you for the first time into our home--to be alone with you for -the first time--quite alone with my shy little darling! All this evening -I have longed for nothing but you. When I watched the seductive figures -of the Tarantella, my blood was on fire; I could endure it no longer, -and that was why I brought you down so early-- - -Nora. Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won't-- - -Helmer. What's that? You're joking, my little Nora! You won't--you -won't? Am I not your husband--? (A knock is heard at the outer door.) - -Nora (starting). Did you hear--? - -Helmer (going into the hall). Who is it? - -Rank (outside). It is I. May I come in for a moment? - -Helmer (in a fretful whisper). Oh, what does he want now? (Aloud.) Wait -a minute! (Unlocks the door.) Come, that's kind of you not to pass by -our door. - -Rank. I thought I heard your voice, and felt as if I should like to look -in. (With a swift glance round.) Ah, yes!--these dear familiar rooms. -You are very happy and cosy in here, you two. - -Helmer. It seems to me that you looked after yourself pretty well -upstairs too. - -Rank. Excellently. Why shouldn't I? Why shouldn't one enjoy everything -in this world?--at any rate as much as one can, and as long as one can. -The wine was capital-- - -Helmer. Especially the champagne. - -Rank. So you noticed that too? It is almost incredible how much I -managed to put away! - -Nora. Torvald drank a great deal of champagne tonight too. - -Rank. Did he? - -Nora. Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards. - -Rank. Well, why should one not enjoy a merry evening after a well-spent -day? - -Helmer. Well spent? I am afraid I can't take credit for that. - -Rank (clapping him on the back). But I can, you know! - -Nora. Doctor Rank, you must have been occupied with some scientific -investigation today. - -Rank. Exactly. - -Helmer. Just listen!--little Nora talking about scientific -investigations! - -Nora. And may I congratulate you on the result? - -Rank. Indeed you may. - -Nora. Was it favourable, then? - -Rank. The best possible, for both doctor and patient--certainty. - -Nora (quickly and searchingly). Certainty? - -Rank. Absolute certainty. So wasn't I entitled to make a merry evening -of it after that? - -Nora. Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank. Helmer. I think so too, so -long as you don't have to pay for it in the morning. - -Rank. Oh well, one can't have anything in this life without paying for -it. - -Nora. Doctor Rank--are you fond of fancy-dress balls? - -Rank. Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes. - -Nora. Tell me--what shall we two wear at the next? - -Helmer. Little featherbrain!--are you thinking of the next already? - -Rank. We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy-- - -Helmer. Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume for that? - -Rank. Let your wife go dressed just as she is in everyday life. - -Helmer. That was really very prettily turned. But can't you tell us what -you will be? - -Rank. Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that. - -Helmer. Well? - -Rank. At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible. - -Helmer. That's a good joke! - -Rank. There is a big black hat--have you never heard of hats that make -you invisible? If you put one on, no one can see you. - -Helmer (suppressing a smile). Yes, you are quite right. - -Rank. But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me a -cigar--one of the dark Havanas. - -Helmer. With the greatest pleasure. (Offers him his case.) - -Rank (takes a cigar and cuts off the end). Thanks. - -Nora (striking a match). Let me give you a light. - -Rank. Thank you. (She holds the match for him to light his cigar.) And -now goodbye! - -Helmer. Goodbye, goodbye, dear old man! - -Nora. Sleep well, Doctor Rank. - -Rank. Thank you for that wish. - -Nora. Wish me the same. - -Rank. You? Well, if you want me to sleep well! And thanks for the light. -(He nods to them both and goes out.) - -Helmer (in a subdued voice). He has drunk more than he ought. - -Nora (absently). Maybe. (HELMER takes a bunch of keys out of his pocket -and goes into the hall.) Torvald! what are you going to do there? - -Helmer. Emptying the letter-box; it is quite full; there will be no room -to put the newspaper in tomorrow morning. - -Nora. Are you going to work tonight? - -Helmer. You know quite well I'm not. What is this? Someone has been at -the lock. - -Nora. At the lock--? - -Helmer. Yes, someone has. What can it mean? I should never have thought -the maid--. Here is a broken hairpin. Nora, it is one of yours. - -Nora (quickly). Then it must have been the children-- - -Helmer. Then you must get them out of those ways. There, at last I have -got it open. (Takes out the contents of the letter-box, and calls to the -kitchen.) Helen!--Helen, put out the light over the front door. (Goes -back into the room and shuts the door into the hall. He holds out his -hand full of letters.) Look at that--look what a heap of them there -are. (Turning them over.) What on earth is that? - -Nora (at the window). The letter--No! Torvald, no! - -Helmer. Two cards--of Rank's. - -Nora. Of Doctor Rank's? - -Helmer (looking at them). Doctor Rank. They were on the top. He must -have put them in when he went out. - -Nora. Is there anything written on them? - -Helmer. There is a black cross over the name. Look there--what an -uncomfortable idea! It looks as if he were announcing his own death. - -Nora. It is just what he is doing. - -Helmer. What? Do you know anything about it? Has he said anything to -you? - -Nora. Yes. He told me that when the cards came it would be his -leave-taking from us. He means to shut himself up and die. - -Helmer. My poor old friend! Certainly I knew we should not have him very -long with us. But so soon! And so he hides himself away like a wounded -animal. - -Nora. If it has to happen, it is best it should be without a word--don't -you think so, Torvald? - -Helmer (walking up and down). He 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. (Standing still.) And perhaps -for us too, Nora. We two are thrown quite upon each other now. (Puts his -arms round her.) My darling wife, I don't feel as if I could hold you -tight enough. Do you know, Nora, I have often wished that you might be -threatened by some great danger, so that I might risk my life's blood, -and everything, for your sake. - -Nora (disengages herself, and says firmly and decidedly). Now you must -read your letters, Torvald. - -Helmer. No, no; not tonight. I want to be with you, my darling wife. - -Nora. With the thought of your friend's death-- - -Helmer. You are right, it has affected us both. Something ugly has come -between us--the thought of the horrors of death. We must try and rid our -minds of that. Until then--we will each go to our own room. - -Nora (hanging on his neck). Goodnight, Torvald--Goodnight! - -Helmer (kissing her on the forehead). Goodnight, my little singing-bird. -Sleep sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters through. (He takes his -letters and goes into his room, shutting the door after him.) - -Nora (gropes distractedly about, seizes HELMER'S domino, throws it round -her, while she says in quick, hoarse, spasmodic whispers). Never to see -him again. Never! Never! (Puts her shawl over her head.) Never to see -my children again either--never again. Never! Never!--Ah! the icy, black -water--the unfathomable depths--If only it were over! He has got it -now--now he is reading it. Goodbye, Torvald and my children! (She is -about to rush out through the hall, when HELMER opens his door hurriedly -and stands with an open letter in his hand.) - -Helmer. Nora! - -Nora. Ah!-- - -Helmer. What is this? Do you know what is in this letter? - -Nora. Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me get out! - -Helmer (holding her back). Where are you going? - -Nora (trying to get free). You shan't save me, Torvald! - -Helmer (reeling). True? Is this true, that I read here? Horrible! No, -no--it is impossible that it can be true. - -Nora. It is true. I have loved you above everything else in the world. - -Helmer. Oh, don't let us have any silly excuses. - -Nora (taking a step towards him). Torvald--! - -Helmer. Miserable creature--what have you done? - -Nora. Let me go. You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not take it -upon yourself. - -Helmer. No tragic airs, please. (Locks the hall door.) Here you shall -stay and give me an explanation. Do you understand what you have done? -Answer me! Do you understand what you have done? - -Nora (looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of coldness in -her face). Yes, now I am beginning to understand thoroughly. - -Helmer (walking about the room). What a horrible awakening! All these -eight years--she who was my joy and pride--a hypocrite, a liar--worse, -worse--a criminal! The unutterable ugliness of it all!--For shame! For -shame! (NORA is silent and looks steadily at him. He stops in front of -her.) I ought to have suspected that something of the sort would happen. -I ought to have foreseen it. All your father's want of principle--be -silent!--all your father's want of principle has come out in you. No -religion, no morality, no sense of duty--. How I am punished for having -winked at what he did! I did it for your sake, and this is how you repay -me. - -Nora. Yes, that's just it. - -Helmer. Now you have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined all my -future. It is horrible to think of! I am in the power of an unscrupulous -man; he can do what he likes with me, ask anything he likes of me, give -me any orders he pleases--I dare not refuse. And I must sink to such -miserable depths because of a thoughtless woman! - -Nora. When I am out of the way, you will be free. - -Helmer. No fine speeches, please. Your father had always plenty of those -ready, too. What good would it be to me if you were out of the way, as -you say? Not the slightest. He can make the affair known everywhere; and -if he does, I may be falsely suspected of having been a party to your -criminal action. Very likely people will think I was behind it all--that -it was I who prompted you! And I have to thank you for all this--you -whom I have cherished during the whole of our married life. Do you -understand now what it is you have done for me? - -Nora (coldly and quietly). Yes. - -Helmer. It is so incredible that I can't take it in. But we must come to -some understanding. Take off that shawl. Take it off, I tell you. I must -try and appease him some way or another. The matter must be hushed up at -any cost. And as for you and me, it must appear as if everything between -us were 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-- - -(A ring is heard at the front-door bell.) - -Helmer (with a start). What is that? So late! Can the worst--? Can he--? -Hide yourself, Nora. Say you are ill. - -(NORA stands motionless. HELMER goes and unlocks the hall door.) - -Maid (half-dressed, comes to the door). A letter for the mistress. - -Helmer. Give it to me. (Takes the letter, and shuts the door.) Yes, it -is from him. You shall not have it; I will read it myself. - -Nora. Yes, read it. - -Helmer (standing by the lamp). I scarcely have the courage to do it. It -may mean ruin for both of us. No, I must know. (Tears open the letter, -runs his eye over a few lines, looks at a paper enclosed, and gives a -shout of joy.) Nora! (She looks at him questioningly.) Nora!--No, I must -read it once again--. Yes, it is true! I am saved! Nora, I am saved! - -Nora. And I? - -Helmer. You too, of course; we are both saved, both you and I. Look, he -sends you your bond back. He says he regrets and repents--that a happy -change in his life--never mind what he says! We are saved, Nora! No one -can do anything to you. Oh, Nora, Nora!--no, first I must destroy these -hateful things. Let me see--. (Takes a look at the bond.) No, no, I -won't look at it. The whole thing shall be nothing but a bad dream to -me. (Tears up the bond and both letters, throws them all into the stove, -and watches them burn.) There--now it doesn't exist any longer. He says -that since Christmas Eve you--. These must have been three dreadful days -for you, Nora. - -Nora. I have fought a hard fight these three days. - -Helmer. And suffered agonies, and seen no way out but--. No, we won't -call any of the horrors to mind. We will only shout with joy, and keep -saying, "It's all over! It's all over!" Listen to me, Nora. You don't -seem to realise that it is all over. What is this?--such a cold, set -face! My poor little Nora, I quite understand; you don't feel as if you -could believe that I have forgiven you. But it is true, Nora, I swear -it; I have forgiven you everything. I know that what you did, you did -out of love for me. - -Nora. That is true. - -Helmer. You have loved me as a wife ought to love her husband. Only you -had not sufficient knowledge to judge of the means you used. But do you -suppose you are any the less dear to me, because you don't understand -how to act on your own responsibility? No, no; only lean on me; I -will advise you and direct you. I should not be a man if this womanly -helplessness did not just give you a double attractiveness in my eyes. -You must not think 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. - -Nora. Thank you for your forgiveness. (She goes out through the door to -the right.) - -Helmer. No, don't go--. (Looks in.) What are you doing in there? - -Nora (from within). Taking off my fancy dress. - -Helmer (standing at the open door). Yes, do. Try and calm yourself, -and make your mind easy again, my frightened little singing-bird. Be at -rest, and feel secure; I have broad wings to shelter you under. (Walks -up and down by the door.) How warm and cosy our home is, Nora. Here is -shelter for you; here I will protect you like a hunted dove that I -have saved from a hawk's claws; I will bring peace to your poor beating -heart. It will come, little by little, Nora, believe me. 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? - -Nora (in everyday dress). Yes, Torvald, I have changed my things now. - -Helmer. But what for?--so late as this. - -Nora. I shall not sleep tonight. - -Helmer. But, my dear Nora-- - -Nora (looking at her watch). It is not so very late. Sit down here, -Torvald. You and I have much to say to one another. (She sits down at -one side of the table.) - -Helmer. Nora--what is this?--this cold, set face? - -Nora. Sit down. It will take some time; I have a lot to talk over with -you. - -Helmer (sits down at the opposite side of the table). You alarm me, -Nora!--and I don't understand you. - -Nora. No, that is just it. You don't understand me, and I have never -understood you either--before tonight. No, you mustn't interrupt me. -You must simply listen to what I say. Torvald, this is a settling of -accounts. - -Helmer. What do you mean by that? - -Nora (after a short silence). Isn't there one thing that strikes you as -strange in our sitting here like this? - -Helmer. What is that? - -Nora. We have been married now eight years. Does it not occur to you -that this is the first time we two, you and I, husband and wife, have -had a serious conversation? - -Helmer. What do you mean by serious? - -Nora. In all these eight years--longer than that--from the very -beginning of our acquaintance, we have never exchanged a word on any -serious subject. - -Helmer. Was it likely that I would be continually and forever telling -you about worries that you could not help me to bear? - -Nora. I am not speaking about business matters. I say that we have never -sat down in earnest together to try and get at the bottom of anything. - -Helmer. But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you? - -Nora. That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been greatly -wronged, Torvald--first by papa and then by you. - -Helmer. What! By us two--by us two, who have loved you better than -anyone else in the world? - -Nora (shaking her head). You have never loved me. You have only thought -it pleasant to be in love with me. - -Helmer. Nora, what do I hear you saying? - -Nora. It is perfectly true, Torvald. When I was at home with papa, he -told me his opinion about everything, and so I had the same opinions; -and if I differed from him I concealed the fact, because he would not -have liked it. He called me his doll-child, and he played with me just -as I used to play with my dolls. And when I came to live with you-- - -Helmer. What sort of an expression is that to use about our marriage? - -Nora (undisturbed). I mean that I was simply transferred from papa's -hands into yours. You arranged everything according to your own taste, -and so I got the same tastes as you--or else I pretended to, I am really -not quite sure which--I think sometimes the one and sometimes the other. -When I look back on it, it seems to me as if I had been living here like -a poor woman--just from hand to mouth. I have existed merely to perform -tricks for you, Torvald. But you would have it so. You and papa have -committed a great sin against me. It is your fault that I have made -nothing of my life. - -Helmer. How unreasonable and how ungrateful you are, Nora! Have you not -been happy here? - -Nora. No, I have never been happy. I thought I was, but it has never -really been so. - -Helmer. Not--not happy! - -Nora. No, only merry. And you have always been so kind to me. But our -home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been your doll-wife, just -as at home I was papa's doll-child; and here the children have been -my dolls. I thought it great fun when you played with me, just as they -thought it great fun when I played with them. That is what our marriage -has been, Torvald. - -Helmer. There is some truth in what you say--exaggerated and strained as -your view of it is. But for the future it shall be different. Playtime -shall be over, and lesson-time shall begin. - -Nora. Whose lessons? Mine, or the children's? - -Helmer. Both yours and the children's, my darling Nora. - -Nora. Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being a -proper wife for you. - -Helmer. And you can say that! - -Nora. And I--how am I fitted to bring up the children? - -Helmer. Nora! - -Nora. Didn't you say so yourself a little while ago--that you dare not -trust me to bring them up? - -Helmer. In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? - -Nora. Indeed, you were perfectly right. I am not fit for the task. -There is another task I must undertake first. I must try and educate -myself--you are not the man to help me in that. I must do that for -myself. And that is why I am going to leave you now. - -Helmer (springing up). What do you say? - -Nora. I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and -everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you -any longer. - -Helmer. Nora, Nora! - -Nora. I am going away from here now, at once. I am sure Christine will -take me in for the night-- - -Helmer. You are out of your mind! I won't allow it! I forbid you! - -Nora. It is no use forbidding me anything any longer. I will take with -me what belongs to myself. I will take nothing from you, either now or -later. - -Helmer. What sort of madness is this! - -Nora. Tomorrow I shall go home--I mean, to my old home. It will be -easiest for me to find something to do there. - -Helmer. You blind, foolish woman! - -Nora. I must try and get some sense, Torvald. - -Helmer. To desert your home, your husband and your children! And you -don't consider what people will say! - -Nora. I cannot consider that at all. I only know that it is necessary -for me. - -Helmer. It's shocking. This is how you would neglect your most sacred -duties. - -Nora. What do you consider my most sacred duties? - -Helmer. Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your -husband and your children? - -Nora. I have other duties just as sacred. - -Helmer. That you have not. What duties could those be? - -Nora. Duties to myself. - -Helmer. Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. - -Nora. I don't believe that any longer. I believe that before all else I -am a reasonable human being, just as you are--or, at all events, that -I must try and become one. I know quite well, Torvald, that most people -would think you right, and that views of that kind are to be found in -books; but I can no longer content myself with what most people say, or -with what is found in books. I must think over things for myself and get -to understand them. - -Helmer. Can you not understand your place in your own home? Have you not -a reliable guide in such matters as that?--have you no religion? - -Nora. I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. - -Helmer. What are you saying? - -Nora. I know nothing but what the clergyman said, when I went to be -confirmed. He told us that religion was this, and that, and the other. -When I am away from all this, and am alone, I will look into that matter -too. I will see if what the clergyman said is true, or at all events if -it is true for me. - -Helmer. This is unheard of in a girl of your age! But if religion cannot -lead you aright, let me try and awaken your conscience. I suppose you -have some moral sense? Or--answer me--am I to think you have none? - -Nora. I assure you, Torvald, that is not an easy question to answer. I -really don't know. The thing perplexes me altogether. I only know that -you and I look at it in quite a different light. I am learning, too, -that the law is quite another thing from what I supposed; but I find it -impossible to convince myself that the law is right. According to it -a woman has no right to spare her old dying father, or to save her -husband's life. I can't believe that. - -Helmer. You talk like a child. You don't understand the conditions of -the world in which you live. - -Nora. No, I don't. But now I am going to try. I am going to see if I can -make out who is right, the world or I. - -Helmer. You are ill, Nora; you are delirious; I almost think you are out -of your mind. - -Nora. I have never felt my mind so clear and certain as tonight. - -Helmer. And is it with a clear and certain mind that you forsake your -husband and your children? - -Nora. Yes, it is. - -Helmer. Then there is only one possible explanation. - -Nora. What is that? - -Helmer. You do not love me anymore. - -Nora. No, that is just it. - -Helmer. Nora!--and you can say that? - -Nora. It gives me great pain, Torvald, for you have always been so kind -to me, but I cannot help it. I do not love you any more. - -Helmer (regaining his composure). Is that a clear and certain conviction -too? - -Nora. Yes, absolutely clear and certain. That is the reason why I will -not stay here any longer. - -Helmer. And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love? - -Nora. Yes, indeed I can. It was tonight, when the wonderful thing did -not happen; then I saw you were not the man I had thought you were. - -Helmer. Explain yourself better. I don't understand you. - -Nora. I have waited so patiently for eight years; for, goodness knows, -I knew very well that wonderful things don't happen every day. Then this -horrible misfortune came upon me; and then I felt quite certain that the -wonderful thing was going to happen at last. When Krogstad's letter was -lying out there, never for a moment did I imagine that you would consent -to accept this man's conditions. I was so absolutely certain that you -would say to him: Publish the thing to the whole world. And when that -was done-- - -Helmer. Yes, what then?--when I had exposed my wife to shame and -disgrace? - -Nora. When that was done, I was so absolutely certain, you would come -forward and take everything upon yourself, and say: I am the guilty one. - -Helmer. Nora--! - -Nora. You mean that I would never have accepted such a sacrifice on your -part? No, of course not. But what would my assurances have been worth -against yours? That was the wonderful thing which I hoped for and -feared; and it was to prevent that, that I wanted to kill myself. - -Helmer. I would gladly work night and day for you, Nora--bear sorrow and -want for your sake. But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he -loves. - -Nora. It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done. - -Helmer. Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child. - -Nora. Maybe. But you neither think nor talk like the man I could bind -myself to. As soon as your fear was over--and it was not fear for what -threatened me, but for what might happen to you--when the whole thing -was past, as far as you were concerned it was exactly as if nothing at -all had happened. Exactly as before, I was your little skylark, your -doll, which you would in future treat with doubly gentle care, because -it was so brittle and fragile. (Getting up.) Torvald--it was then -it dawned upon me that for eight years I had been living here with a -strange man, and had borne him three children--. Oh, I can't bear to -think of it! I could tear myself into little bits! - -Helmer (sadly). I see, I see. An abyss has opened between us--there is -no denying it. But, Nora, would it not be possible to fill it up? - -Nora. As I am now, I am no wife for you. - -Helmer. I have it in me to become a different man. - -Nora. Perhaps--if your doll is taken away from you. - -Helmer. But to part!--to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can't understand -that idea. - -Nora (going out to the right). That makes it all the more certain that -it must be done. (She comes back with her cloak and hat and a small bag -which she puts on a chair by the table.) - -Helmer. Nora, Nora, not now! Wait until tomorrow. - -Nora (putting on her cloak). I cannot spend the night in a strange man's -room. - -Helmer. But can't we live here like brother and sister--? - -Nora (putting on her hat). You know very well that would not last long. -(Puts the shawl round her.) 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. - -Helmer. But some day, Nora--some day? - -Nora. How can I tell? I have no idea what is going to become of me. - -Helmer. But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you. - -Nora. Listen, Torvald. I have heard that when a wife deserts her -husband's house, as I am doing now, he is legally freed from all -obligations towards her. In any case, I set you free from all your -obligations. You are not to feel yourself bound in the slightest way, -any more than I shall. There must be perfect freedom on both sides. See, -here is your ring back. Give me mine. - -Helmer. That too? - -Nora. That too. - -Helmer. Here it is. - -Nora. That's right. Now it is all over. I have put the keys here. -The maids know all about everything in the house--better than I do. -Tomorrow, after I have left her, Christine will come here and pack up my -own things that I brought with me from home. I will have them sent after -me. - -Helmer. All over! All over!--Nora, shall you never think of me again? - -Nora. I know I shall often think of you, the children, and this house. - -Helmer. May I write to you, Nora? - -Nora. No--never. You must not do that. - -Helmer. But at least let me send you-- - -Nora. Nothing--nothing-- - -Helmer. Let me help you if you are in want. - -Nora. No. I can receive nothing from a stranger. - -Helmer. Nora--can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? - -Nora (taking her bag). Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of all -would have to happen. - -Helmer. Tell me what that would be! - -Nora. Both you and I would have to be so changed that--. Oh, Torvald, I -don't believe any longer in wonderful things happening. - -Helmer. But I will believe in it. Tell me! So changed that--? - -Nora. That our life together would be a real wedlock. Goodbye. (She goes -out through the hall.) - -Helmer (sinks down on a chair at the door and buries his face in his -hands). Nora! Nora! (Looks round, and rises.) Empty. She is gone. (A -hope flashes across his mind.) The most wonderful thing of all--? - -(The sound of a door shutting is heard from below.) - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL'S HOUSE *** - -***** This file should be named 2542.txt or 2542.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/4/2542/ - -Produced by Martin Adamson - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* - - - - - -Prepared by Martin Adamson <martin@grassmarket.freeserve.co.uk> - - - - - -A DOLL'S HOUSE - -by Henrik Ibsen - - - - -DRAMATIS PERSONAE - -Torvald Helmer. -Nora, his wife. -Doctor Rank. -Mrs. Linde. -Nils Krogstad. -Helmer's three young children. -Anne, their nurse. -A Housemaid. -A Porter. -(The action takes place in Helmer's house.) - -A DOLL'S HOUSE - -ACT I - -(SCENE.--A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not -extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the -entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. -Between the doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand -wall is a door, and beyond it a window. Near the window are a -round table, 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. - -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.) - -Nora. Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the -children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. (To -the PORTER, taking out her purse.) How much? - -Porter. Sixpence. - -Nora. There is a shilling. No, keep the change. (The PORTER -thanks her, and goes out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to -herself, as she takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of -macaroons from her pocket and eats one or two; then goes -cautiously to her husband's door and listens.) Yes, he is in. -(Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.) - -Helmer (calls out from his room). Is that my little lark -twittering out there? - -Nora (busy opening some of the parcels). Yes, it is! - -Helmer. Is it my little squirrel bustling about? - -Nora. Yes! - -Helmer. When did my squirrel come home? - -Nora. Just now. (Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and -wipes her mouth.) Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have -bought. - -Helmer. Don't disturb me. (A little later, he opens the door and -looks into the room, pen in hand.) Bought, did you say? All these -things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again? - -Nora. Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go -a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to -economise. - -Helmer. Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly. Nora. -Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn't we? -Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn -lots and lots of money. - -Helmer. Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole -quarter before the salary is due. - -Nora. Pooh! we can borrow until then. - -Helmer. Nora! (Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the -ear.) The same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed -fifty pounds today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, -and then on New Year's Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, -and--Nora (putting her hands over his mouth). Oh! don't say such -horrid things. - -Helmer. Still, suppose that happened,--what then? - -Nora. If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care -whether I owed money or not. - -Helmer. Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? - -Nora. They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they -were. - -Helmer. That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what -I think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no -freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and -debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far, and -we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there -need be any struggle. - -Nora (moving towards the stove). As you please, Torvald. - -Helmer (following her). Come, come, my little skylark must not -droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of -temper? (Taking out his purse.) Nora, what do you think I have -got here? - -Nora (turning round quickly). Money! - -Helmer. There you are. (Gives her some money.) Do you think I -don't know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas- -time? - -Nora (counting). Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you, -thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time. - -Helmer. Indeed it must. - -Nora. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I -have bought. And 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. - -Helmer. And what is in this parcel? - -Nora (crying out). No, no! you mustn't see that until this -evening. - -Helmer. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little -person, what would you like for yourself? - -Nora. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything. - -Helmer. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you -would particularly like to have. - -Nora. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald-- - -Helmer. Well? - -Nora (playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes -to his). If you really want to give me something, you might--you -might-- - -Helmer. Well, out with it! - -Nora (speaking quickly). You might give me money, Torvald. Only -just as much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will -buy something with it. - -Helmer. But, Nora--Nora. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! -Then I will wrap it up in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the -Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that be fun? - -Helmer. What are little people called that are always wasting -money? - -Nora. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, -and then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. -That is a very sensible plan, isn't it? - -Helmer (smiling). Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were -really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy -something for yourself. But if you spend it all on the -housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I merely -have to pay up again. - -Nora. Oh but, Torvald-- - -Helmer. You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. (Puts his arm -round her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses -up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such -little persons are! - -Nora. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can. - -Helmer (laughing). That's very true,--all you can. But you can't -save anything! - -Nora (smiling quietly and happily). You haven't any idea how many -expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald. - -Helmer. You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You -always find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as -soon as you have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You -never know where it has gone. Still, one must take you as you -are. It is in the blood; for indeed it is true that you can -inherit these things, Nora. - -Nora. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities. - -Helmer. And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you -are, my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me -that you are looking rather--what shall I say--rather uneasy today? - -Nora. Do I? - -Helmer. You do, really. Look straight at me. - -Nora (looks at him). Well? - -Helmer (wagging his finger at her). Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been -breaking rules in town today? - -Nora. No; what makes you think that? - -Helmer. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's? - -Nora. No, I assure you, Torvald-- - -Helmer. Not been nibbling sweets? - -Nora. No, certainly not. - -Helmer. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two? - -Nora. No, Torvald, I assure you really-- - -Helmer. There, there, of course I was only joking. - -Nora (going to the table on the right). I should not think of -going against your wishes. - -Helmer. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word-- -(Going up to her.) Keep your little Christmas secrets to -yourself, my darling. They will all be revealed tonight when the -Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt. - -Nora. Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank? - -Helmer. No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will -come to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in -this morning. I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can't -think how I am looking forward to this evening. - -Nora. So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! - -Helmer. It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe -appointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to think -of, isn't it? - -Nora. It's wonderful! - -Helmer. Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks -beforehand you shut yourself up every evening 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! - -Nora. I didn't find it dull. - -Helmer (smiling). But there was precious little result, Nora. - -Nora. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I -help the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces? - -Helmer. Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had the -best of intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing. -But it is a good thing that our hard times are over. - -Nora. Yes, it is really wonderful. - -Helmer. This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and -you needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands-- - -Nora (clapping her hands). No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, -need I! It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (Taking his -arm.) Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to -arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over--(A bell -rings in the hall.) There's the bell. (She tidies the room a -little.) There's some one at the door. What a nuisance! - -Helmer. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home. - -Maid (in the doorway). A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger. - -Nora. Ask her to come in. - -Maid (to HELMER). The doctor came at the same time, sir. - -Helmer. Did he go straight into my room? - -Maid. Yes, sir. - -(HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs. LINDE, who is -in travelling dress, and shuts the door.) Mrs. Linde (in a -dejected and timid voice). How do you do, Nora? - -Nora (doubtfully). How do you do--Mrs. Linde. You don't recognise -me, I suppose. - -Nora. No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--(Suddenly.) -Yes! Christine! Is it really you? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, it is I. - -Nora. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how -could I--(In a gentle voice.) How you have altered, Christine! - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years-- - -Nora. Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight -years have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now -you have come into the town, and have taken this long journey in -winter--that was plucky of you. - -Mrs. Linde. I arrived by steamer this morning. - -Nora. To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How -delightful! We will have such fun together! But take off your -things. You are not cold, I hope. (Helps her.) Now we will sit -down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this armchair; I will -sit here in the rocking-chair. (Takes her hands.) Now you look -like your old self again; it was only the first moment--You are a -little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little thinner. - -Mrs. Linde. And much, much older, Nora. - -Nora. Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not -much. (Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.) What a thoughtless -creature I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, -do forgive me. - -Mrs. Linde. What do you mean, Nora? - -Nora (gently). Poor Christine, you are a widow. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes; it is three years ago now. - -Nora. Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, -Christine, I meant ever so often to write to you at the time, but -I always put it off and something always prevented me. - -Mrs. Linde. I quite understand, dear. - -Nora. It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must -have suffered. And he left you nothing? - -Mrs. Linde. No. - -Nora. And no children? - -Mrs. Linde. No. - -Nora. Nothing at all, then. - -Mrs. Linde. Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon. - -Nora (looking incredulously at her). But, Christine, is that -possible? - -Mrs. Linde (smiles sadly and strokes her hair). It sometimes -happens, Nora. - -Nora. So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I -have three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they -are out with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it. - -Mrs. Linde. No, no; I want to hear about you. - -Nora. No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I -must only think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must -tell you. Do you know we have just had a great piece of good -luck? - -Mrs. Linde. No, what is it? - -Nora. Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank! - -Mrs. Linde. Your husband? What good luck! - -Nora. Yes, tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an -uncertain thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavoury -cases; and naturally Torvald has never been willing to do that, -and I quite agree with him. You may imagine how pleased we are! -He is to take up his work in the Bank at the New Year, and then -he will have a big salary and lots of commissions. For the future -we can live quite differently--we can do just as we like. I feel -so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be splendid to have -heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won't it? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have -what one needs. - -Nora. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money. - -Mrs. Linde (smiling). Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? -In our schooldays you were a great spendthrift. - -Nora (laughing). Yes, that is what Torvald says now. (Wags her -linger at her.) But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think. We -have not been in a position for me to waste money. We have both -had to work. - -Mrs. Linde. You too? - -Nora. Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, -and that kind of thing. (Dropping her voice.) And other things as -well. You know Torvald left his office when we were married? -There was no prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and -earn more than before. But during the first year he 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. - -Mrs. Linde. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you? - -Nora. Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It was -just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a -wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's life. But -it cost a tremendous lot of money, Christine. - -Mrs. Linde. So I should think. - -Nora. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, -isn't it? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have -the money. - -Nora. I ought to tell you that we had it from papa. - -Mrs. Linde. Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, -wasn't it? - -Nora. Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn't go and nurse him. I -was expecting little Ivar's birth every day and I had my poor -sick Torvald to look after. My dear, kind father--I never saw him -again, Christine. That was the saddest time I have known since -our marriage. - -Mrs. Linde. I know how fond you were of him. And then you went -off to Italy? - -Nora. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on -our going, so we started a month later. - -Mrs. Linde. And your husband came back quite well? - -Nora. As sound as a bell! - -Mrs. Linde. But--the doctor? - -Nora. What doctor? - -Mrs. Linde. I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived -here just as I did, was the doctor? - -Nora. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here -professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least -once everyday. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since -then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. (Jumps -up and claps her hands.) Christine! Christine! it's good to be -alive and happy!--But how horrid of me; I am talking of nothing -but my own affairs. (Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms -on her knees.) You mustn't be angry with me. Tell me, is it -really true that you did not love your husband? Why did you marry -him? - -Mrs. Linde. My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and -helpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I -did not think I was justified in refusing his offer. - -Nora. No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, -then? - -Mrs. Linde. I believe he was quite well off. But his business was -a precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and -there was nothing left. - -Nora. And then?-- - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find- --first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last -three years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. -Now it is at an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for -she is gone; and the boys do not need me either; they have got -situations and can shift for themselves. - -Nora. What a relief you must feel if-- - -Mrs. Linde. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No -one to live for anymore. (Gets up restlessly.) 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-- - -Nora. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look -tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place. - -Mrs. Linde (walking to the window). I have no father to give me -money for a journey, Nora. - -Nora (rising). Oh, don't be angry with me! - -Mrs. Linde (going up to her). It is you that must not be angry -with me, dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes -one so bitter. No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always -on the 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. - -Nora. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps -Torvald could get you something to do. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, that was what I was thinking of. - -Nora. He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the -subject very cleverly--I will think of something that will please -him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to you. - -Mrs. Linde. How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! -It is doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens -and troubles of life. - -Nora. I--? I know so little of them? - -Mrs. Linde (smiling). My dear! Small household cares and that -sort of thing!--You are a child, Nora. - -Nora (tosses her head and crosses the stage). You ought not to be -so superior. - -Mrs. Linde. No? - -Nora. You are just like the others. They all think that I am -incapable of anything really serious-- - -Mrs. Linde. Come, come-- - -Nora.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares. - -Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your -troubles. - -Nora. Pooh!--those were trifles. (Lowering her voice.) I have not -told you the important thing. - -Mrs. Linde. The important thing? What do you mean? - -Nora. You look down upon me altogether, Christine--but you ought -not to. You are proud, aren't you, of having worked so hard and -so long for your mother? - -Mrs. Linde. Indeed, I don't look down on 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. - -Nora. And you are proud to think of what you have done for your -brothers? - -Mrs. Linde. I think I have the right to be. - -Nora. I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have -something to be proud and glad of. - -Mrs. Linde. I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to? - -Nora. Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn't on any -account--no one in the world must know, Christine, except you. - -Mrs. Linde. But what is it? - -Nora. Come here. (Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.) Now I -will show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. -It was I who saved Torvald's life. - -Mrs. Linde. "Saved"? How? - -Nora. I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never -have recovered if he had not gone there-- - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. - -Nora (smiling). Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others -think, but-- - -Mrs. Linde. But-- - -Nora. Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the -money. - -Mrs. Linde. You? All that large sum? - -Nora. Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that? - -Mrs. Linde. But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win -a prize in the Lottery? - -Nora (contemptuously). In the Lottery? There would have been no -credit in that. - -Mrs. Linde. But where did you get it from, then? Nora (humming -and smiling with an air of mystery). Hm, hm! Aha! - -Mrs. Linde. Because you couldn't have borrowed it. - -Nora. Couldn't I? Why not? - -Mrs. Linde. No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband's -consent. - -Nora (tossing her head). Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for -business--a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever-- - -Mrs. Linde. I don't understand it at all, Nora. - -Nora. There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed -the money. I may have got it some other way. (Lies back on the -sofa.) Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is -as attractive as I am-- - -Mrs. Linde. You are a mad creature. - -Nora. Now, you know you're full of curiosity, Christine. - -Mrs. Linde. Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven't you been a little -bit imprudent? - -Nora (sits up straight). Is it imprudent to save your husband's -life? - -Mrs. Linde. It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to-- - -Nora. But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My -goodness, can't you understand that? It was necessary he should -have no idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me -that the doctors came and said that his life was in danger, and -that the only thing to save him was to live in the south. Do you -suppose I didn't try, first of all, to get what I wanted as if it -were for myself? I told him how much I should love to travel -abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and entreaties with -him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition I was in, -and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even hinted -that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, Christine. -He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my husband -not to indulge me in my whims and caprices--as I believe he called -them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved--and that was how -I came to devise a way out of the difficulty-- - -Mrs. Linde. And did your husband never get to know from your -father that the money had not come from him? - -Nora. No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let -him into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so -ill then--alas, there never was any need to tell him. - -Mrs. Linde. And since then have you never told your secret to -your husband? - -Nora. Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has -such strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful -and humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly -independence, to know that he owed me anything! It would upset -our mutual relations altogether; our beautiful happy home would -no longer be what it is now. - -Mrs. Linde. Do you mean never to tell him about it? - -Nora (meditatively, and with a half smile). Yes--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--(Breaking off.) What -nonsense! That time will never come. Now, what do you think of my -great secret, Christine? Do you still think I am of no use? I can -tell you, too, that this affair has caused me a lot of worry. It -has been by no means easy for me to meet my engagements -punctually. I may tell you that there is something that is -called, in business, quarterly interest, and another thing called -payment in 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! - -Mrs. Linde. So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries -of life, poor Nora? - -Nora. Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever -Torvald has given me money for new dresses and such things, I have -never spent more than half of it; I have always bought the simplest -and cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, -and so Torvald has never noticed it. But it was often very hard -on me, Christine--because it is delightful to be really well -dressed, isn't it? - -Mrs. Linde. Quite so. - -Nora. Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last -winter I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I -locked myself up and sat writing every evening until quite late -at night. Many a time I was desperately tired; but all the same -it was a tremendous pleasure to sit there working and earning -money. It was like being a man. - -Mrs. Linde. How much have you been able to pay off in that way? - -Nora. I can't tell you exactly. You see, it is very difficult to -keep an account of a business matter of that kind. I only know -that I have paid every penny that I could scrape together. Many a -time I was at my wits' end. (Smiles.) Then I used to sit here and -imagine that a rich old gentleman had fallen in love with me-- - -Mrs. Linde. What! Who was it? - -Nora. Be quiet!--that he had died; and that when his will was -opened it contained, written in big letters, the instruction: -"The lovely Mrs. Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over -to her at once in cash." - -Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora--who could the man be? - -Nora. Good gracious, can't you understand? There was no old -gentleman at all; it was only something that I used to sit here -and imagine, when I couldn't think of any way of procuring money. -But it's all the same now; the tiresome old person can stay where -he is, as far as I am concerned; I don't care about him or his -will either, for I am free from care now. (Jumps up.) My -goodness, it's delightful to think of, Christine! Free from care! -To be able to be free from care, quite free from care; to be able -to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house -beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it! And, -think of it, soon the spring will come and the big blue sky! -Perhaps we shall be able to take a little trip--perhaps I shall -see the sea again! Oh, it's a wonderful thing to be alive and be -happy. (A bell is heard in the hall.) - -Mrs. Linde (rising). There is the bell; perhaps I had better go. - -Nora. No, don't go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be -for Torvald. - -Servant (at the hall door). Excuse me, ma'am--there is a -gentleman to see the master, and as the doctor is with him--Nora. -Who is it? - -Krogstad (at the door). It is I, Mrs. Helmer. (Mrs. LINDE starts, -trembles, and turns to the window.) - -Nora (takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low -voice). You? What is it? What do you want to see my husband -about? - -Krogstad. Bank business--in a way. I have a small post in the -Bank, and I hear your husband is to be our chief now-- - -Nora. Then it is-- - -Krogstad. Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs. Helmer; -absolutely nothing else. - -Nora. Be so good as to go into the study, then. (She bows -indifferently to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes -back and makes up the fire in the stove.) - -Mrs. Linde. Nora--who was that man? - -Nora. A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad. - -Mrs. Linde. Then it really was he. - -Nora. Do you know the man? - -Mrs. Linde. I used to-- many years ago. At one time he was a -solicitor's clerk in our town. - -Nora. Yes, he was. - -Mrs. Linde. He is greatly altered. - -Nora. He made a very unhappy marriage. - -Mrs. Linde. He is a widower now, isn't he? - -Nora. With several children. There now, it is burning up. Shuts -the door of the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.) - -Mrs. Linde. They say he carries on various kinds of business. - -Nora. Really! Perhaps he does; I don't know anything about it. -But don't let us think of business; it is so tiresome. - -Doctor Rank (comes out of HELMER'S study. Before he shuts the -door he calls to him). No, my dear fellow, I won't disturb you; I -would rather go in to your wife for a little while. (Shuts the -door and sees Mrs. LINDE.) I beg your pardon; I am afraid I am -disturbing you too. - -Nora. No, not at all. (Introducing him). Doctor Rank, Mrs. Linde. - -Rank. I have often heard Mrs. Linde's name mentioned here. I -think I passed you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I go up very slowly; I can't manage stairs well. - -Rank. Ah! some slight internal weakness? - -Mrs. Linde. No, the fact is I have been overworking myself. - -Rank. Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to -town to amuse yourself with our entertainments? - -Mrs. Linde. I have come to look for work. - -Rank. Is that a good cure for overwork? - -Mrs. Linde. One must live, Doctor Rank. - -Rank. Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary. - -Nora. Look here, Doctor Rank--you know you want to live. - -Rank. Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong -the agony as long as possible. All my patients are like that. And -so are those who are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad -case too, is at this very moment with Helmer-- - -Mrs. Linde (sadly). Ah! - -Nora. Whom do you mean? - -Rank. A lawyer of the name of Krogstad, a fellow you don't know -at all. He suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs. Helmer; -but even he began talking of its being highly important that he -should live. - -Nora. Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about? - -Rank. I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about -the Bank. - -Nora. I didn't know this--what's his name--Krogstad had anything -to do with the Bank. - -Rank. Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. (To Mrs. -LINDE.) I don't know whether you find also in your part of the -world that there are certain people who go zealously snuffing -about to smell out moral corruption, and, as soon as they have -found some, put the person concerned into some lucrative position -where they can keep their eye on him. Healthy natures are left -out in the cold. - -Mrs. Linde. Still I think the sick are those who most need taking -care of. - -Rank (shrugging his shoulders). Yes, there you are. That is the -sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house. - -(NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into -smothered laughter and claps her hands.) - -Rank. Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society -really is? - -Nora. What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at -something quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, -Doctor Rank, are all the people who are employed in the Bank -dependent on Torvald now? - -Rank. Is that what you find so extremely amusing? - -Nora (smiling and humming). That's my affair! (Walking about the -room.) It's perfectly glorious to think that we have--that -Torvald has so much power over so many people. (Takes the packet -from her pocket.) Doctor Rank, what do you say to a macaroon? - -Rank. What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here. - -Nora. Yes, but these are some Christine gave me. - -Mrs. Linde. What! I?-- - -Nora. Oh, well, don't be alarmed! You couldn't know that Torvald -had forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will -spoil my teeth. But, bah!--once in a way--That's so, isn't it, -Doctor Rank? By your leave! (Puts a macaroon into his mouth.) You -must have one too, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little -one-or at most two. (Walking about.) I am tremendously happy. -There is just one thing in the world now that I should dearly -love to do. - -Rank. Well, what is that? - -Nora. It's something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald -could hear me. - -Rank. Well, why can't you say it? - -Nora. No, I daren't; it's so shocking. - -Mrs. Linde. Shocking? - -Rank. Well, I should not advise you to say it. Still, with us you -might. What is it you would so much like to say if Torvald could -hear you? - -Nora. I should just love to say--Well, I'm damned! - -Rank. Are you mad? - -Mrs. Linde. Nora, dear--! - -Rank. Say it, here he is! - -Nora (hiding the packet). Hush! Hush! Hush! (HELMER comes out of -his room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.) - -Nora. Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him? - -Helmer. Yes, he has just gone. - -Nora. Let me introduce you--this is Christine, who has come to town. - -Helmer. Christine--? Excuse me, but I don't know-- - -Nora. Mrs. Linde, dear; Christine Linde. - -Helmer. Of course. A school friend of my wife's, I presume? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, we have known each other since then. - -Nora. And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you. - -Helmer. What do you mean? Mrs. Linde. No, really, I-- - -Nora. Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she -is frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to -perfect herself-- - -Helmer. Very sensible, Mrs. Linde. - -Nora. And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the -Bank--the news was telegraphed, you know--she 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? - -Helmer. Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are -a widow, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes. - -Helmer. And have had some experience of book-keeping? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, a fair amount. - -Helmer. Ah! well, it's very likely I may be able to find -something for you-- - -Nora (clapping her hands). What did I tell you? What did I tell -you? - -Helmer. You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs. Linde. - -Mrs. Linde. How am I to thank you? - -Helmer. There is no need. (Puts on his coat.) But today you must -excuse me-- - -Rank. Wait a minute; I will come with you. (Brings his fur coat -from the hall and warms it at the fire.) - -Nora. Don't be long away, Torvald dear. - -Helmer. About an hour, not more. - -Nora. Are you going too, Christine? - -Mrs. Linde (putting on her cloak). Yes, I must go and look for a -room. - -Helmer. Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together. - -Nora (helping her). What a pity it is we are so short of space -here; I am afraid it is impossible for us-- - -Mrs. Linde. Please don't think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and -many thanks. - -Nora. 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. (They go to the -door all talking together. Children's voices are heard on the -staircase.) - -Nora. There they are! There they are! (She runs to open the door. -The NURSE comes in with the children.) Come in! Come in! (Stoops -and kisses them.) Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, -Christine! Aren't they darlings? - -Rank. Don't let us stand here in the draught. - -Helmer. Come along, Mrs. Linde; the place will only be bearable -for a mother now! - -(RANK, HELMER, and Mrs. LINDE go downstairs. The NURSE comes -forward with the children; NORA shuts the hall door.) - -Nora. How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples -and roses. (The children all talk at once while she speaks to -them.) Have you had great fun? That's splendid! What, you pulled -both Emmy and Bob along on the sledge? --both at once?--that was -good. You are a clever boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, -Anne. My sweet little baby doll! (Takes the baby from the MAID -and dances it up and down.) Yes, yes, mother will dance with Bob -too. What! Have you been 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. - -(The NURSE goes into the room on the left. NORA takes off the -children's things and throws them about, while they all talk to -her at once.) - -Nora. Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn't bite -you? No, dogs don't bite nice little dolly children. You mustn't -look at the parcels, Ivar. What are they? Ah, I daresay you would -like to know. No, no--it's something nasty! Come, let us have a -game! What shall we play at? Hide and Seek? Yes, we'll play Hide -and Seek. Bob shall hide first. Must I hide? Very well, I'll hide -first. (She and the children laugh and shout, and romp in and out -of the room; at last NORA hides under the table, the children -rush in and 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, lie waits a little; the game -goes on.) - -Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer. - -Nora (with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her -knees). Ah! what do you want? - -Krogstad. Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone -forgot to shut it. - -Nora (rising). My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad. - -Krogstad. I know that. - -Nora. What do you want here, then? - -Krogstad. A word with you. - -Nora. With me?--(To the children, gently.) Go in to nurse. What? -No, the strange man won't do mother any harm. When he has gone we -will have another game. (She takes the children into the room on -the left, and shuts the door after them.) You want to speak to -me? - -Krogstad. Yes, I do. - -Nora. Today? It is not the first of the month yet. - -Krogstad. No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself -what sort of a Christmas you will spend. - -Nora. What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me-- - -Krogstad. We won't talk about that until later on. This is -something different. I presume you can give me a moment? - -Nora. Yes--yes, I can--although-- - -Krogstad. Good. I was in Olsen's Restaurant and saw your husband -going down the street-- - -Nora. Yes? - -Krogstad. With a lady. - -Nora. What then? - -Krogstad. May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs. Linde? - -Nora. It was. - -Krogstad. Just arrived in town? - -Nora. Yes, today. - -Krogstad. She is a great friend of yours, isn't she? - -Nora. She is. But I don't see-- - -Krogstad. I knew her too, once upon a time. - -Nora. I am aware of that. - -Krogstad. Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. -Then I can ask you, without beating about the bush--is Mrs. Linde -to have an appointment in the Bank? - -Nora. What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?--You, one -of my husband's subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. -Yes, Mrs. Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who -pleaded her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that. - -Krogstad. I was right in what I thought, then. - -Nora (walking up and down the stage). Sometimes one has a tiny -little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, -it does not necessarily follow that--. When anyone is in a -subordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful -to avoid offending anyone who--who-- - -Krogstad. Who has influence? - -Nora. Exactly. - -Krogstad (changing his tone). Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as -to use your influence on my behalf. - -Nora. What? What do you mean? - -Krogstad. You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep -my subordinate position in the Bank. - -Nora. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post -away from you? - -Krogstad. Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of -ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very -anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with -me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being -turned off. - -Nora. But I assure you-- - -Krogstad. Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has -come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent -that. - -Nora. But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence. - -Krogstad. Haven't you? I thought you said yourself just now-- - -Nora. Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on -it. I! What should make you think I have any influence of that -kind with my husband? - -Krogstad. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I -don't suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands. - -Nora. If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you -out of the house. - -Krogstad. You are bold, Mrs. Helmer. - -Nora. I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year -comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing. - -Krogstad (controlling himself). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If -necessary) I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank -as if I were fighting for my life. - -Nora. So it seems. - -Krogstad. It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that -weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason-- -well, I may as well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you -know, like everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was -guilty of an indiscretion. - -Nora. I think I have heard something of the kind. - -Krogstad. The matter never came into court; but every way seemed -to be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you -know of. I had to do something; and, honestly, 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. - -Nora. But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my -power to help you at all. - -Krogstad. Then it is because you haven't the will; but I have -means to compel you. - -Nora. You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you -money? - -Krogstad. Hm!--suppose I were to tell him? - -Nora. It would be perfectly infamous of you. (Sobbing.) To think -of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in -such an ugly, clumsy way-- that he should learn it from you! And -it would put me in a horribly disagreeable position-- - -Krogstad. Only disagreeable? - -Nora (impetuously). Well, do it, then!--and it will be the worse -for you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you -are, and you certainly won't keep your post then. - -Krogstad. I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home -that you were afraid of? - -Nora. If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at -once pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more -to do with you. - -Krogstad (coming a step nearer). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. -Either you have a very bad memory or you know very little of -business. I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details. - -Nora. What do you mean? - -Krogstad. When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two -hundred and fifty pounds. - -Nora. I didn't know anyone else to go to. - -Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount-- - -Nora. Yes, and you did so. - -Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount, on certain -conditions. Your mind was so taken up with your husband's -illness, and you were so anxious to get the money for your -journey, that you seem to have paid no attention to the conditions -of our bargain. Therefore it will not be amiss if I remind you of -them. Now, I promised to get the money on the security of a bond -which I drew up. - -Nora. Yes, and which I signed. - -Krogstad. Good. But below your signature there were a few lines -constituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your -father should have signed. - -Nora. Should? He did sign them. - -Krogstad. I had left the date blank; that is to say, your father -should himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. -Do you remember that? - -Nora. Yes, I think I remember-- - -Krogstad. Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your -father. Is that not so? - -Nora. Yes. - -Krogstad. And you naturally did so at once, because five or six -days afterwards you brought me the bond with your father's -signature. And then I gave you the money. - -Nora. Well, haven't I been paying it off regularly? - -Krogstad. Fairly so, yes. But--to come back to the matter in -hand--that must have been a very trying time for you, Mrs. -Helmer? - -Nora. It was, indeed. - -Krogstad. Your father was very ill, wasn't he? - -Nora. He was very near his end. - -Krogstad. And died soon afterwards? - -Nora. Yes. - -Krogstad. Tell me, Mrs. Helmer, can you by any chance remember -what day your father died?--on what day of the month, I mean. - -Nora. Papa died on the 29th of September. - -Krogstad. That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, -as that is so, there is a discrepancy (taking a paper from his -pocket) which I cannot account for. - -Nora. What discrepancy? I don't know-- - -Krogstad. The discrepancy consists, Mrs. Helmer, in the fact that -your father signed this bond three days after his death. - -Nora. What do you mean? I don't understand-- - -Krogstad. Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look -here; your father has dated his signature the 2nd of October. It -is a discrepancy, isn't it? (NORA is silent.) Can you explain it -to me? (NORA is still silent.) It is a remarkable thing, too, -that the words "2nd of October," as well as the year, are not -written in your father's handwriting but in one that I think I -know. Well, of course it can be explained; your father may have -forgotten to date his signature, and someone else may have dated -it haphazard before they knew of his death. There is no harm in -that. It all depends on the signature of the name; and that is -genuine, I suppose, Mrs. Helmer? It was your father himself who -signed his name here? - -Nora (after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly -at him). No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa's name. - -Krogstad. Are you aware that is a dangerous confession? - -Nora. In what way? You shall have your money soon. - -Krogstad. Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the -paper to your father? - -Nora. It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him for -his signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was -to be used for; and when he was so ill himself I couldn't tell -him that my husband's life was in danger-- it was impossible. - -Krogstad. It would have been better for you if you had given up -your trip abroad. - -Nora. No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband's -life; I couldn't give that up. - -Krogstad. But did it never occur to you that you were committing -a fraud on me? - -Nora. I couldn't take that into account; I didn't trouble myself -about you at all. I couldn't bear you, because you put so many -heartless difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous -condition my husband was in. - -Krogstad. Mrs. Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly what -it is that you have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my -one false step, which lost me all my reputation, was nothing more -or nothing worse than what you have done. - -Nora. You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to -run a risk to save your wife's life? - -Krogstad. The law cares nothing about motives. - -Nora. Then it must be a very foolish law. - -Krogstad. Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, -if I produce this paper in court. - -Nora. I don't believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to -spare her dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be -allowed to save her husband's life? I don't know much about law; -but I am certain that there must be laws permitting such things -as that. Have you no knowledge of such laws-- you who are a -lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. Krogstad. - -Krogstad. Maybe. But matters of business--such business as you -and I have had together--do you think I don't understand that? -Very well. Do as you please. But let me tell you this--if I lose -my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me. (He -bows, and goes out through the hall.) - -Nora (appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her -head). Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!--I am not so -silly as he thinks. (Begins to busy herself putting the children's -things in order.) And yet--? No, it's impossible! I did it for love's sake. - -The Children (in the doorway on the left). Mother, the stranger -man has gone out through the gate. - -Nora. Yes, dears, I know. But, don't tell anyone about the stranger -man. Do you hear? Not even papa. - -Children. No, mother; but will you come and play again? - -Nora. No, no,--not now. - -Children. But, mother, you promised us. - -Nora. Yes, but I can't now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. -Run away in, my sweet little darlings. (She gets them into the -room by degrees and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the -sofa, takes up a piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but -soon stops.) No! (Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall -door and calls out.) Helen! bring the Tree in. (Goes to the table -on the left, opens a drawer, and stops again.) No, no! it is -quite impossible! - -Maid (coming in with the Tree). Where shall I put it, ma'am? - -Nora. Here, in the middle of the floor. - -Maid. Shall I get you anything else? - -Nora. No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit MAID.] - -Nora (begins dressing the tree). A candle here-and flowers here-- -The horrible man! It's all nonsense--there's nothing wrong. The -tree shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to -please you, Torvald!--I will sing for you, dance for you--(HELMER -comes in with some papers under his arm.) Oh! are you back -already?. - -Helmer. Yes. Has anyone been here? - -Nora. Here? No. - -Helmer. That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate. - -Nora. Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment. - -Helmer. Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here -begging you to say a good word for him. - -Nora. Yes. - -Helmer. And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you -were to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn't -he beg that of you too? - -Nora. Yes, Torvald, but-- - -Helmer. Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of -thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any -sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain? - -Nora. A lie--? - -Helmer. Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (Shakes his -finger at her.) My little songbird must never do that again. A -songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with-- no false notes! -(Puts his arm round her waist.) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am -sure it is. (Lets her go.) We will say no more about it. (Sits -down by the stove.) How warm and snug it is here! (Turns over his -papers.) - -Nora (after a short pause, during which she busies herself with -the Christmas Tree.) Torvald! - -Helmer. Yes. - -Nora. I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball -at the Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow. - -Helmer. And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going -to surprise me with. - -Nora. It was very silly of me to want to do that. - -Helmer. What do you mean? - -Nora. I can't hit upon anything that will do; everything I think -of seems so silly and insignificant. - -Helmer. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? - -Nora (standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it). -Are you very busy, Torvald? - -Helmer. Well--Nora. What are all those papers? - -Helmer. Bank business. - -Nora. Already? - -Helmer. I have got authority from the retiring manager to -undertake the necessary changes in the staff and in the -rearrangement of the work; and I must make use of the -Christmas week for that, so as to have everything in order -for the new year. - -Nora. Then that was why this poor Krogstad-- - -Helmer. Hm! - -Nora (leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair). -If you hadn't been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously -big favour, Torvald. - -Helmer. What is that? Tell me. - -Nora. There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so -want to look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn't you -take me in hand and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a -dress I shall wear? - -Helmer. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get -someone to come to her rescue? - -Nora. Yes, Torvald, I can't get along a bit without your help. - -Helmer. Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit -upon something. - -Nora. That is nice of you. (Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short -pause.) How pretty the red flowers look--. But, tell me, was it -really something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of? - -Helmer. He forged someone's name. Have you any idea what that -means? - -Nora. Isn't it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity? - -Helmer. Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so -heartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false -step of that kind. - -Nora. No, you wouldn't, would you, Torvald? - -Helmer. Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he -has openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment. - -Nora. Punishment--? - -Helmer. But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out -of it by a cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether. - -Nora. But do you think it would--? - -Helmer. Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play -the hypocrite with 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. - -Nora. How? - -Helmer. Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons -the whole life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a -house is full of the germs of evil. - -Nora (coming nearer him). Are you sure of that? - -Helmer. My dear, I have often seen it in the course of my life as -a lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life -has had a deceitful mother. - -Nora. Why do you only say-- mother? - -Helmer. It seems most commonly to be the mother's influence, -though naturally a bad father's would have the same result. Every -lawyer is familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been -persistently poisoning his own children with lies and -dissimulation; that is why I say he has lost all moral character. -(Holds out his hands to her.) That is why my sweet little Nora -must promise me not to plead his cause. Give me your hand on it. -Come, come, what is this? Give me your hand. There now, that's -settled. I assure you it would be quite impossible for me to work -with him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the company -of such people. - -Nora (takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of -the Christmas Tree). How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot -to do. - -Helmer (getting up and putting his papers in order). Yes, and I -must try and read through some of these before dinner; and I must -think about your costume, too. And it is just possible I may have -something ready in gold paper to hang up on the Tree. (Puts his -hand on her head.) My precious little singing-bird! (He goes into -his room and shuts the door after him.) - -Nora (after a pause, whispers). No, no--it isn't true. It's -impossible; it must be impossible. - -(The NURSE opens the door on the left.) - -Nurse. The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come -in to mamma. - -Nora. No, no, no! Don't let them come in to me! You stay with -them, Anne. - -Nurse. Very well, ma'am. (Shuts the door.) - -Nora (pale with terror). Deprave my little children? Poison my -home? (A short pause. Then she tosses her head.) It's not true. -It can't possibly be true. - -ACT II - -(THE SAME SCENE.--THE Christmas Tree is in the corner by the -piano, stripped of its ornaments and with burnt-down candle-ends -on its dishevelled branches. NORA'S cloak and hat are lying on -the sofa. She is alone in the room, walking about uneasily. She -stops by the sofa and takes up her cloak.) - -Nora (drops her cloak). Someone is coming now! (Goes to the door -and listens.) No--it is no one. Of course, no one will come today, -Christmas Day--nor tomorrow either. But, perhaps--(opens -the door and looks out). No, nothing in the letterbox; it is -quite empty. (Comes forward.) What rubbish! of course he can't be -in earnest about it. Such a thing couldn't happen; it is -impossible--I have three little children. - -(Enter the NURSE from the room on the left, carrying a big -cardboard box.) - -Nurse. At last I have found the box with the fancy dress. - -Nora. Thanks; put it on the table. - -Nurse (doing so). But it is very much in want of mending. - -Nora. I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces. - -Nurse. What an idea! It can easily be put in order--just a little -patience. - -Nora. Yes, I will go and get Mrs. Linde to come and help me with -it. - -Nurse. What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch -cold, ma'am, and make yourself ill. - -Nora. Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children? - -Nurse. The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas -presents, but-- - -Nora. Do they ask much for me? - -Nurse. You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with -them. - -Nora. Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with -them now as I was before. - -Nurse. Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything. - -Nora. Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their -mother if she went away altogether? - -Nurse. Good heavens!--went away altogether? - -Nora. Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often -wondered about--how could you have the heart to put your own -child out among strangers? - -Nurse. I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora's nurse. - -Nora. Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? - -Nurse. What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A -poor girl who has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, -that wicked man didn't do a single thing for me. - -Nora. But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you. - -Nurse. No, indeed she hasn't. She wrote to me when she was -confirmed, and when she was married. - -Nora (putting her arms round her neck). Dear old Anne, you were a -good mother to me when I was little. - -Nurse. Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. Nora. -And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would-- -What nonsense I am talking! (Opens the box.) Go in to them. Now I -must--. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look. - -Nurse. I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as -you, ma'am. (Goes into the room on the left.) - -Nora (begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from -her). If only I dared go out. If only no one would come. If only -I could be sure nothing would happen here in the meantime. Stuff -and nonsense! No one will come. Only I mustn't think about it. I -will brush my muff. What lovely, lovely gloves! Out of my thoughts, -out of my thoughts! One, two, three, four, five, six-- -(Screams.) Ah! there is someone coming--. (Makes a movement -towards the door, but stands irresolute.) - -(Enter MRS. LINDE from the hall, where she has taken off her -cloak and hat.) - -Nora. Oh, it's you, Christine. There is no one else out there, is -there? How good of you to come! - -Mrs. Linde. I heard you were up asking for me. - -Nora. Yes, I was passing by. As a matter of fact, it is something -you could help me with. Let us sit down here on the sofa. Look -here. Tomorrow evening there is to be a fancy-dress ball at the -Stenborgs', who live above us; and Torvald wants me to go as a -Neapolitan fisher-girl, and dance the Tarantella that I learned at -Capri. - -Mrs. Linde. I see; you are going to keep up the character. - -Nora. Yes, Torvald wants me to. Look, here is the dress; Torvald had -it made for me there, but now it is all so torn, and I haven't any -idea-- - -Mrs. Linde. We will easily put that right. It is only some of the -trimming come unsewn here and there. Needle and thread? Now then, -that's all we want. - -Nora. It is nice of you. - -Mrs. Linde (sewing). So you are going to be dressed up tomorrow -Nora. I will tell you what--I shall come in for a moment and see -you in your fine feathers. But I have completely forgotten to -thank you for a delightful evening yesterday. - -Nora (gets up, and crosses the stage). Well, I don't think -yesterday was as pleasant as usual. You ought to have come to -town a little earlier, Christine. Certainly Torvald does -understand how to make a house dainty and attractive. - -Mrs. Linde. And so do you, it seems to me; you are not your -father's daughter for nothing. But tell me, is Doctor Rank always -as depressed as he was yesterday? - -Nora. No; yesterday it was very noticeable. I must tell you that -he suffers from a very dangerous disease. He has consumption of -the spine, poor creature. His father was a horrible man who -committed all sorts of excesses; and that is why his son was -sickly from childhood, do you understand? - -Mrs. Linde (dropping her sewing). But, my dearest Nora, how do -you know anything about such things? - -Nora (walking about). Pooh! When you have three children, you get -visits now and then from--from married women, who know something -of medical matters, and they talk about one thing and another. - -Mrs. Linde (goes on sewing. A short silence). Does Doctor Rank -come here everyday? - -Nora. Everyday regularly. He is Torvald's most intimate friend, -and a great friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family. - -Mrs. Linde. But tell me this--is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn't -he the kind of man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable? - -Nora. Not in the least. What makes you think that? - -Mrs. Linde. When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he -had often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I -noticed that your husband hadn't the slightest idea who I was. -So how could Doctor Rank--? - -Nora. That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond -of me that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first -he used to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk -at home, so naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about -such things with Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them. - -Mrs. Linde. Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child -in many 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. - -Nora. What ought I to make an end of? - -Mrs. Linde. Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some -nonsense about a rich admirer who was to leave you money-- - -Nora. An admirer who doesn't exist, unfortunately! But what then? - -Mrs. Linde. Is Doctor Rank a man of means? - -Nora. Yes, he is. - -Mrs. Linde. And has no one to provide for? - -Nora. No, no one; but-- - -Mrs. Linde. And comes here everyday? - -Nora. Yes, I told you so. - -Mrs. Linde. But how can this well-bred man be so tactless? - -Nora. I don't understand you at all. - -Mrs. Linde. Don't prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don't guess -who lent you the two hundred and fifty pounds? - -Nora. Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! -A friend of ours, who comes here everyday! Do you realise what a -horribly painful position that would be? - -Mrs. Linde. Then it really isn't he? - -Nora. No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head -for a moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into -his money afterwards. - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora. - -Nora. No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor -Rank. Although I am quite sure that if I had asked him-- - -Mrs. Linde. But of course you won't. - -Nora. Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly -be necessary. But I am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank-- - -Mrs. Linde. Behind your husband's back? - -Nora. I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will -be behind his back too. I must make an end of it with him. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but-- - -Nora (walking up and down). A man can put a thing like that -straight much easier than a woman-- - -Mrs. Linde. One's husband, yes. - -Nora. Nonsense! (Standing still.) When you pay off a debt you get -your bond back, don't you? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, as a matter of course. - -Nora. And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it -up--the nasty dirty paper! - -Mrs. Linde (looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up -slowly). Nora, you are concealing something from me. - -Nora. Do I look as if I were? - -Mrs. Linde. Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. -Nora, what is it? - -Nora (going nearer to her). Christine! (Listens.) Hush! there's -Torvald come home. Do you mind going in to the children for the -present? Torvald can't bear to see dressmaking going on. Let Anne -help you. - -Mrs. Linde (gathering some of the things together). Certainly -- -but I am not going away from here until we have had it out with -one another. (She goes into the room on the left, as HELMER comes -in from the hail.) - -Nora (going up to HELMER). I have wanted you so much, Torvald -dear. - -Helmer. Was that the dressmaker? - -Nora. No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in -order. You will see I shall look quite smart. - -Helmer. Wasn't that a happy thought of mine, now? - -Nora. Splendid! But don't you think it is nice of me, too, to do -as you wish? - -Helmer. Nice?--because you do as your husband wishes? Well, well, -you little rogue, I am sure you did not mean it in that way. But -I am not going to disturb you; you will want to be trying on your -dress, I expect. - -Nora. I suppose you are going to work. - -Helmer. Yes. (Shows her a bundle of papers.) Look at that. I have -just been into the bank. (Turns to go into his room.) - -Nora. Torvald. - -Helmer. Yes. - -Nora. If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, -very prettily--? - -Helmer. What then? - -Nora. Would you do it? - -Helmer. I should like to hear what it is, first. - -Nora. Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you -would be nice, and do what she wants. - -Helmer. Speak plainly. - -Nora. Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song -rising and falling-- - -Helmer. Well, my skylark does that anyhow. - -Nora. I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, -Torvald. - -Helmer. Nora--you surely don't mean that request you made to me -this morning? - -Nora (going near him). Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly-- - -Helmer. Have you really the courage to open up that question again? - -Nora. Yes, dear, you must do as I ask; you must let Krogstad keep -his post in the bank. - -Helmer. My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs. -Linde shall have. - -Nora. Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could -just as well dismiss some other clerk instead of Krogstad. - -Helmer. This is simply incredible obstinacy! Because you chose to -give him a thoughtless promise that you would speak for him, I am -expected to-- - -Nora. That isn't the reason, Torvald. It is for your own sake. -This fellow writes in the most scurrilous newspapers; you have -told me so yourself. He can do you an unspeakable amount of harm. -I am frightened to death of him-- - -Helmer. Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that -scare you. - -Nora. What do you mean? - -Helmer. Naturally you are thinking of your father. - -Nora. Yes--yes, of course. Just recall to your mind what these -malicious creatures wrote in the papers about papa, and how -horribly they slandered him. I believe they would have procured -his dismissal if the Department had not sent you over to inquire -into it, and if you had not been so kindly disposed and helpful -to him. - -Helmer. My little Nora, there is an important difference between -your father and me. Your father's reputation as a public official -was not above suspicion. Mine is, and I hope it will continue to -be so, as long as I hold my office. - -Nora. You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We -ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful -home, and have no cares--you and I and the children, Torvald! -That is why I beg you so earnestly-- - -Helmer. And it is just by interceding for him that you make it -impossible for me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank -that I mean to dismiss Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the -new manager has changed his mind at his wife's bidding-- - -Nora. And what if it did? - -Helmer. Of course!--if only this obstinate little person can get -her way! Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before -my whole staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by -all sorts of outside influence? I should very soon feel the -consequences of it, I can tell you! And besides, there is one thing -that makes it quite impossible for me to have Krogstad in the Bank -as long as I am manager. - -Nora. Whatever is that? - -Helmer. His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if -necessary-- - -Nora. Yes, you could--couldn't you? - -Helmer. And I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when -we were boys. It was one of those rash friendships that so often -prove an incubus in 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. - -Nora. Torvald, I don't believe you mean that. - -Helmer. Don't you? Why not? - -Nora. Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at -things. - -Helmer. What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am -narrow-minded? - -Nora. No, just the opposite, dear--and it is exactly for that -reason. - -Helmer. It's the same thing. You say my point of view is narrow- -minded, so I must be so too. Narrow-minded! Very well--I must put -an end to this. (Goes to the hall door and calls.) Helen! - -Nora. What are you going to do? - -Helmer (looking among his papers). Settle it. (Enter MAID.) Look -here; take this letter and go downstairs with it at once. Find a -messenger and tell him to deliver it, and be quick. The address -is on it, and here is the money. - -Maid. Very well, sir. (Exit with the letter.) - -Helmer (putting his papers together). Now then, little Miss -Obstinate. - -Nora (breathlessly). Torvald--what was that letter? - -Helmer. Krogstad's dismissal. - -Nora. Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald, -call her back! Do it for my sake--for your own sake--for the -children's sake! Do you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You -don't know what that letter can bring upon us. - -Helmer. It's too late. - -Nora. Yes, it's too late. - -Helmer. My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, -although really it is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn't -it an insult to think that I should be afraid of a starving -quill-driver's vengeance? But I forgive you nevertheless, -because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for -me. (Takes her in his arms.) And that is as it should be, -my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall -have both courage and strength if they be needed. You will -see I am man enough to take everything upon myself. - -Nora (in a horror-stricken voice). What do you mean by that? - -Helmer. Everything, I say-- - -Nora (recovering herself). You will never have to do that. - -Helmer. That's right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man -and wife should. That is how it shall be. (Caressing her.) -Are you content now? There! There!--not these frightened dove's -eyes! The whole thing is only the wildest fancy!--Now, you must -go and play through the Tarantella and 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. (Turns back at the door.) And when Rank comes, tell him -where he will find me. (Nods to her, takes his papers and goes -into his room, and shuts the door after him.) - -Nora (bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, -and whispers). He was capable of doing it. He will do it. He will -do it in spite of everything.--No, not that! Never, never! -Anything rather than that I Oh, for some help, some way out of -it! (The door-bell rings.) Doctor Rank! Anything rather than -that--anything, whatever it is! (She puts her hands over her -face, pulls herself together, goes to the door and opens it. RANK -is standing without, hanging up his coat. During the following -dialogue it begins to grow dark.) - -Nora. Good day, Doctor Rank. I knew your ring. But you mustn't -go in to Torvald now; I think he is busy with something. - -Rank. And you? - -Nora (brings him in and shuts the door after him). Oh, you know -very well I always have time for you. - -Rank. Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can. - -Nora. What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can? - -Rank. Well, does that alarm you? - -Nora. It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely -to happen? - -Rank. Nothing but what I have long been prepared for. But I -certainly didn't expect it to happen so soon. - -Nora (gripping him by the arm). What have you found out? Doctor -Rank, you must tell me. - -Rank (sitting down by the stove). It is all up with me. And it -can't be helped. - -Nora (with a sigh of relief). Is it about yourself? - -Rank. Who else? It is no use lying to one's self. I am the most -wretched of all my patients, Mrs. Helmer. Lately I have been -taking stock of my internal economy. Bankrupt! Probably within -a month I shall lie rotting in the churchyard. - -Nora. What an ugly thing to say! - -Rank. The thing itself is cursedly ugly, and the worst of it is -that I shall have to face so much more that is ugly before that. -I shall only make one more examination of myself; when I have -done that, I shall know pretty certainly when it will be that the -horrors of dissolution will begin. There is something I want to -tell you. Helmer's refined nature gives him an unconquerable -disgust at everything that is ugly; I won't have him in my sick- -room. - -Nora. Oh, but, Doctor Rank-- - -Rank. I won't have him there. Not on any account. I bar my door -to him. As soon as I am quite certain that the worst has come, I -shall send you my card with a black cross on it, and then you -will know that the loathsome end has begun. - -Nora. You are quite absurd today. And I wanted you so much to be -in a really good humour. - -Rank. With death stalking beside me?--To have to pay this penalty -for another man's sin? Is there any justice in that? And in -every single family, in one way or another, some such inexorable -retribution is being exacted-- - -Nora (putting her hands over her ears). Rubbish! Do talk of -something cheerful. - -Rank. Oh, it's a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor -innocent spine has to suffer for my father's youthful amusements. - -Nora (sitting at the table on the left). I suppose you mean that -he was too partial to asparagus and pate de foie gras, don't you? - -Rank. Yes, and to truffles. - -Nora. Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose? - -Rank. Oysters, of course, that goes without saying. - -Nora. And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these -nice things should take their revenge on our bones. - -Rank. Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky -bones of those who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them. - -Nora. Yes, that's the saddest part of it all. - -Rank (with a searching look at her). Hm!-- - -Nora (after a short pause). Why did you smile? - -Rank. No, it was you that laughed. - -Nora. No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank! - -Rank (rising). You are a greater rascal than I thought. - -Nora. I am in a silly mood today. - -Rank. So it seems. - -Nora (putting her hands on his shoulders). Dear, dear Doctor -Rank, death mustn't take you away from Torvald and me. - -Rank. It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are -gone are soon forgotten. - -Nora (looking at him anxiously). Do you believe that? - -Rank. People form new ties, and then-- - -Nora. Who will form new ties? - -Rank. Both you and Helmer, when I am gone. You yourself are -already on the high road to it, I think. What did that Mrs. Linde -want here last night? - -Nora. Oho!--you don't mean to say you are jealous of poor -Christine? - -Rank. Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I -am done for, this woman will-- - -Nora. Hush! don't speak so loud. She is in that room. - -Rank. Today again. There, you see. - -Nora. She has only come to sew my dress for me. Bless my soul, -how unreasonable you are! (Sits down on the sofa.) Be nice now, -Doctor Rank, and 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. (Takes various things out of the box.) -Doctor Rank, come and sit down here, and I will show you something. - -Rank (sitting down). What is it? - -Nora. Just look at those! - -Rank. Silk stockings. - -Nora. Flesh-coloured. Aren't they lovely? It is so dark here now, -but tomorrow--. No, no, no! you must only look at the feet. Oh -well, you may have leave to look at the legs too. - -Rank. Hm!--Nora. Why are you looking so critical? Don't you think -they will fit me? - -Rank. I have no means of forming an opinion about that. - -Nora (looks at him for a moment). For shame! (Hits him lightly on the -ear with the stockings.) That's to punish you. (Folds them up again.) - -Rank. And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see? - -Nora. Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. (She looks -among the things, humming to herself.) - -Rank (after a short silence). When I am sitting here, talking to -you as intimately as this, I cannot imagine for a moment what -would have become of me if I had never come into this house. - -Nora (smiling). I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. - -Rank (in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him). And to -be obliged to leave it all-- - -Nora. Nonsense, you are not going to leave it. - -Rank (as before). And not be able to leave behind one the slightest -token of one's gratitude, scarcely even a fleeting regret--nothing -but an empty place which the first comer can fill as well as any other. - -Nora. And if I asked you now for a--? No! - -Rank. For what? - -Nora. For a big proof of your friendship-- - -Rank. Yes, yes! - -Nora. I mean a tremendously big favour-- - -Rank. Would you really make me so happy for once? - -Nora. Ah, but you don't know what it is yet. - -Rank. No--but tell me. - -Nora. I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all -reason; it means advice, and help, and a favour-- - -Rank. The bigger a thing it is the better. I can't conceive what -it is you mean. Do tell me. Haven't I your confidence? - -Nora. More than anyone else. I know you are my truest and best -friend, and so I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it -is something you must help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, -how inexpressibly deeply Torvald loves me; he would never for a -moment hesitate to give his life for me. - -Rank (leaning towards her). Nora--do you think he is the only -one--? - -Nora (with a slight start). The only one--? - -Rank. The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake. - -Nora (sadly). Is that it? - -Rank. I was determined you should know it before I went away, and -there will never be a better opportunity than this. Now you know -it, Nora. And now you know, too, that you can trust me as you -would trust no one else. - -Nora (rises, deliberately and quietly). Let me pass. - -Rank (makes room for her to pass him, but sits still). Nora! - -Nora (at the hall door). Helen, bring in the lamp. (Goes over to -the stove.) Dear Doctor Rank, that was really horrid of you. - -Rank. To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that -horrid? - -Nora. No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need-- - -Rank. What do you mean? Did you know--? (MAID enters with lamp, -puts it down on the table, and goes out.) Nora--Mrs. Helmer--tell -me, had you any idea of this? - -Nora. Oh, how do I know whether I had or whether I hadn't? I -really can't tell you--To think you could be so clumsy, Doctor Rank! -We were getting on so nicely. - -Rank. Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, -body and soul. So won't you speak out? - -Nora (looking at him). After what happened? - -Rank. I beg you to let me know what it is. - -Nora. I can't tell you anything now. - -Rank. Yes, yes. You mustn't punish me in that way. Let me have -permission to do for you whatever a man may do. - -Nora. You can do nothing for me now. Besides, I really don't need -any help at all. You will find that the whole thing is merely fancy -on my part. It really is so--of course it is! (Sits down in the -rocking-chair, and looks at him with a smile.) You are a nice sort -of man, Doctor Rank!--don't you feel ashamed of yourself, now the -lamp has come? - -Rank. Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go--for ever? - -Nora. No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here -just as before. You know very well Torvald can't do without you. - -Rank. Yes, but you? - -Nora. Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come. - -Rank. It is just that, that put me on the wrong track. You are a -riddle to me. I have often thought that you would almost as soon -be in my company as in Helmer's. - -Nora. Yes--you see there are some people one loves best, and -others whom one would almost always rather have as companions. - -Rank. Yes, there is something in that. - -Nora. When I was at home, of course I loved papa best. But I -always thought it tremendous fun if I could steal down into the -maids' room, because they never moralised at all, and talked to -each other about such entertaining things. - -Rank. I see--it is their place I have taken. - -Nora (jumping up and going to him). Oh, dear, nice Doctor Rank, I -never meant that at all. But surely you can understand that being -with Torvald is a little like being with papa--(Enter MAID from -the hall.) - -Maid. If you please, ma'am. (Whispers and hands her a card.) - -Nora (glancing at the card). Oh! (Puts it in her pocket.) - -Rank. Is there anything wrong? - -Nora. No, no, not in the least. It is only something--it is my -new dress-- - -Rank. What? Your dress is lying there. - -Nora. Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. -Torvald mustn't know about it-- - -Rank. Oho! Then that was the great secret. - -Nora. Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner -room. Keep him as long as-- - -Rank. Make your mind easy; I won't let him escape. - -(Goes into HELMER'S room.) - -Nora (to the MAID). And he is standing waiting in the kitchen? - -Maid. Yes; he came up the back stairs. - -Nora. But didn't you tell him no one was in? - -Maid. Yes, but it was no good. - -Nora. He won't go away? - -Maid. No; he says he won't until he has seen you, ma'am. - -Nora. Well, let him come in--but quietly. Helen, you mustn't say -anything about it to anyone. It is a surprise for my husband. - -Maid. Yes, ma'am, I quite understand. (Exit.) - -Nora. This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in -spite of me! No, no, no, it can't happen--it shan't happen! (She -bolts the door of HELMER'S room. The MAID opens the hall door for -KROGSTAD and shuts it after him. He is wearing a fur coat, high -boots and a fur cap.) - -Nora (advancing towards him). Speak low--my husband is at home. - -Krogstad. No matter about that. - -Nora. What do you want of me? - -Krogstad. An explanation of something. - -Nora. Make haste then. What is it? - -Krogstad. You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal. - -Nora. I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought as hard as I -could on your side, but it was no good. - -Krogstad. Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows -what I can expose you to, and yet he ventures-- - -Nora. How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort? - -Krogstad. I didn't suppose so at all. It would not be the least -like our dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage-- - -Nora. Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please. - -Krogstad. Certainly--all the respect he deserves. But since you -have kept the matter so carefully to yourself, I make bold to -suppose that you have a little clearer idea, than you had -yesterday, of what it actually is that you have done? - -Nora. More than you could ever teach me. - -Krogstad. Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am. - -Nora. What is it you want of me? - -Krogstad. Only to see how you were, Mrs. Helmer. I have been -thinking about you all day long. A mere cashier, a quill-driver, -a--well, a man like me--even he has a little of what is called -feeling, you know. - -Nora. Show it, then; think of my little children. - -Krogstad. Have you and your husband thought of mine? But never -mind about that. I only wanted to tell you that you need not -take this matter too seriously. In the first place there will -be no accusation made on my part. - -Nora. No, of course not; I was sure of that. - -Krogstad. The whole thing can be arranged amicably; there is -no reason why anyone should know anything about it. It will -remain a secret between us three. - -Nora. My husband must never get to know anything about it. - -Krogstad. How will you be able to prevent it? Am I to understand -that you can pay the balance that is owing? - -Nora. No, not just at present. - -Krogstad. Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the -money soon? - -Nora. No expedient that I mean to make use of. - -Krogstad. Well, in any case, it would have been of no use to you -now. If you stood there with ever so much money in your hand, I -would never part with your bond. - -Nora. Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to. - -Krogstad. I shall only preserve it--keep it in my possession. No -one who is not concerned in the matter shall have the slightest -hint of it. So that if the thought of it has driven you to any -desperate resolution-- - -Nora. It has. - -Krogstad. If you had it in your mind to run away from your home-- - -Nora. I had. - -Krogstad. Or even something worse-- - -Nora. How could you know that? - -Krogstad. Give up the idea. - -Nora. How did you know I had thought of that? - -Krogstad. Most of us think of that at first. I did, too--but I -hadn't the courage. - -Nora (faintly). No more had I. - -Krogstad (in a tone of relief). No, that's it, isn't it--you -hadn't the courage either? - -Nora. No, I haven't--I haven't. - -Krogstad. Besides, it would have been a great piece of folly. -Once the first storm at home is over--. I have a letter for your -husband in my pocket. - -Nora. Telling him everything? - -Krogstad. In as lenient a manner as I possibly could. - -Nora (quickly). He mustn't get the letter. Tear it up. I will -find some means of getting money. - -Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer, but I think I told you just -now-- - -Nora. I am not speaking of what I owe you. Tell me what sum you -are asking my husband for, and I will get the money. - -Krogstad. I am not asking your husband for a penny. - -Nora. What do you want, then? - -Krogstad. I will tell you. I want to rehabilitate myself, -Mrs. Helmer; I want to get on; and in that your husband must -help me. For the last year and a half I have not had a hand -in anything dishonourable, 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-- - -Nora. That he will never do! - -Krogstad. He will; I know him; he dare not protest. And as soon -as I am in there again with him, then you will see! Within a year -I shall be the manager's right hand. It will be Nils Krogstad -and not Torvald Helmer who manages the Bank. - -Nora. That's a thing you will never see! - -Krogstad. Do you mean that you will--? - -Nora. I have courage enough for it now. - -Krogstad. Oh, you can't frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you-- - -Nora. You will see, you will see. - -Krogstad. Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, coal-black -water? And then, in the spring, to float up to the surface, all -horrible and unrecognisable, with your hair fallen out-- - -Nora. You can't frighten me. - -Krogstad. Nor you me. People don't do such things, Mrs. Helmer. -Besides, what use would it be? I should have him completely in my -power all the same. - -Nora. Afterwards? When I am no longer-- - -Krogstad. Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of -your reputation? (NORA stands speechlessly looking at him.) Well, -now, I have warned you. Do not do anything foolish. When Helmer -has had my letter, I shall expect a message from him. And be sure -you remember that it is your husband himself who has forced me -into such ways as this again. I will never forgive him for that. -Goodbye, Mrs. Helmer. (Exit through the hall.) - -Nora (goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens.) He -is going. He is not putting the letter in the box. Oh no, no! -that's impossible! (Opens the door by degrees.) What is that? He -is standing outside. He is not going downstairs. Is he -hesitating? Can he--? (A letter drops into the box; then -KROGSTAD'S footsteps are heard, 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.) - -Nora. In the letter-box. (Steals across to the hall door.) There -it lies--Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now! - -(Mrs. LINDE comes in from the room on the left, carrying the -dress.) - -Mrs. Linde. There, I can't see anything more to mend now. Would -you like to try it on--? - -Nora (in a hoarse whisper). Christine, come here. - -Mrs. Linde (throwing the dress down on the sofa). What is the -matter with you? You look so agitated! - -Nora. Come here. Do you see that letter? There, look--you can see -it through the glass in the letter-box. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I see it. - -Nora. That letter is from Krogstad. - -Mrs. Linde. Nora--it was Krogstad who lent you the money! - -Nora. Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it. - -Mrs. Linde. Believe me, Nora, that's the best thing for both of you. - -Nora. You don't know all. I forged a name. - -Mrs. Linde. Good heavens--! - -Nora. I only want to say this to you, Christine--you must be my -witness. - -Mrs. Linde. Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to--? - -Nora. If I should go out of my mind--and it might easily happen-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora! - -Nora. Or if anything else should happen to me--anything, for -instance, that might prevent my being here-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind. - -Nora. And if it should happen that there were some one who wanted -to take all the responsibility, all the blame, you understand-- - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, yes--but how can you suppose--? - -Nora. Then you must be my witness, that it is not true, Christine. -I am not out of my mind at all; I am in my right senses now, and -I tell you no one else has known anything about it; I, and I -alone, did the whole thing. Remember that. - -Mrs. Linde. I will, indeed. But I don't understand all this. - -Nora. How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going -to happen! - -Mrs. Linde. A wonderful thing? - -Nora. Yes, a wonderful thing!--But it is so terrible, Christine; -it mustn't happen, not for all the world. - -Mrs. Linde. I will go at once and see Krogstad. - -Nora. Don't go to him; he will do you some harm. - -Mrs. Linde. There was a time when he would gladly do anything for -my sake. - -Nora. He? - -Mrs. Linde. Where does he live? - -Nora. How should I know--? Yes (feeling in her pocket), here is -his card. But the letter, the letter--! - -Helmer (calls from his room, knocking at the door). Nora! Nora -(cries out anxiously). Oh, what's that? What do you want? - -Helmer. Don't be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have -locked the door. Are you trying on your dress? - -Nora. Yes, that's it. I look so nice, Torvald. - -Mrs. Linde (who has read the card). I see he lives at the corner here. - -Nora. Yes, but it's no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying -there in the box. - -Mrs. Linde. And your husband keeps the key? - -Nora. Yes, always. - -Mrs. Linde. Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must -find some pretence-- - -Nora. But it is just at this time that Torvald generally-- - -Mrs. Linde. You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I -will come back as soon as I can. (She goes out hurriedly through -the hall door.) - -Nora (goes to HELMER'S door, opens it and peeps in). Torvald! - -Helmer (from the inner room). Well? May I venture at last to come -into my own room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see-- -(Halting in the doorway.) But what is this? - -Nora. What is what, dear? - -Helmer. Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation. - -Rank (in the doorway). I understood so, but evidently I was -mistaken. - -Nora. Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my -dress until tomorrow. - -Helmer. But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been -practising too much? - -Nora. No, I have not practised at all. - -Helmer. But you will need to-- - -Nora. Yes, indeed I shall, Torvald. But I can't get on a bit -without you to help me; I have absolutely forgotten the whole -thing. - -Helmer. Oh, we will soon work it up again. - -Nora. Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise that you will! I am so -nervous about it--all the people--. You must give yourself up to -me entirely this evening. Not the tiniest bit of business--you -mustn't even take a pen in your hand. Will you promise, Torvald dear? - -Helmer. I promise. This evening I will be wholly and absolutely -at your service, you helpless little mortal. Ah, by the way, -first of all I will just-- (Goes towards the hall door.) - -Nora. What are you going to do there? - -Helmer. Only see if any letters have come. - -Nora. No, no! don't do that, Torvald! - -Helmer. Why not? - -Nora. Torvald, please don't. There is nothing there. - -Helmer. Well, let me look. (Turns to go to the letter-box. NORA, -at the piano, plays the first bars of the Tarantella. HELMER -stops in the doorway.) Aha! - -Nora. I can't dance tomorrow if I don't practise with you. - -Helmer (going up to her). Are you really so afraid of it, dear? - -Nora. Yes, so dreadfully afraid of it. Let me practise at once; -there is time now, before we go to dinner. Sit down and play for -me, Torvald dear; criticise me, and correct me as you play. - -Helmer. With great pleasure, if you wish me to. (Sits down at the -piano.) - -Nora (takes out of the box a tambourine and a long variegated -shawl. She hastily drapes the shawl round her. Then she springs -to the front of the stage and calls out). Now play for me! I am -going to dance! - -(HELMER plays and NORA dances. RANK stands by the piano behind -HELMER, and looks on.) - -Helmer (as he plays). Slower, slower! - -Nora. I can't do it any other way. - -Helmer. Not so violently, Nora! - -Nora. This is the way. - -Helmer (stops playing). No, no--that is not a bit right. - -Nora (laughing and swinging the tambourine). Didn't I tell you -so? - -Rank. Let me play for her. - -Helmer (getting up). Yes, do. I can correct her better then. - -(RANK sits down at the piano and plays. NORA dances more and more -wildly. HELMER has taken up a position beside the stove, and -during her dance gives her frequent instructions. She does not -seem to hear him; her hair comes down and falls over her -shoulders; she pays no attention to it, but goes on dancing. -Enter Mrs. LINDE.) - -Mrs. Linde (standing as if spell-bound in the doorway). Oh!-- - -Nora (as she dances). Such fun, Christine! - -Helmer. My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life -depended on it. - -Nora. So it does. - -Helmer. Stop, Rank; this is sheer madness. Stop, I tell you! -(RANK stops playing, and NORA suddenly stands still. HELMER goes -up to her.) I could never have believed it. You have forgotten -everything I taught you. - -Nora (throwing away the tambourine). There, you see. - -Helmer. You will want a lot of coaching. - -Nora. Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to -the last minute. Promise me that, Torvald! - -Helmer. You can depend on me. - -Nora. You must not think of anything but me, either today or -tomorrow; you mustn't open a single letter--not even open the -letter-box-- - -Helmer. Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow-- - -Nora. Yes, indeed I am. - -Helmer. Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter -from him lying there. - -Nora. I don't know; I think there is; but you must not read -anything of that kind now. Nothing horrid must come between us -until this is all over. - -Rank (whispers to HELMER). You mustn't contradict her. - -Helmer (taking her in his arms). The child shall have her way. -But tomorrow night, after you have danced-- - -Nora. Then you will be free. (The MAID appears in the doorway to -the right.) - -Maid. Dinner is served, ma'am. - -Nora. We will have champagne, Helen. - -Maid. Very good, ma'am. [Exit. - -Helmer. Hullo!--are we going to have a banquet? - -Nora. Yes, a champagne banquet until the small hours. (Calls out.) -And a few macaroons, Helen--lots, just for once! - -Helmer. Come, come, don't be so wild and nervous. Be my own -little skylark, as you used. - -Nora. Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. -Christine, you must help me to do up my hair. - -Rank (whispers to HELMER as they go out). I suppose there is -nothing--she is not expecting anything? - -Helmer. Far from it, my dear fellow; it is simply nothing more -than this childish nervousness I was telling you of. (They go -into the right-hand room.) - -Nora. Well! - -Mrs. Linde. Gone out of town. - -Nora. I could tell from your face. - -Mrs. Linde. He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note -for him. - -Nora. You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. -After all, it is splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to -happen. - -Mrs. Linde. What is it that you are waiting for? - -Nora. Oh, you wouldn't understand. Go in to them, I will come in -a moment. (Mrs. LINDE goes into the dining-room. NORA stands -still for a little while, as if to compose herself. Then she -looks at her watch.) Five o'clock. Seven hours 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. - -Helmer (from the doorway on the right). Where's my little skylark? - -Nora (going to him with her arms outstretched). Here she is! - -ACT III - -(THE SAME SCENE.--The table has been placed in the middle of the -stage, with chairs around it. A lamp is burning on the table. The -door into the hall stands open. Dance music is heard in the room -above. Mrs. LINDE is sitting at the table idly turning over the -leaves of a book; she tries to read, but does not seem able to -collect her thoughts. Every now and then she listens intently for -a sound at the outer door.) - -Mrs. Linde (looking at her watch). Not yet--and the time is -nearly up. If only he does not--. (Listens again.) Ah, there he is. -(Goes into the hall and opens the outer door carefully. -Light footsteps are heard on the stairs. She whispers.) -Come in. There is no one here. - -Krogstad (in the doorway). I found a note from you at home. What -does this mean? - -Mrs. Linde. It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk -with you. - -Krogstad. Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should -be here? - -Mrs. Linde. It is impossible where I live; there is no private -entrance to my rooms. Come in; we are quite alone. The maid is -asleep, and the Helmers are at the dance upstairs. - -Krogstad (coming into the room). Are the Helmers really at a -dance tonight? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, why not? - -Krogstad. Certainly--why not? - -Mrs. Linde. Now, Nils, let us have a talk. - -Krogstad. Can we two have anything to talk about? - -Mrs. Linde. We have a great deal to talk about. - -Krogstad. I shouldn't have thought so. - -Mrs. Linde. No, you have never properly understood me. - -Krogstad. Was there anything else to understand except what -was obvious to all the world--a heartless woman jilts a man -when a more lucrative chance turns up? - -Mrs. Linde. Do you believe I am as absolutely heartless as -all that? And do you believe that I did it with a light heart? - -Krogstad. Didn't you? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, did you really think that? - -Krogstad. If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you -did at the time? - -Mrs. Linde. I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, -it was my duty also to put an end to all that you felt for me. - -Krogstad (wringing his hands). So that was it. And all this--only -for the sake of money! - -Mrs. Linde. You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and -two little brothers. We couldn't wait for you, Nils; your -prospects seemed hopeless then. - -Krogstad. That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over -for anyone else's sake. - -Mrs. Linde. Indeed I don't know. Many a time did I ask myself if -I had the right to do it. - -Krogstad (more gently). When I lost you, it was as if all the -solid ground went from under my feet. Look at me now--I am a shipwrecked -man clinging to a bit of wreckage. - -Mrs. Linde. But help may be near. - -Krogstad. It was near; but then you came and stood in my way. - -Mrs. Linde. Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I -learned it was your place I was going to take in the Bank. - -Krogstad. I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, -are you not going to give it up to me? - -Mrs. Linde. No, because that would not benefit you in the least. - -Krogstad. Oh, benefit, benefit--I would have done it whether or no. - -Mrs. Linde. I have learned to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter -necessity have taught me that. - -Krogstad. And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches. - -Mrs. Linde. Then life has taught you something very reasonable. -But deeds you must believe in? - -Krogstad. What do you mean by that? - -Mrs. Linde. You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to -some wreckage. - -Krogstad. I had good reason to say so. - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I am like a shipwrecked woman clinging to some -wreckage--no one to mourn for, no one to care for. - -Krogstad. It was your own choice. - -Mrs. Linde. There was no other choice--then. - -Krogstad. Well, what now? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people -could join forces? - -Krogstad. What are you saying? - -Mrs. Linde. Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a -better chance than each on their own. - -Krogstad. Christine I... - -Mrs. Linde. What do you suppose brought me to town? - -Krogstad. Do you mean that you gave me a thought? - -Mrs. Linde. I could not endure life without work. All my life, as -long as I can remember, I have worked, and it has been my greatest -and only pleasure. But now I am quite alone in the world--my life -is so dreadfully empty and I feel so forsaken. There is not the -least pleasure in working for one's self. Nils, give me someone and -something to work for. - -Krogstad. I don't trust that. It is nothing but a woman's -overstrained sense of generosity that prompts you to make such an -offer of yourself. - -Mrs. Linde. Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me? - -Krogstad. Could you really do it? Tell me--do you know all about -my past life? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes. - -Krogstad. And do you know what they think of me here? - -Mrs. Linde. You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have -been quite another man. - -Krogstad. I am certain of it. - -Mrs. Linde. Is it too late now? - -Krogstad. Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am -sure you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, -then--? - -Mrs. Linde. I want to be a mother to someone, and your children -need a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your -real character--I can dare anything together with you. - -Krogstad (grasps her hands). Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I -shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, -but I forgot-- - -Mrs. Linde (listening). Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go! - -Krogstad. Why? What is it? - -Mrs. Linde. Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may -expect them back. - -Krogstad. Yes, yes--I will go. But it is all no use. Of course -you are not aware what steps I have taken in the matter of the -Helmers. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I know all about that. - -Krogstad. And in spite of that have you the courage to--? - -Mrs. Linde. I understand very well to what lengths a man like you -might be driven by despair. - -Krogstad. If I could only undo what I have done! - -Mrs. Linde. You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box -now. - -Krogstad. Are you sure of that? - -Mrs. Linde. Quite sure, but-- - -Krogstad (with a searching look at her). Is that what it all -means?--that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me -frankly. Is that it? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's -sake, doesn't do it a second time. - -Krogstad. I will ask for my letter back. - -Mrs. Linde. No, no. - -Krogstad. Yes, of course I will. I will wait here 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-- - -Mrs. Linde. No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. - -Krogstad. But, tell me, wasn't it for that very purpose that you -asked me to meet you here? - -Mrs. Linde. In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four -hours have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed -incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. -This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete -understanding between them, which is impossible with all this -concealment and falsehood going on. - -Krogstad. Very well, if you will take the responsibility. But -there is one thing I can do in any case, and I shall do it at -once. - -Mrs. Linde (listening). You must be quick and go! The dance is -over; we are not safe a moment longer. - -Krogstad. I will wait for you below. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, do. You must see me back to my door... - -Krogstad. I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune -in my life! (Goes out through the outer door. The door between -the room and the hall remains open.) - -Mrs. Linde (tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak -ready). What a difference! what a difference! Someone to work -for and live for--a home to bring comfort into. That I will do, -indeed. I wish they would be quick and come--(Listens.) Ah, there -they are now. I must put on my things. (Takes up her hat and -cloak. HELMER'S and NORA'S voices are heard outside; a key is -turned, and HELMER brings NORA almost by force into the hall. She -is in an Italian costume with a large black shawl around her; he -is in evening dress, and a black domino which is flying open.) - -Nora (hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him). No, -no, no!--don't take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don't -want to leave so early. - -Helmer. But, my dearest Nora-- - -Nora. Please, Torvald dear--please, please--only an hour more. - -Helmer. Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our -agreement. Come along into the room; you are catching cold -standing there. (He brings her gently into the room, in spite of -her resistance.) - -Mrs. Linde. Good evening. - -Nora. Christine! - -Helmer. You here, so late, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora -in her dress. - -Nora. Have you been sitting here waiting for me? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, unfortunately I came too late, you had already -gone upstairs; and I thought I couldn't go away again without -having seen you. - -Helmer (taking off NORA'S shawl). Yes, take a good look at her. I -think she is worth looking at. Isn't she charming, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, indeed she is. - -Helmer. Doesn't she look remarkably pretty? Everyone thought so -at the dance. But she is terribly self-willed, this sweet little -person. What are we to do with her? You will hardly believe that -I had almost to bring her away by force. - -Nora. Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it -were only for half an hour. - -Helmer. Listen to her, Mrs. Linde! She had danced her Tarantella, -and it had been a tremendous success, as it deserved--although -possibly the performance was a trifle too realistic--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. (Throws his domino on a -chair, and opens the door of his room.) Hullo! it's all dark -in here. Oh, of course--excuse me--. (He goes in, and lights -some candles.) - -Nora (in a hurried and breathless whisper). Well? - -Mrs. Linde (in a low voice). I have had a talk with him. - -Nora. Yes, and-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora, you must tell your husband all about it. - -Nora (in an expressionless voice). I knew it. - -Mrs. Linde. You have nothing to be afraid of as far as Krogstad -is concerned; but you must tell him. - -Nora. I won't tell him. - -Mrs. Linde. Then the letter will. - -Nora. Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush--! - -Helmer (coming in again). Well, Mrs. Linde, have you admired her? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, and now I will say goodnight. - -Helmer. What, already? Is this yours, this knitting? - -Mrs. Linde (taking it). Yes, thank you, I had very nearly forgotten it. - -Helmer. So you knit? - -Mrs. Linde. Of course. - -Helmer. Do you know, you ought to embroider. - -Mrs. Linde. Really? Why? - -Helmer. Yes, it's far more becoming. Let me show you. You hold -the embroidery thus in your left hand, and use the needle with -the right--like this--with a long, easy sweep. Do you see? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, perhaps-- - -Helmer. But in the case of knitting--that can never be anything -but ungraceful; look here--the arms close together, the knitting- -needles going up and down--it has a sort of Chinese effect--. -That was really excellent champagne they gave us. - -Mrs. Linde. Well,--goodnight, Nora, and don't be self-willed any -more. - -Helmer. That's right, Mrs. Linde. - -Mrs. Linde. Goodnight, Mr. Helmer. - -Helmer (accompanying her to the door). 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. -(She goes out; he shuts the door after her, and comes in again.) -Ah!--at last we have got rid of her. She is a frightful bore, -that woman. - -Nora. Aren't you very tired, Torvald? - -Helmer. No, not in the least. - -Nora. Nor sleepy? - -Helmer. Not a bit. On the contrary, I feel extraordinarily lively. -And you?--you really look both tired and sleepy. - -Nora. Yes, I am very tired. I want to go to sleep at once. - -Helmer. There, you see it was quite right of me not to let you -stay there any longer. - -Nora. Everything you do is quite right, Torvald. - -Helmer (kissing her on the forehead). Now my little skylark is -speaking reasonably. Did you notice what good spirits Rank was in -this evening? - -Nora. Really? Was he? I didn't speak to him at all. - -Helmer. And I very little, but I have not for a long time seen -him in such good form. (Looks for a while at her and then goes -nearer to her.) It is delightful to be at home by ourselves again, -to be all alone with you--you fascinating, charming little darling! - -Nora. Don't look at me like that, Torvald. - -Helmer. Why shouldn't I look at my dearest treasure?--at all the -beauty that is mine, all my very own? - -Nora (going to the other side of the table). You mustn't say -things like that to me tonight. - -Helmer (following her). You have still got the Tarantella in your -blood, I see. And it makes you more captivating than ever. -Listen--the guests are beginning to go now. (In a lower voice.) -Nora--soon the whole house will be quiet. - -Nora. Yes, I hope so. - -Helmer. Yes, my own darling Nora. Do you know, when I am out at a -party with you like this, why I speak so little to you, keep away -from you, and only send a stolen glance in your direction now and -then?--do you know why I do that? It is because I make believe to -myself that we are secretly in love, and you are my secretly -promised bride, and that no one suspects there is anything between us. - -Nora. Yes, yes--I know very well your thoughts are with me all -the time. - -Helmer. And when we are leaving, and I am putting the shawl over -your beautiful young shoulders--on your lovely neck--then I imagine -that you are my young bride and that we have just come from the -wedding, and I am bringing you for the first time into our -home--to be alone with you for the first time--quite alone with -my shy little darling! All this evening I have longed for nothing -but you. When I watched the seductive figures of the Tarantella, -my blood was on fire; I could endure it no longer, and that was -why I brought you down so early-- - -Nora. Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won't-- - -Helmer. What's that? You're joking, my little Nora! You won't-- -you won't? Am I not your husband--? (A knock is heard at the -outer door.) - -Nora (starting). Did you hear--? - -Helmer (going into the hall). Who is it? - -Rank (outside). It is I. May I come in for a moment? - -Helmer (in a fretful whisper). Oh, what does he want now? -(Aloud.) Wait a minute! (Unlocks the door.) Come, that's kind of -you not to pass by our door. - -Rank. I thought I heard your voice, and felt as if I should like -to look in. (With a swift glance round.) Ah, yes!--these dear -familiar rooms. You are very happy and cosy in here, you two. - -Helmer. It seems to me that you looked after yourself pretty well -upstairs too. - -Rank. Excellently. Why shouldn't I? Why shouldn't one enjoy -everything in this world?--at any rate as much as one can, and as -long as one can. The wine was capital-- - -Helmer. Especially the champagne. - -Rank. So you noticed that too? It is almost incredible how much I -managed to put away! - -Nora. Torvald drank a great deal of champagne tonight too. - -Rank. Did he? - -Nora. Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards. - -Rank. Well, why should one not enjoy a merry evening after a -well-spent day? - -Helmer. Well spent? I am afraid I can't take credit for that. - -Rank (clapping him on the back). But I can, you know! - -Nora. Doctor Rank, you must have been occupied with some -scientific investigation today. - -Rank. Exactly. - -Helmer. Just listen!--little Nora talking about scientific -investigations! - -Nora. And may I congratulate you on the result? - -Rank. Indeed you may. - -Nora. Was it favourable, then? - -Rank. The best possible, for both doctor and patient--certainty. - -Nora (quickly and searchingly). Certainty? - -Rank. Absolute certainty. So wasn't I entitled to make a merry -evening of it after that? - -Nora. Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank. Helmer. I think so -too, so long as you don't have to pay for it in the morning. - -Rank. Oh well, one can't have anything in this life without -paying for it. - -Nora. Doctor Rank--are you fond of fancy-dress balls? - -Rank. Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes. - -Nora. Tell me--what shall we two wear at the next? - -Helmer. Little featherbrain!--are you thinking of the next -already? - -Rank. We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy-- - -Helmer. Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume -for that? - -Rank. Let your wife go dressed just as she is in everyday life. - -Helmer. That was really very prettily turned. But can't you tell -us what you will be? - -Rank. Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that. - -Helmer. Well? - -Rank. At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible. - -Helmer. That's a good joke! - -Rank. There is a big black hat--have you never heard of hats that -make you invisible? If you put one on, no one can see you. - -Helmer (suppressing a smile). Yes, you are quite right. - -Rank. But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me -a cigar--one of the dark Havanas. - -Helmer. With the greatest pleasure. (Offers him his case.) - -Rank (takes a cigar and cuts off the end). Thanks. - -Nora (striking a match). Let me give you a light. - -Rank. Thank you. (She holds the match for him to light his -cigar.) And now goodbye! - -Helmer. Goodbye, goodbye, dear old man! - -Nora. Sleep well, Doctor Rank. - -Rank. Thank you for that wish. - -Nora. Wish me the same. - -Rank. You? Well, if you want me to sleep well! And thanks for the -light. (He nods to them both and goes out.) - -Helmer (in a subdued voice). He has drunk more than he ought. - -Nora (absently). Maybe. (HELMER takes a bunch of keys out of his -pocket and goes into the hall.) Torvald! what are you going to do -there? - -Helmer. Emptying the letter-box; it is quite full; there will be no -room to put the newspaper in tomorrow morning. - -Nora. Are you going to work tonight? - -Helmer. You know quite well I'm not. What is this? Someone has -been at the lock. - -Nora. At the lock--? - -Helmer. Yes, someone has. What can it mean? I should never have -thought the maid--. Here is a broken hairpin. Nora, it is one of -yours. - -Nora (quickly). Then it must have been the children-- - -Helmer. Then you must get them out of those ways. There, at last -I have got it open. (Takes out the contents of the letter-box, -and calls to the kitchen.) Helen!--Helen, put out the light over -the front door. (Goes back into the room and shuts the door into -the hall. He holds out his hand full of letters.) Look at that-- -look what a heap of them there are. (Turning them over.) What on -earth is that? - -Nora (at the window). The letter--No! Torvald, no! - -Helmer. Two cards--of Rank's. - -Nora. Of Doctor Rank's? - -Helmer (looking at them). Doctor Rank. They were on the top. He -must have put them in when he went out. - -Nora. Is there anything written on them? - -Helmer. There is a black cross over the name. Look there--what an -uncomfortable idea! It looks as if he were announcing his own death. - -Nora. It is just what he is doing. - -Helmer. What? Do you know anything about it? Has he said anything -to you? - -Nora. Yes. He told me that when the cards came it would be his -leave-taking from us. He means to shut himself up and die. - -Helmer. My poor old friend! Certainly I knew we should not have -him very long with us. But so soon! And so he hides himself away -like a wounded animal. - -Nora. If it has to happen, it is best it should be without a -word--don't you think so, Torvald? - -Helmer (walking up and down). He 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. (Standing still.) And perhaps for us too, Nora. We -two are thrown quite upon each other now. (Puts his arms round -her.) My darling wife, I don't feel as if I could hold you tight -enough. Do you know, Nora, I have often wished that you might be -threatened by some great danger, so that I might risk my life's -blood, and everything, for your sake. - -Nora (disengages herself, and says firmly and decidedly). Now you -must read your letters, Torvald. - -Helmer. No, no; not tonight. I want to be with you, my darling wife. - -Nora. With the thought of your friend's death-- - -Helmer. You are right, it has affected us both. Something ugly -has come between us--the thought of the horrors of death. -We must try and rid our minds of that. Until then--we will -each go to our own room. - -Nora (hanging on his neck). Goodnight, Torvald--Goodnight! - -Helmer (kissing her on the forehead). Goodnight, my little -singing-bird. Sleep sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters -through. (He takes his letters and goes into his room, shutting -the door after him.) - -Nora (gropes distractedly about, seizes HELMER'S domino, throws -it round her, while she says in quick, hoarse, spasmodic -whispers). Never to see him again. Never! Never! (Puts her shawl -over her head.) Never to see my children again either--never -again. Never! Never!--Ah! the icy, black water--the unfathomable -depths--If only it were over! He has got it now--now he is reading -it. Goodbye, Torvald and my children! (She is about to rush out -through the hall, when HELMER opens his door hurriedly and stands -with an open letter in his hand.) - -Helmer. Nora! - -Nora. Ah!--Helmer. What is this? Do you know what is in this letter? - -Nora. Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me get out! - -Helmer (holding her back). Where are you going? - -Nora (trying to get free). You shan't save me, Torvald! - -Helmer (reeling). True? Is this true, that I read here? Horrible! -No, no--it is impossible that it can be true. - -Nora. It is true. I have loved you above everything else in the world. - -Helmer. Oh, don't let us have any silly excuses. - -Nora (taking a step towards him). Torvald--! - -Helmer. Miserable creature--what have you done? - -Nora. Let me go. You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not -take it upon yourself. - -Helmer. No tragic airs, please. (Locks the hall door.) Here you -shall stay and give me an explanation. Do you understand what you -have done? Answer me! Do you understand what you have done? - -Nora (looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of -coldness in her face). Yes, now I am beginning to understand -thoroughly. - -Helmer (walking about the room). What a horrible awakening! All -these eight years--she who was my joy and pride--a hypocrite, a -liar--worse, worse--a criminal! The unutterable ugliness of it -all!--For shame! For shame! (NORA is silent and looks steadily at -him. He stops in front of her.) I ought to have suspected that -something of the sort would happen. I ought to have foreseen it. -All your father's want of principle--be silent!--all your father's -want of principle has come out in you. No religion, no morality, -no sense of duty--. How I am punished for having winked at what he did! -I did it for your sake, and this is how you repay me. - -Nora. Yes, that's just it. - -Helmer. Now you have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined -all my future. It is horrible to think of! I am in the power of -an unscrupulous man; he can do what he likes with me, ask anything -he likes of me, give me any orders he pleases--I dare not refuse. -And I must sink to such miserable depths because of a thoughtless woman! - -Nora. When I am out of the way, you will be free. - -Helmer. No fine speeches, please. Your father had always plenty -of those ready, too. What good would it be to me if you were out -of the way, as you say? Not the slightest. He can make the affair -known everywhere; and if he does, I may be falsely suspected of -having been a party to your criminal action. Very likely people -will think I was behind it all--that it was I who prompted you! -And I have to thank you for all this--you whom I have cherished -during the whole of our married life. Do you understand now what -it is you have done for me? - -Nora (coldly and quietly). Yes. - -Helmer. It is so incredible that I can't take it in. But we must -come to some understanding. Take off that shawl. Take it off, I -tell you. I must try and appease him some way or another. The -matter must be hushed up at any cost. And as for you and me, it -must appear as if everything between us were 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-- - -(A ring is heard at the front-door bell.) - -Helmer (with a start). What is that? So late! Can the worst--? -Can he--? Hide yourself, Nora. Say you are ill. - -(NORA stands motionless. HELMER goes and unlocks the hall door.) - -Maid (half-dressed, comes to the door). A letter for the mistress. - -Helmer. Give it to me. (Takes the letter, and shuts the door.) -Yes, it is from him. You shall not have it; I will read it myself. - -Nora. Yes, read it. - -Helmer (standing by the lamp). I scarcely have the courage to do -it. It may mean ruin for both of us. No, I must know. (Tears open -the letter, runs his eye over a few lines, looks at a paper -enclosed, and gives a shout of joy.) Nora! (She looks at him -questioningly.) Nora!--No, I must read it once again--. Yes, it -is true! I am saved! Nora, I am saved! - -Nora. And I? - -Helmer. You too, of course; we are both saved, both you and I. -Look, he sends you your bond back. He says he regrets and repents-- -that a happy change in his life--never mind what he says! We -are saved, Nora! No one can do anything to you. Oh, Nora, -Nora!--no, first I must destroy these hateful things. Let -me see--. (Takes a look at the bond.) No, no, I won't look -at it. The whole thing shall be nothing but a bad dream to -me. (Tears up the bond and both letters, throws them all -into the stove, and watches them burn.) There--now it doesn't -exist any longer. He says that since Christmas Eve you--. -These must have been three dreadful days for you, Nora. - -Nora. I have fought a hard fight these three days. - -Helmer. And suffered agonies, and seen no way out but--. No, we -won't call any of the horrors to mind. We will only shout with -joy, and keep saying, "It's all over! It's all over!" Listen to -me, Nora. You don't seem to realise that it is all over. What is -this?--such a cold, set face! My poor little Nora, I quite -understand; you don't feel as if you could believe that I have -forgiven you. But it is true, Nora, I swear it; I have forgiven -you everything. I know that what you did, you did out of love for me. - -Nora. That is true. - -Helmer. You have loved me as a wife ought to love her husband. Only -you had not sufficient knowledge to judge of the means you used. But -do you suppose you are any the less dear to me, because you don't -understand how to act on your own responsibility? No, no; only lean -on me; I will advise you and direct you. I should not be a man if -this womanly helplessness did not just give you a double -attractiveness in my eyes. You must not think 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. - -Nora. Thank you for your forgiveness. (She goes out through the -door to the right.) - -Helmer. No, don't go--. (Looks in.) What are you doing in there? - -Nora (from within). Taking off my fancy dress. - -Helmer (standing at the open door). Yes, do. Try and calm yourself, -and make your mind easy again, my frightened little singing-bird. Be -at rest, and feel secure; I have broad wings to shelter you under. -(Walks up and down by the door.) How warm and cosy our home is, -Nora. Here is shelter for you; here I will protect you like a -hunted dove that I have saved from a hawk's claws; I will bring -peace to your poor beating heart. It will come, little by little, -Nora, believe me. 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? - -Nora (in everyday dress). Yes, Torvald, I have changed my things now. - -Helmer. But what for?--so late as this. - -Nora. I shall not sleep tonight. - -Helmer. But, my dear Nora-- - -Nora (looking at her watch). It is not so very late. Sit down -here, Torvald. You and I have much to say to one another. (She -sits down at one side of the table.) - -Helmer. Nora--what is this?--this cold, set face? Nora. Sit down. -It will take some time; I have a lot to talk over with you. - -Helmer (sits down at the opposite side of the table). You alarm -me, Nora!--and I don't understand you. - -Nora. No, that is just it. You don't understand me, and I have -never understood you either--before tonight. No, you mustn't -interrupt me. You must simply listen to what I say. Torvald, -this is a settling of accounts. - -Helmer. What do you mean by that? - -Nora (after a short silence). Isn't there one thing that strikes -you as strange in our sitting here like this? - -Helmer. What is that? - -Nora. We have been married now eight years. Does it not occur -to you that this is the first time we two, you and I, husband -and wife, have had a serious conversation? - -Helmer. What do you mean by serious? - -Nora. In all these eight years--longer than that--from the very -beginning of our acquaintance, we have never exchanged a word on -any serious subject. - -Helmer. Was it likely that I would be continually and forever -telling you about worries that you could not help me to bear? - -Nora. I am not speaking about business matters. I say that we -have never sat down in earnest together to try and get at the -bottom of anything. - -Helmer. But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you? - -Nora. That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been -greatly wronged, Torvald--first by papa and then by you. - -Helmer. What! By us two--by us two, who have loved you better -than anyone else in the world? - -Nora (shaking her head). You have never loved me. You have only -thought it pleasant to be in love with me. - -Helmer. Nora, what do I hear you saying? - -Nora. It is perfectly true, Torvald. When I was at home with -papa, he told me his opinion about everything, and so I -had the same opinions; and if I differed from him I -concealed the fact, because he would not have liked it. -He called me his doll-child, and he played with me just -as I used to play with my dolls. And when I came to -live with you-- - -Helmer. What sort of an expression is that to use about our marriage? - -Nora (undisturbed). I mean that I was simply transferred from -papa's hands into yours. You arranged everything according to -your own taste, and so I got the same tastes as your else I -pretended to, I am really not quite sure which--I think -sometimes the one and sometimes the other. When I look back -on it, it seems to me as if I had been living here like a -poor woman--just from hand to mouth. I have existed merely -to perform tricks for you, Torvald. But you would have it -so. You and papa have committed a great sin against me. -It is your fault that I have made nothing of my life. - -Helmer. How unreasonable and how ungrateful you are, Nora! Have -you not been happy here? - -Nora. No, I have never been happy. I thought I was, but it has -never really been so. - -Helmer. Not--not happy! - -Nora. No, only merry. And you have always been so kind to me. -But our home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been -your doll-wife, just as at home I was papa's doll-child; and -here the children have been my dolls. I thought it great fun -when you played with me, just as they thought it great fun -when I played with them. That is what our marriage has been, Torvald. - -Helmer. There is some truth in what you say--exaggerated and -strained as your view of it is. But for the future it shall be -different. Playtime shall be over, and lesson-time shall begin. - -Nora. Whose lessons? Mine, or the children's? - -Helmer. Both yours and the children's, my darling Nora. - -Nora. Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being -a proper wife for you. - -Helmer. And you can say that! - -Nora. And I--how am I fitted to bring up the children? - -Helmer. Nora! - -Nora. Didn't you say so yourself a little while ago-- that you -dare not trust me to bring them up? - -Helmer. In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? - -Nora. Indeed, you were perfectly right. I am not fit for the -task. There is another task I must undertake first. I must -try and educate myself--you are not the man to help me in -that. I must do that for myself. And that is why I am -going to leave you now. - -Helmer (springing up). What do you say? - -Nora. I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and -everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain -with you any longer. - -Helmer. Nora, Nora! - -Nora. I am going away from here now, at once. I am sure Christine -will take me in for the night-- - -Helmer. You are out of your mind! I won't allow it! I forbid you! - -Nora. It is no use forbidding me anything any longer. I will take -with me what belongs to myself. I will take nothing from you, -either now or later. - -Helmer. What sort of madness is this! - -Nora. Tomorrow I shall go home-- I mean, to my old home. It will -be easiest for me to find something to do there. - -Helmer. You blind, foolish woman! - -Nora. I must try and get some sense, Torvald. - -Helmer. To desert your home, your husband and your children! And -you don't consider what people will say! - -Nora. I cannot consider that at all. I only know that it is -necessary for me. - -Helmer. It's shocking. This is how you would neglect your most -sacred duties. - -Nora. What do you consider my most sacred duties? - -Helmer. Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to -your husband and your children? - -Nora. I have other duties just as sacred. - -Helmer. That you have not. What duties could those be? - -Nora. Duties to myself. - -Helmer. Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. - -Nora. I don't believe that any longer. I believe that before all -else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are-- or, at all -events, that I must try and become one. I know quite well, -Torvald, that most people would think you right, and that -views of that kind are to be found in books; but I can no -longer content myself with what most people say, or with -what is found in books. I must think over things for myself -and get to understand them. - -Helmer. Can you not understand your place in your own home? -Have you not a reliable guide in such matters as that?--have -you no religion? - -Nora. I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. - -Helmer. What are you saying? - -Nora. I know nothing but what the clergyman said, when I went -to be confirmed. He told us that religion was this, and that, -and the other. When I am away from all this, and am alone, -I will look into that matter too. I will see if what the -clergyman said is true, or at all events if it is true for me. - -Helmer. This is unheard of in a girl of your age! But if religion -cannot lead you aright, let me try and awaken your conscience. I -suppose you have some moral sense? Or-- answer me-- am I to think you -have none? - -Nora. I assure you, Torvald, that is not an easy question to answer. -I really don't know. The thing perplexes me altogether. I only -know that you and I look at it in quite a different light. -I am learning, too, that the law is quite another thing from -what I supposed; but I find it impossible to convince myself -that the law is right. According to it a woman has no right -to spare her old dying father, or to save her husband's -life. I can't believe that. - -Helmer. You talk like a child. You don't understand the -conditions of the world in which you live. - -Nora. No, I don't. But now I am going to try. I am going -to see if I can make out who is right, the world or I. - -Helmer. You are ill, Nora; you are delirious; I almost think you -are out of your mind. - -Nora. I have never felt my mind so clear and certain as tonight. - -Helmer. And is it with a clear and certain mind that you forsake -your husband and your children? - -Nora. Yes, it is. - -Helmer. Then there is only one possible explanation. - -Nora. What is that? - -Helmer. You do not love me anymore. - -Nora. No, that is just it. - -Helmer. Nora!--and you can say that? - -Nora. It gives me great pain, Torvald, for you have always been -so kind to me, but I cannot help it. I do not love you any more. - -Helmer (regaining his composure). Is that a clear and certain -conviction too? - -Nora. Yes, absolutely clear and certain. That is the reason why I -will not stay here any longer. - -Helmer. And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love? - -Nora. Yes, indeed I can. It was tonight, when the wonderful thing did not -happen; then I saw you were not the man I had thought you were. - -Helmer. Explain yourself better. I don't understand you. - -Nora. I have waited so patiently for eight years; for, goodness -knows, I knew very well that wonderful things don't happen every -day. Then this horrible misfortune came upon me; and then I felt -quite certain that the wonderful thing was going to happen at last. -When Krogstad's letter was lying out there, never for a moment -did I imagine that you would consent to accept this man's -conditions. I was so absolutely certain that you would say -to him: Publish the thing to the whole world. And when that was done-- - -Helmer. Yes, what then?--when I had exposed my wife to shame and -disgrace? - -Nora. When that was done, I was so absolutely certain, you would -come forward and take everything upon yourself, and say: I am the -guilty one. - -Helmer. Nora--! - -Nora. You mean that I would never have accepted such a sacrifice -on your part? No, of course not. But what would my assurances have -been worth against yours? That was the wonderful thing which I -hoped for and feared; and it was to prevent that, that I wanted -to kill myself. - -Helmer. I would gladly work night and day for you, Nora--bear -sorrow and want for your sake. But no man would sacrifice his -honour for the one he loves. - -Nora. It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done. - -Helmer. Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child. - -Nora. Maybe. But you neither think nor talk like the man I -could bind myself to. As soon as your fear was over--and it -was not fear for what threatened me, but for what might happen -to you--when the whole thing was past, as far as you were -concerned it was exactly as if nothing at all had happened. -Exactly as before, I was your little skylark, your doll, -which you would in future treat with doubly gentle care, -because it was so brittle and fragile. (Getting up.) -Torvald--it was then it dawned upon me that for eight -years I had been living here with a strange man, and had -borne him three children--. Oh, I can't bear to think -of it! I could tear myself into little bits! - -Helmer (sadly). I see, I see. An abyss has opened between us--there -is no denying it. But, Nora, would it not be possible to fill it up? - -Nora. As I am now, I am no wife for you. - -Helmer. I have it in me to become a different man. - -Nora. Perhaps-- if your doll is taken away from you. - -Helmer. But to part!--to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can't -understand that idea. - -Nora (going out to the right). That makes it all the more certain -that it must be done. (She comes back with her cloak and hat and -a small bag which she puts on a chair by the table.) - -Helmer. Nora, Nora, not now! Wait until tomorrow. - -Nora (putting on her cloak). I cannot spend the night in a -strange man's room. - -Helmer. But can't we live here like brother and sister--? - -Nora (putting on her hat). You know very well that would not last -long. (Puts the shawl round her.) 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. - -Helmer. But some day, Nora-- some day? - -Nora. How can I tell? I have no idea what is going to become of me. - -Helmer. But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you. - -Nora. Listen, Torvald. I have heard that when a wife deserts her -husband's house, as I am doing now, he is legally freed from all -obligations towards her. In any case, I set you free from all your -obligations. You are not to feel yourself bound in the slightest -way, any more than I shall. There must be perfect freedom on -both sides. See, here is your ring back. Give me mine. - -Helmer. That too? - -Nora. That too. - -Helmer. Here it is. - -Nora. That's right. Now it is all over. I have put the keys here. -The maids know all about everything in the house-- better than I do. -Tomorrow, after I have left her, Christine will come here and -pack up my own things that I brought with me from home. I will -have them sent after me. - -Helmer. All over! All over!--Nora, shall you never think of me again? - -Nora. I know I shall often think of you, the children, and this house. - -Helmer. May I write to you, Nora? - -Nora. No--never. You must not do that. - -Helmer. But at least let me send you-- - -Nora. Nothing--nothing-- - -Helmer. Let me help you if you are in want. - -Nora. No. I can receive nothing from a stranger. - -Helmer. Nora--can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? - -Nora (taking her bag). Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of -all would have to happen. - -Helmer. Tell me what that would be! - -Nora. Both you and I would have to be so changed that--. Oh, Torvald, -I don't believe any longer in wonderful things happening. - -Helmer. But I will believe in it. Tell me! So changed that--? - -Nora. That our life together would be a real wedlock. Goodbye. -(She goes out through the hall.) - -Helmer (sinks down on a chair at the door and buries his face in -his hands). Nora! Nora! (Looks round, and rises.) Empty. She is gone. (A hope -flashes across his mind.) The most wonderful thing of all--? - -(The sound of a door shutting is heard from below.) - - - - - -End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen - diff --git a/old/dlshs10.zip b/old/dlshs10.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3cfba7e..0000000 --- a/old/dlshs10.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/dlshs11.txt b/old/dlshs11.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e385c3e..0000000 --- a/old/dlshs11.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4451 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen -(#5 in our series by Henrik Ibsen) - -Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the -copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing -this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. - -This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project -Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the -header without written permission. - -Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the -eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is -important information about your specific rights and restrictions in -how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a -donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. - - -**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** - -**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** - -*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** - - -Title: A Doll's House - -Author: Henrik Ibsen - -Release Date: Mar, 2001 [EBook #2542] -[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] -[This file was first posted on August 5, 2002] -[Most recently updated: August 5, 2002] - -Edition: 11 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, A DOLL'S HOUSE *** - - - - -Prepared by Martin Adamson <martin@grassmarket.freeserve.co.uk> - - - - -A DOLL'S HOUSE - -by Henrik Ibsen - - - - -DRAMATIS PERSONAE - -Torvald Helmer. -Nora, his wife. -Doctor Rank. -Mrs. Linde. -Nils Krogstad. -Helmer's three young children. -Anne, their nurse. -A Housemaid. -A Porter. -(The action takes place in Helmer's house.) - -A DOLL'S HOUSE - -ACT I - -(SCENE.--A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not -extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the -entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. -Between the doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand -wall is a door, and beyond it a window. Near the window are a -round table, 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. - -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.) - -Nora. Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the -children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. (To -the PORTER, taking out her purse.) How much? - -Porter. Sixpence. - -Nora. There is a shilling. No, keep the change. (The PORTER -thanks her, and goes out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to -herself, as she takes off her hat and coat. She takes a packet of -macaroons from her pocket and eats one or two; then goes -cautiously to her husband's door and listens.) Yes, he is in. -(Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.) - -Helmer (calls out from his room). Is that my little lark -twittering out there? - -Nora (busy opening some of the parcels). Yes, it is! - -Helmer. Is it my little squirrel bustling about? - -Nora. Yes! - -Helmer. When did my squirrel come home? - -Nora. Just now. (Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and -wipes her mouth.) Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have -bought. - -Helmer. Don't disturb me. (A little later, he opens the door and -looks into the room, pen in hand.) Bought, did you say? All these -things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again? - -Nora. Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go -a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to -economise. - -Helmer. Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly. Nora. -Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn't we? -Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn -lots and lots of money. - -Helmer. Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole -quarter before the salary is due. - -Nora. Pooh! we can borrow until then. - -Helmer. Nora! (Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the -ear.) The same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed -fifty pounds today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, -and then on New Year's Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, -and--Nora (putting her hands over his mouth). Oh! don't say such -horrid things. - -Helmer. Still, suppose that happened,--what then? - -Nora. If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care -whether I owed money or not. - -Helmer. Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? - -Nora. They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they -were. - -Helmer. That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what -I think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no -freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and -debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far, and -we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there -need be any struggle. - -Nora (moving towards the stove). As you please, Torvald. - -Helmer (following her). Come, come, my little skylark must not -droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of -temper? (Taking out his purse.) Nora, what do you think I have -got here? - -Nora (turning round quickly). Money! - -Helmer. There you are. (Gives her some money.) Do you think I -don't know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas- -time? - -Nora (counting). Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you, -thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time. - -Helmer. Indeed it must. - -Nora. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I -have bought. And 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. - -Helmer. And what is in this parcel? - -Nora (crying out). No, no! you mustn't see that until this -evening. - -Helmer. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little -person, what would you like for yourself? - -Nora. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything. - -Helmer. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you -would particularly like to have. - -Nora. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald-- - -Helmer. Well? - -Nora (playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes -to his). If you really want to give me something, you might--you -might-- - -Helmer. Well, out with it! - -Nora (speaking quickly). You might give me money, Torvald. Only -just as much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will -buy something with it. - -Helmer. But, Nora-- - -Nora. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up -in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't -that be fun? - -Helmer. What are little people called that are always wasting -money? - -Nora. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, -and then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of. -That is a very sensible plan, isn't it? - -Helmer (smiling). Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were -really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy -something for yourself. But if you spend it all on the -housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I merely -have to pay up again. - -Nora. Oh but, Torvald-- - -Helmer. You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. (Puts his arm -round her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses -up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such -little persons are! - -Nora. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can. - -Helmer (laughing). That's very true,--all you can. But you can't -save anything! - -Nora (smiling quietly and happily). You haven't any idea how many -expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald. - -Helmer. You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You -always find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as -soon as you have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You -never know where it has gone. Still, one must take you as you -are. It is in the blood; for indeed it is true that you can -inherit these things, Nora. - -Nora. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities. - -Helmer. And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you -are, my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me -that you are looking rather--what shall I say--rather uneasy today? - -Nora. Do I? - -Helmer. You do, really. Look straight at me. - -Nora (looks at him). Well? - -Helmer (wagging his finger at her). Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been -breaking rules in town today? - -Nora. No; what makes you think that? - -Helmer. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's? - -Nora. No, I assure you, Torvald-- - -Helmer. Not been nibbling sweets? - -Nora. No, certainly not. - -Helmer. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two? - -Nora. No, Torvald, I assure you really-- - -Helmer. There, there, of course I was only joking. - -Nora (going to the table on the right). I should not think of -going against your wishes. - -Helmer. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word-- -(Going up to her.) Keep your little Christmas secrets to -yourself, my darling. They will all be revealed tonight when the -Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt. - -Nora. Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank? - -Helmer. No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will -come to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in -this morning. I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can't -think how I am looking forward to this evening. - -Nora. So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! - -Helmer. It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe -appointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to think -of, isn't it? - -Nora. It's wonderful! - -Helmer. Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks -beforehand you shut yourself up every evening 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! - -Nora. I didn't find it dull. - -Helmer (smiling). But there was precious little result, Nora. - -Nora. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I -help the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces? - -Helmer. Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had the -best of intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing. -But it is a good thing that our hard times are over. - -Nora. Yes, it is really wonderful. - -Helmer. This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and -you needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands-- - -Nora (clapping her hands). No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, -need I! It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (Taking his -arm.) Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to -arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over--(A bell -rings in the hall.) There's the bell. (She tidies the room a -little.) There's some one at the door. What a nuisance! - -Helmer. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home. - -Maid (in the doorway). A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger. - -Nora. Ask her to come in. - -Maid (to HELMER). The doctor came at the same time, sir. - -Helmer. Did he go straight into my room? - -Maid. Yes, sir. - -(HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs. LINDE, who is -in travelling dress, and shuts the door.) Mrs. Linde (in a -dejected and timid voice). How do you do, Nora? - -Nora (doubtfully). How do you do--Mrs. Linde. You don't recognise -me, I suppose. - -Nora. No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--(Suddenly.) -Yes! Christine! Is it really you? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, it is I. - -Nora. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how -could I--(In a gentle voice.) How you have altered, Christine! - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years-- - -Nora. Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight -years have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now -you have come into the town, and have taken this long journey in -winter--that was plucky of you. - -Mrs. Linde. I arrived by steamer this morning. - -Nora. To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How -delightful! We will have such fun together! But take off your -things. You are not cold, I hope. (Helps her.) Now we will sit -down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this armchair; I will -sit here in the rocking-chair. (Takes her hands.) Now you look -like your old self again; it was only the first moment--You are a -little paler, Christine, and perhaps a little thinner. - -Mrs. Linde. And much, much older, Nora. - -Nora. Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not -much. (Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.) What a thoughtless -creature I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, -do forgive me. - -Mrs. Linde. What do you mean, Nora? - -Nora (gently). Poor Christine, you are a widow. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes; it is three years ago now. - -Nora. Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, -Christine, I meant ever so often to write to you at the time, but -I always put it off and something always prevented me. - -Mrs. Linde. I quite understand, dear. - -Nora. It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must -have suffered. And he left you nothing? - -Mrs. Linde. No. - -Nora. And no children? - -Mrs. Linde. No. - -Nora. Nothing at all, then. - -Mrs. Linde. Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon. - -Nora (looking incredulously at her). But, Christine, is that -possible? - -Mrs. Linde (smiles sadly and strokes her hair). It sometimes -happens, Nora. - -Nora. So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I -have three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they -are out with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it. - -Mrs. Linde. No, no; I want to hear about you. - -Nora. No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I -must only think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must -tell you. Do you know we have just had a great piece of good -luck? - -Mrs. Linde. No, what is it? - -Nora. Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank! - -Mrs. Linde. Your husband? What good luck! - -Nora. Yes, tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an -uncertain thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavoury -cases; and naturally Torvald has never been willing to do that, -and I quite agree with him. You may imagine how pleased we are! -He is to take up his work in the Bank at the New Year, and then -he will have a big salary and lots of commissions. For the future -we can live quite differently--we can do just as we like. I feel -so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be splendid to have -heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won't it? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have -what one needs. - -Nora. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money. - -Mrs. Linde (smiling). Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? -In our schooldays you were a great spendthrift. - -Nora (laughing). Yes, that is what Torvald says now. (Wags her -finger at her.) But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think. We -have not been in a position for me to waste money. We have both -had to work. - -Mrs. Linde. You too? - -Nora. Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, -and that kind of thing. (Dropping her voice.) And other things as -well. You know Torvald left his office when we were married? -There was no prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and -earn more than before. But during the first year he 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. - -Mrs. Linde. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you? - -Nora. Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It was -just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was a -wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's life. But -it cost a tremendous lot of money, Christine. - -Mrs. Linde. So I should think. - -Nora. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, -isn't it? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have -the money. - -Nora. I ought to tell you that we had it from papa. - -Mrs. Linde. Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, -wasn't it? - -Nora. Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn't go and nurse him. I -was expecting little Ivar's birth every day and I had my poor -sick Torvald to look after. My dear, kind father--I never saw him -again, Christine. That was the saddest time I have known since -our marriage. - -Mrs. Linde. I know how fond you were of him. And then you went -off to Italy? - -Nora. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on -our going, so we started a month later. - -Mrs. Linde. And your husband came back quite well? - -Nora. As sound as a bell! - -Mrs. Linde. But--the doctor? - -Nora. What doctor? - -Mrs. Linde. I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived -here just as I did, was the doctor? - -Nora. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here -professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least -once everyday. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since -then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. (Jumps -up and claps her hands.) Christine! Christine! it's good to be -alive and happy!--But how horrid of me; I am talking of nothing -but my own affairs. (Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms -on her knees.) You mustn't be angry with me. Tell me, is it -really true that you did not love your husband? Why did you marry -him? - -Mrs. Linde. My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and -helpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I -did not think I was justified in refusing his offer. - -Nora. No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, -then? - -Mrs. Linde. I believe he was quite well off. But his business was -a precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and -there was nothing left. - -Nora. And then?-- - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find- --first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last -three years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. -Now it is at an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for -she is gone; and the boys do not need me either; they have got -situations and can shift for themselves. - -Nora. What a relief you must feel if-- - -Mrs. Linde. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No -one to live for anymore. (Gets up restlessly.) 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-- - -Nora. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look -tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place. - -Mrs. Linde (walking to the window). I have no father to give me -money for a journey, Nora. - -Nora (rising). Oh, don't be angry with me! - -Mrs. Linde (going up to her). It is you that must not be angry -with me, dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes -one so bitter. No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always -on the 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. - -Nora. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps -Torvald could get you something to do. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, that was what I was thinking of. - -Nora. He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the -subject very cleverly--I will think of something that will please -him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to you. - -Mrs. Linde. How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! -It is doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens -and troubles of life. - -Nora. I--? I know so little of them? - -Mrs. Linde (smiling). My dear! Small household cares and that -sort of thing!--You are a child, Nora. - -Nora (tosses her head and crosses the stage). You ought not to be -so superior. - -Mrs. Linde. No? - -Nora. You are just like the others. They all think that I am -incapable of anything really serious-- - -Mrs. Linde. Come, come-- - -Nora.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares. - -Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your -troubles. - -Nora. Pooh!--those were trifles. (Lowering her voice.) I have not -told you the important thing. - -Mrs. Linde. The important thing? What do you mean? - -Nora. You look down upon me altogether, Christine--but you ought -not to. You are proud, aren't you, of having worked so hard and -so long for your mother? - -Mrs. Linde. Indeed, I don't look down on 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. - -Nora. And you are proud to think of what you have done for your -brothers? - -Mrs. Linde. I think I have the right to be. - -Nora. I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have -something to be proud and glad of. - -Mrs. Linde. I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to? - -Nora. Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn't on any -account--no one in the world must know, Christine, except you. - -Mrs. Linde. But what is it? - -Nora. Come here. (Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.) Now I -will show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. -It was I who saved Torvald's life. - -Mrs. Linde. "Saved"? How? - -Nora. I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never -have recovered if he had not gone there-- - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. - -Nora (smiling). Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others -think, but-- - -Mrs. Linde. But-- - -Nora. Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the -money. - -Mrs. Linde. You? All that large sum? - -Nora. Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that? - -Mrs. Linde. But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win -a prize in the Lottery? - -Nora (contemptuously). In the Lottery? There would have been no -credit in that. - -Mrs. Linde. But where did you get it from, then? Nora (humming -and smiling with an air of mystery). Hm, hm! Aha! - -Mrs. Linde. Because you couldn't have borrowed it. - -Nora. Couldn't I? Why not? - -Mrs. Linde. No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband's -consent. - -Nora (tossing her head). Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for -business--a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever-- - -Mrs. Linde. I don't understand it at all, Nora. - -Nora. There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed -the money. I may have got it some other way. (Lies back on the -sofa.) Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is -as attractive as I am-- - -Mrs. Linde. You are a mad creature. - -Nora. Now, you know you're full of curiosity, Christine. - -Mrs. Linde. Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven't you been a little -bit imprudent? - -Nora (sits up straight). Is it imprudent to save your husband's -life? - -Mrs. Linde. It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to-- - -Nora. But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My -goodness, can't you understand that? It was necessary he should -have no idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me -that the doctors came and said that his life was in danger, and -that the only thing to save him was to live in the south. Do you -suppose I didn't try, first of all, to get what I wanted as if it -were for myself? I told him how much I should love to travel -abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and entreaties with -him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition I was in, -and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even hinted -that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, Christine. -He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my husband -not to indulge me in my whims and caprices--as I believe he called -them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved--and that was how -I came to devise a way out of the difficulty-- - -Mrs. Linde. And did your husband never get to know from your -father that the money had not come from him? - -Nora. No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let -him into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so -ill then--alas, there never was any need to tell him. - -Mrs. Linde. And since then have you never told your secret to -your husband? - -Nora. Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has -such strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful -and humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly -independence, to know that he owed me anything! It would upset -our mutual relations altogether; our beautiful happy home would -no longer be what it is now. - -Mrs. Linde. Do you mean never to tell him about it? - -Nora (meditatively, and with a half smile). Yes--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--(Breaking off.) What -nonsense! That time will never come. Now, what do you think of my -great secret, Christine? Do you still think I am of no use? I can -tell you, too, that this affair has caused me a lot of worry. It -has been by no means easy for me to meet my engagements -punctually. I may tell you that there is something that is -called, in business, quarterly interest, and another thing called -payment in 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! - -Mrs. Linde. So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries -of life, poor Nora? - -Nora. Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever -Torvald has given me money for new dresses and such things, I have -never spent more than half of it; I have always bought the simplest -and cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, -and so Torvald has never noticed it. But it was often very hard -on me, Christine--because it is delightful to be really well -dressed, isn't it? - -Mrs. Linde. Quite so. - -Nora. Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last -winter I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I -locked myself up and sat writing every evening until quite late -at night. Many a time I was desperately tired; but all the same -it was a tremendous pleasure to sit there working and earning -money. It was like being a man. - -Mrs. Linde. How much have you been able to pay off in that way? - -Nora. I can't tell you exactly. You see, it is very difficult to -keep an account of a business matter of that kind. I only know -that I have paid every penny that I could scrape together. Many a -time I was at my wits' end. (Smiles.) Then I used to sit here and -imagine that a rich old gentleman had fallen in love with me-- - -Mrs. Linde. What! Who was it? - -Nora. Be quiet!--that he had died; and that when his will was -opened it contained, written in big letters, the instruction: -"The lovely Mrs. Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over -to her at once in cash." - -Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora--who could the man be? - -Nora. Good gracious, can't you understand? There was no old -gentleman at all; it was only something that I used to sit here -and imagine, when I couldn't think of any way of procuring money. -But it's all the same now; the tiresome old person can stay where -he is, as far as I am concerned; I don't care about him or his -will either, for I am free from care now. (Jumps up.) My -goodness, it's delightful to think of, Christine! Free from care! -To be able to be free from care, quite free from care; to be able -to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house -beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it! And, -think of it, soon the spring will come and the big blue sky! -Perhaps we shall be able to take a little trip--perhaps I shall -see the sea again! Oh, it's a wonderful thing to be alive and be -happy. (A bell is heard in the hall.) - -Mrs. Linde (rising). There is the bell; perhaps I had better go. - -Nora. No, don't go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be -for Torvald. - -Servant (at the hall door). Excuse me, ma'am--there is a -gentleman to see the master, and as the doctor is with him-- - -Nora. Who is it? - -Krogstad (at the door). It is I, Mrs. Helmer. (Mrs. LINDE starts, -trembles, and turns to the window.) - -Nora (takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low -voice). You? What is it? What do you want to see my husband -about? - -Krogstad. Bank business--in a way. I have a small post in the -Bank, and I hear your husband is to be our chief now-- - -Nora. Then it is-- - -Krogstad. Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs. Helmer; -absolutely nothing else. - -Nora. Be so good as to go into the study, then. (She bows -indifferently to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes -back and makes up the fire in the stove.) - -Mrs. Linde. Nora--who was that man? - -Nora. A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad. - -Mrs. Linde. Then it really was he. - -Nora. Do you know the man? - -Mrs. Linde. I used to--many years ago. At one time he was a -solicitor's clerk in our town. - -Nora. Yes, he was. - -Mrs. Linde. He is greatly altered. - -Nora. He made a very unhappy marriage. - -Mrs. Linde. He is a widower now, isn't he? - -Nora. With several children. There now, it is burning up. Shuts -the door of the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.) - -Mrs. Linde. They say he carries on various kinds of business. - -Nora. Really! Perhaps he does; I don't know anything about it. -But don't let us think of business; it is so tiresome. - -Doctor Rank (comes out of HELMER'S study. Before he shuts the -door he calls to him). No, my dear fellow, I won't disturb you; I -would rather go in to your wife for a little while. (Shuts the -door and sees Mrs. LINDE.) I beg your pardon; I am afraid I am -disturbing you too. - -Nora. No, not at all. (Introducing him). Doctor Rank, Mrs. Linde. - -Rank. I have often heard Mrs. Linde's name mentioned here. I -think I passed you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I go up very slowly; I can't manage stairs well. - -Rank. Ah! some slight internal weakness? - -Mrs. Linde. No, the fact is I have been overworking myself. - -Rank. Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to -town to amuse yourself with our entertainments? - -Mrs. Linde. I have come to look for work. - -Rank. Is that a good cure for overwork? - -Mrs. Linde. One must live, Doctor Rank. - -Rank. Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary. - -Nora. Look here, Doctor Rank--you know you want to live. - -Rank. Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong -the agony as long as possible. All my patients are like that. And -so are those who are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad -case too, is at this very moment with Helmer-- - -Mrs. Linde (sadly). Ah! - -Nora. Whom do you mean? - -Rank. A lawyer of the name of Krogstad, a fellow you don't know -at all. He suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs. Helmer; -but even he began talking of its being highly important that he -should live. - -Nora. Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about? - -Rank. I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about -the Bank. - -Nora. I didn't know this--what's his name--Krogstad had anything -to do with the Bank. - -Rank. Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. (To Mrs. -LINDE.) I don't know whether you find also in your part of the -world that there are certain people who go zealously snuffing -about to smell out moral corruption, and, as soon as they have -found some, put the person concerned into some lucrative position -where they can keep their eye on him. Healthy natures are left -out in the cold. - -Mrs. Linde. Still I think the sick are those who most need taking -care of. - -Rank (shrugging his shoulders). Yes, there you are. That is the -sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house. - -(NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into -smothered laughter and claps her hands.) - -Rank. Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society -really is? - -Nora. What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at -something quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, -Doctor Rank, are all the people who are employed in the Bank -dependent on Torvald now? - -Rank. Is that what you find so extremely amusing? - -Nora (smiling and humming). That's my affair! (Walking about the -room.) It's perfectly glorious to think that we have--that -Torvald has so much power over so many people. (Takes the packet -from her pocket.) Doctor Rank, what do you say to a macaroon? - -Rank. What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here. - -Nora. Yes, but these are some Christine gave me. - -Mrs. Linde. What! I?-- - -Nora. Oh, well, don't be alarmed! You couldn't know that Torvald -had forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will -spoil my teeth. But, bah!--once in a way--That's so, isn't it, -Doctor Rank? By your leave! (Puts a macaroon into his mouth.) You -must have one too, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little -one--or at most two. (Walking about.) I am tremendously happy. -There is just one thing in the world now that I should dearly -love to do. - -Rank. Well, what is that? - -Nora. It's something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald -could hear me. - -Rank. Well, why can't you say it? - -Nora. No, I daren't; it's so shocking. - -Mrs. Linde. Shocking? - -Rank. Well, I should not advise you to say it. Still, with us you -might. What is it you would so much like to say if Torvald could -hear you? - -Nora. I should just love to say--Well, I'm damned! - -Rank. Are you mad? - -Mrs. Linde. Nora, dear--! - -Rank. Say it, here he is! - -Nora (hiding the packet). Hush! Hush! Hush! (HELMER comes out of -his room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.) - -Nora. Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him? - -Helmer. Yes, he has just gone. - -Nora. Let me introduce you--this is Christine, who has come to town. - -Helmer. Christine--? Excuse me, but I don't know-- - -Nora. Mrs. Linde, dear; Christine Linde. - -Helmer. Of course. A school friend of my wife's, I presume? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, we have known each other since then. - -Nora. And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you. - -Helmer. What do you mean? Mrs. Linde. No, really, I-- - -Nora. Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she -is frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to -perfect herself-- - -Helmer. Very sensible, Mrs. Linde. - -Nora. And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the -Bank--the news was telegraphed, you know--she 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? - -Helmer. Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are -a widow, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes. - -Helmer. And have had some experience of book-keeping? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, a fair amount. - -Helmer. Ah! well, it's very likely I may be able to find -something for you-- - -Nora (clapping her hands). What did I tell you? What did I tell -you? - -Helmer. You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs. Linde. - -Mrs. Linde. How am I to thank you? - -Helmer. There is no need. (Puts on his coat.) But today you must -excuse me-- - -Rank. Wait a minute; I will come with you. (Brings his fur coat -from the hall and warms it at the fire.) - -Nora. Don't be long away, Torvald dear. - -Helmer. About an hour, not more. - -Nora. Are you going too, Christine? - -Mrs. Linde (putting on her cloak). Yes, I must go and look for a -room. - -Helmer. Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together. - -Nora (helping her). What a pity it is we are so short of space -here; I am afraid it is impossible for us-- - -Mrs. Linde. Please don't think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and -many thanks. - -Nora. 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. (They go to the -door all talking together. Children's voices are heard on the -staircase.) - -Nora. There they are! There they are! (She runs to open the door. -The NURSE comes in with the children.) Come in! Come in! (Stoops -and kisses them.) Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, -Christine! Aren't they darlings? - -Rank. Don't let us stand here in the draught. - -Helmer. Come along, Mrs. Linde; the place will only be bearable -for a mother now! - -(RANK, HELMER, and Mrs. LINDE go downstairs. The NURSE comes -forward with the children; NORA shuts the hall door.) - -Nora. How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples -and roses. (The children all talk at once while she speaks to -them.) Have you had great fun? That's splendid! What, you pulled -both Emmy and Bob along on the sledge? --both at once?--that was -good. You are a clever boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, -Anne. My sweet little baby doll! (Takes the baby from the MAID -and dances it up and down.) Yes, yes, mother will dance with Bob -too. What! Have you been 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. - -(The NURSE goes into the room on the left. NORA takes off the -children's things and throws them about, while they all talk to -her at once.) - -Nora. Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn't bite -you? No, dogs don't bite nice little dolly children. You mustn't -look at the parcels, Ivar. What are they? Ah, I daresay you would -like to know. No, no--it's something nasty! Come, let us have a -game! What shall we play at? Hide and Seek? Yes, we'll play Hide -and Seek. Bob shall hide first. Must I hide? Very well, I'll hide -first. (She and the children laugh and shout, and romp in and out -of the room; at last NORA hides under the table, the children -rush in and 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, lie waits a little; the game -goes on.) - -Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer. - -Nora (with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her -knees). Ah! what do you want? - -Krogstad. Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone -forgot to shut it. - -Nora (rising). My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad. - -Krogstad. I know that. - -Nora. What do you want here, then? - -Krogstad. A word with you. - -Nora. With me?--(To the children, gently.) Go in to nurse. What? -No, the strange man won't do mother any harm. When he has gone we -will have another game. (She takes the children into the room on -the left, and shuts the door after them.) You want to speak to -me? - -Krogstad. Yes, I do. - -Nora. Today? It is not the first of the month yet. - -Krogstad. No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself -what sort of a Christmas you will spend. - -Nora. What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me-- - -Krogstad. We won't talk about that until later on. This is -something different. I presume you can give me a moment? - -Nora. Yes--yes, I can--although-- - -Krogstad. Good. I was in Olsen's Restaurant and saw your husband -going down the street-- - -Nora. Yes? - -Krogstad. With a lady. - -Nora. What then? - -Krogstad. May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs. Linde? - -Nora. It was. - -Krogstad. Just arrived in town? - -Nora. Yes, today. - -Krogstad. She is a great friend of yours, isn't she? - -Nora. She is. But I don't see-- - -Krogstad. I knew her too, once upon a time. - -Nora. I am aware of that. - -Krogstad. Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. -Then I can ask you, without beating about the bush--is Mrs. Linde -to have an appointment in the Bank? - -Nora. What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?--You, one -of my husband's subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. -Yes, Mrs. Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who -pleaded her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that. - -Krogstad. I was right in what I thought, then. - -Nora (walking up and down the stage). Sometimes one has a tiny -little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, -it does not necessarily follow that--. When anyone is in a -subordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful -to avoid offending anyone who--who-- - -Krogstad. Who has influence? - -Nora. Exactly. - -Krogstad (changing his tone). Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as -to use your influence on my behalf. - -Nora. What? What do you mean? - -Krogstad. You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep -my subordinate position in the Bank. - -Nora. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post -away from you? - -Krogstad. Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of -ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very -anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with -me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being -turned off. - -Nora. But I assure you-- - -Krogstad. Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has -come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent -that. - -Nora. But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence. - -Krogstad. Haven't you? I thought you said yourself just now-- - -Nora. Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on -it. I! What should make you think I have any influence of that -kind with my husband? - -Krogstad. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I -don't suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands. - -Nora. If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you -out of the house. - -Krogstad. You are bold, Mrs. Helmer. - -Nora. I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year -comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing. - -Krogstad (controlling himself). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If -necessary) I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank -as if I were fighting for my life. - -Nora. So it seems. - -Krogstad. It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that -weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason-- -well, I may as well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you -know, like everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was -guilty of an indiscretion. - -Nora. I think I have heard something of the kind. - -Krogstad. The matter never came into court; but every way seemed -to be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you -know of. I had to do something; and, honestly, 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. - -Nora. But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my -power to help you at all. - -Krogstad. Then it is because you haven't the will; but I have -means to compel you. - -Nora. You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you -money? - -Krogstad. Hm!--suppose I were to tell him? - -Nora. It would be perfectly infamous of you. (Sobbing.) To think -of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in -such an ugly, clumsy way--that he should learn it from you! And -it would put me in a horribly disagreeable position-- - -Krogstad. Only disagreeable? - -Nora (impetuously). Well, do it, then!--and it will be the worse -for you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you -are, and you certainly won't keep your post then. - -Krogstad. I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home -that you were afraid of? - -Nora. If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at -once pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more -to do with you. - -Krogstad (coming a step nearer). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. -Either you have a very bad memory or you know very little of -business. I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details. - -Nora. What do you mean? - -Krogstad. When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two -hundred and fifty pounds. - -Nora. I didn't know anyone else to go to. - -Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount-- - -Nora. Yes, and you did so. - -Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount, on certain -conditions. Your mind was so taken up with your husband's -illness, and you were so anxious to get the money for your -journey, that you seem to have paid no attention to the conditions -of our bargain. Therefore it will not be amiss if I remind you of -them. Now, I promised to get the money on the security of a bond -which I drew up. - -Nora. Yes, and which I signed. - -Krogstad. Good. But below your signature there were a few lines -constituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your -father should have signed. - -Nora. Should? He did sign them. - -Krogstad. I had left the date blank; that is to say, your father -should himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. -Do you remember that? - -Nora. Yes, I think I remember-- - -Krogstad. Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your -father. Is that not so? - -Nora. Yes. - -Krogstad. And you naturally did so at once, because five or six -days afterwards you brought me the bond with your father's -signature. And then I gave you the money. - -Nora. Well, haven't I been paying it off regularly? - -Krogstad. Fairly so, yes. But--to come back to the matter in -hand--that must have been a very trying time for you, Mrs. -Helmer? - -Nora. It was, indeed. - -Krogstad. Your father was very ill, wasn't he? - -Nora. He was very near his end. - -Krogstad. And died soon afterwards? - -Nora. Yes. - -Krogstad. Tell me, Mrs. Helmer, can you by any chance remember -what day your father died?--on what day of the month, I mean. - -Nora. Papa died on the 29th of September. - -Krogstad. That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, -as that is so, there is a discrepancy (taking a paper from his -pocket) which I cannot account for. - -Nora. What discrepancy? I don't know-- - -Krogstad. The discrepancy consists, Mrs. Helmer, in the fact that -your father signed this bond three days after his death. - -Nora. What do you mean? I don't understand-- - -Krogstad. Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look -here; your father has dated his signature the 2nd of October. It -is a discrepancy, isn't it? (NORA is silent.) Can you explain it -to me? (NORA is still silent.) It is a remarkable thing, too, -that the words "2nd of October," as well as the year, are not -written in your father's handwriting but in one that I think I -know. Well, of course it can be explained; your father may have -forgotten to date his signature, and someone else may have dated -it haphazard before they knew of his death. There is no harm in -that. It all depends on the signature of the name; and that is -genuine, I suppose, Mrs. Helmer? It was your father himself who -signed his name here? - -Nora (after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly -at him). No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa's name. - -Krogstad. Are you aware that is a dangerous confession? - -Nora. In what way? You shall have your money soon. - -Krogstad. Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the -paper to your father? - -Nora. It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him for -his signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was -to be used for; and when he was so ill himself I couldn't tell -him that my husband's life was in danger--it was impossible. - -Krogstad. It would have been better for you if you had given up -your trip abroad. - -Nora. No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband's -life; I couldn't give that up. - -Krogstad. But did it never occur to you that you were committing -a fraud on me? - -Nora. I couldn't take that into account; I didn't trouble myself -about you at all. I couldn't bear you, because you put so many -heartless difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous -condition my husband was in. - -Krogstad. Mrs. Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly what -it is that you have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my -one false step, which lost me all my reputation, was nothing more -or nothing worse than what you have done. - -Nora. You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to -run a risk to save your wife's life? - -Krogstad. The law cares nothing about motives. - -Nora. Then it must be a very foolish law. - -Krogstad. Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, -if I produce this paper in court. - -Nora. I don't believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to -spare her dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be -allowed to save her husband's life? I don't know much about law; -but I am certain that there must be laws permitting such things -as that. Have you no knowledge of such laws--you who are a -lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. Krogstad. - -Krogstad. Maybe. But matters of business--such business as you -and I have had together--do you think I don't understand that? -Very well. Do as you please. But let me tell you this--if I lose -my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me. (He -bows, and goes out through the hall.) - -Nora (appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her -head). Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!--I am not so -silly as he thinks. (Begins to busy herself putting the children's -things in order.) And yet--? No, it's impossible! I did it for love's sake. - -The Children (in the doorway on the left). Mother, the stranger -man has gone out through the gate. - -Nora. Yes, dears, I know. But, don't tell anyone about the stranger -man. Do you hear? Not even papa. - -Children. No, mother; but will you come and play again? - -Nora. No, no,--not now. - -Children. But, mother, you promised us. - -Nora. Yes, but I can't now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. -Run away in, my sweet little darlings. (She gets them into the -room by degrees and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the -sofa, takes up a piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but -soon stops.) No! (Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall -door and calls out.) Helen! bring the Tree in. (Goes to the table -on the left, opens a drawer, and stops again.) No, no! it is -quite impossible! - -Maid (coming in with the Tree). Where shall I put it, ma'am? - -Nora. Here, in the middle of the floor. - -Maid. Shall I get you anything else? - -Nora. No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit MAID.] - -Nora (begins dressing the tree). A candle here-and flowers here-- -The horrible man! It's all nonsense--there's nothing wrong. The -tree shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to -please you, Torvald!--I will sing for you, dance for you--(HELMER -comes in with some papers under his arm.) Oh! are you back -already?. - -Helmer. Yes. Has anyone been here? - -Nora. Here? No. - -Helmer. That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate. - -Nora. Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment. - -Helmer. Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here -begging you to say a good word for him. - -Nora. Yes. - -Helmer. And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you -were to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn't -he beg that of you too? - -Nora. Yes, Torvald, but-- - -Helmer. Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of -thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any -sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain? - -Nora. A lie--? - -Helmer. Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (Shakes his -finger at her.) My little songbird must never do that again. A -songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with--no false notes! -(Puts his arm round her waist.) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am -sure it is. (Lets her go.) We will say no more about it. (Sits -down by the stove.) How warm and snug it is here! (Turns over his -papers.) - -Nora (after a short pause, during which she busies herself with -the Christmas Tree.) Torvald! - -Helmer. Yes. - -Nora. I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball -at the Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow. - -Helmer. And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going -to surprise me with. - -Nora. It was very silly of me to want to do that. - -Helmer. What do you mean? - -Nora. I can't hit upon anything that will do; everything I think -of seems so silly and insignificant. - -Helmer. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? - -Nora (standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it). -Are you very busy, Torvald? - -Helmer. Well-- - -Nora. What are all those papers? - -Helmer. Bank business. - -Nora. Already? - -Helmer. I have got authority from the retiring manager to -undertake the necessary changes in the staff and in the -rearrangement of the work; and I must make use of the -Christmas week for that, so as to have everything in order -for the new year. - -Nora. Then that was why this poor Krogstad-- - -Helmer. Hm! - -Nora (leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair). -If you hadn't been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously -big favour, Torvald. - -Helmer. What is that? Tell me. - -Nora. There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so -want to look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn't you -take me in hand and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a -dress I shall wear? - -Helmer. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get -someone to come to her rescue? - -Nora. Yes, Torvald, I can't get along a bit without your help. - -Helmer. Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit -upon something. - -Nora. That is nice of you. (Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short -pause.) How pretty the red flowers look--. But, tell me, was it -really something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of? - -Helmer. He forged someone's name. Have you any idea what that -means? - -Nora. Isn't it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity? - -Helmer. Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so -heartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false -step of that kind. - -Nora. No, you wouldn't, would you, Torvald? - -Helmer. Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he -has openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment. - -Nora. Punishment--? - -Helmer. But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out -of it by a cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether. - -Nora. But do you think it would--? - -Helmer. Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play -the hypocrite with 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. - -Nora. How? - -Helmer. Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons -the whole life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a -house is full of the germs of evil. - -Nora (coming nearer him). Are you sure of that? - -Helmer. My dear, I have often seen it in the course of my life as -a lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life -has had a deceitful mother. - -Nora. Why do you only say--mother? - -Helmer. It seems most commonly to be the mother's influence, -though naturally a bad father's would have the same result. Every -lawyer is familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been -persistently poisoning his own children with lies and -dissimulation; that is why I say he has lost all moral character. -(Holds out his hands to her.) That is why my sweet little Nora -must promise me not to plead his cause. Give me your hand on it. -Come, come, what is this? Give me your hand. There now, that's -settled. I assure you it would be quite impossible for me to work -with him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the company -of such people. - -Nora (takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of -the Christmas Tree). How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot -to do. - -Helmer (getting up and putting his papers in order). Yes, and I -must try and read through some of these before dinner; and I must -think about your costume, too. And it is just possible I may have -something ready in gold paper to hang up on the Tree. (Puts his -hand on her head.) My precious little singing-bird! (He goes into -his room and shuts the door after him.) - -Nora (after a pause, whispers). No, no--it isn't true. It's -impossible; it must be impossible. - -(The NURSE opens the door on the left.) - -Nurse. The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come -in to mamma. - -Nora. No, no, no! Don't let them come in to me! You stay with -them, Anne. - -Nurse. Very well, ma'am. (Shuts the door.) - -Nora (pale with terror). Deprave my little children? Poison my -home? (A short pause. Then she tosses her head.) It's not true. -It can't possibly be true. - -ACT II - -(THE SAME SCENE.--THE Christmas Tree is in the corner by the -piano, stripped of its ornaments and with burnt-down candle-ends -on its dishevelled branches. NORA'S cloak and hat are lying on -the sofa. She is alone in the room, walking about uneasily. She -stops by the sofa and takes up her cloak.) - -Nora (drops her cloak). Someone is coming now! (Goes to the door -and listens.) No--it is no one. Of course, no one will come today, -Christmas Day--nor tomorrow either. But, perhaps--(opens -the door and looks out). No, nothing in the letterbox; it is -quite empty. (Comes forward.) What rubbish! of course he can't be -in earnest about it. Such a thing couldn't happen; it is -impossible--I have three little children. - -(Enter the NURSE from the room on the left, carrying a big -cardboard box.) - -Nurse. At last I have found the box with the fancy dress. - -Nora. Thanks; put it on the table. - -Nurse (doing so). But it is very much in want of mending. - -Nora. I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces. - -Nurse. What an idea! It can easily be put in order--just a little -patience. - -Nora. Yes, I will go and get Mrs. Linde to come and help me with -it. - -Nurse. What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch -cold, ma'am, and make yourself ill. - -Nora. Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children? - -Nurse. The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas -presents, but-- - -Nora. Do they ask much for me? - -Nurse. You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with -them. - -Nora. Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with -them now as I was before. - -Nurse. Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything. - -Nora. Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their -mother if she went away altogether? - -Nurse. Good heavens!--went away altogether? - -Nora. Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often -wondered about--how could you have the heart to put your own -child out among strangers? - -Nurse. I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora's nurse. - -Nora. Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? - -Nurse. What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A -poor girl who has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, -that wicked man didn't do a single thing for me. - -Nora. But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you. - -Nurse. No, indeed she hasn't. She wrote to me when she was -confirmed, and when she was married. - -Nora (putting her arms round her neck). Dear old Anne, you were a -good mother to me when I was little. - -Nurse. Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. Nora. -And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would-- -What nonsense I am talking! (Opens the box.) Go in to them. Now I -must--. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look. - -Nurse. I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as -you, ma'am. (Goes into the room on the left.) - -Nora (begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from -her). If only I dared go out. If only no one would come. If only -I could be sure nothing would happen here in the meantime. Stuff -and nonsense! No one will come. Only I mustn't think about it. I -will brush my muff. What lovely, lovely gloves! Out of my thoughts, -out of my thoughts! One, two, three, four, five, six-- -(Screams.) Ah! there is someone coming--. (Makes a movement -towards the door, but stands irresolute.) - -(Enter MRS. LINDE from the hall, where she has taken off her -cloak and hat.) - -Nora. Oh, it's you, Christine. There is no one else out there, is -there? How good of you to come! - -Mrs. Linde. I heard you were up asking for me. - -Nora. Yes, I was passing by. As a matter of fact, it is something -you could help me with. Let us sit down here on the sofa. Look -here. Tomorrow evening there is to be a fancy-dress ball at the -Stenborgs', who live above us; and Torvald wants me to go as a -Neapolitan fisher-girl, and dance the Tarantella that I learned at -Capri. - -Mrs. Linde. I see; you are going to keep up the character. - -Nora. Yes, Torvald wants me to. Look, here is the dress; Torvald had -it made for me there, but now it is all so torn, and I haven't any -idea-- - -Mrs. Linde. We will easily put that right. It is only some of the -trimming come unsewn here and there. Needle and thread? Now then, -that's all we want. - -Nora. It is nice of you. - -Mrs. Linde (sewing). So you are going to be dressed up tomorrow -Nora. I will tell you what--I shall come in for a moment and see -you in your fine feathers. But I have completely forgotten to -thank you for a delightful evening yesterday. - -Nora (gets up, and crosses the stage). Well, I don't think -yesterday was as pleasant as usual. You ought to have come to -town a little earlier, Christine. Certainly Torvald does -understand how to make a house dainty and attractive. - -Mrs. Linde. And so do you, it seems to me; you are not your -father's daughter for nothing. But tell me, is Doctor Rank always -as depressed as he was yesterday? - -Nora. No; yesterday it was very noticeable. I must tell you that -he suffers from a very dangerous disease. He has consumption of -the spine, poor creature. His father was a horrible man who -committed all sorts of excesses; and that is why his son was -sickly from childhood, do you understand? - -Mrs. Linde (dropping her sewing). But, my dearest Nora, how do -you know anything about such things? - -Nora (walking about). Pooh! When you have three children, you get -visits now and then from--from married women, who know something -of medical matters, and they talk about one thing and another. - -Mrs. Linde (goes on sewing. A short silence). Does Doctor Rank -come here everyday? - -Nora. Everyday regularly. He is Torvald's most intimate friend, -and a great friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family. - -Mrs. Linde. But tell me this--is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn't -he the kind of man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable? - -Nora. Not in the least. What makes you think that? - -Mrs. Linde. When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he -had often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I -noticed that your husband hadn't the slightest idea who I was. -So how could Doctor Rank--? - -Nora. That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond -of me that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first -he used to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk -at home, so naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about -such things with Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them. - -Mrs. Linde. Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child -in many 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. - -Nora. What ought I to make an end of? - -Mrs. Linde. Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some -nonsense about a rich admirer who was to leave you money-- - -Nora. An admirer who doesn't exist, unfortunately! But what then? - -Mrs. Linde. Is Doctor Rank a man of means? - -Nora. Yes, he is. - -Mrs. Linde. And has no one to provide for? - -Nora. No, no one; but-- - -Mrs. Linde. And comes here everyday? - -Nora. Yes, I told you so. - -Mrs. Linde. But how can this well-bred man be so tactless? - -Nora. I don't understand you at all. - -Mrs. Linde. Don't prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don't guess -who lent you the two hundred and fifty pounds? - -Nora. Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! -A friend of ours, who comes here everyday! Do you realise what a -horribly painful position that would be? - -Mrs. Linde. Then it really isn't he? - -Nora. No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head -for a moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into -his money afterwards. - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora. - -Nora. No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor -Rank. Although I am quite sure that if I had asked him-- - -Mrs. Linde. But of course you won't. - -Nora. Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly -be necessary. But I am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank-- - -Mrs. Linde. Behind your husband's back? - -Nora. I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will -be behind his back too. I must make an end of it with him. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but-- - -Nora (walking up and down). A man can put a thing like that -straight much easier than a woman-- - -Mrs. Linde. One's husband, yes. - -Nora. Nonsense! (Standing still.) When you pay off a debt you get -your bond back, don't you? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, as a matter of course. - -Nora. And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it -up--the nasty dirty paper! - -Mrs. Linde (looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up -slowly). Nora, you are concealing something from me. - -Nora. Do I look as if I were? - -Mrs. Linde. Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. -Nora, what is it? - -Nora (going nearer to her). Christine! (Listens.) Hush! there's -Torvald come home. Do you mind going in to the children for the -present? Torvald can't bear to see dressmaking going on. Let Anne -help you. - -Mrs. Linde (gathering some of the things together). Certainly -- -but I am not going away from here until we have had it out with -one another. (She goes into the room on the left, as HELMER comes -in from the hall.) - -Nora (going up to HELMER). I have wanted you so much, Torvald -dear. - -Helmer. Was that the dressmaker? - -Nora. No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in -order. You will see I shall look quite smart. - -Helmer. Wasn't that a happy thought of mine, now? - -Nora. Splendid! But don't you think it is nice of me, too, to do -as you wish? - -Helmer. Nice?--because you do as your husband wishes? Well, well, -you little rogue, I am sure you did not mean it in that way. But -I am not going to disturb you; you will want to be trying on your -dress, I expect. - -Nora. I suppose you are going to work. - -Helmer. Yes. (Shows her a bundle of papers.) Look at that. I have -just been into the bank. (Turns to go into his room.) - -Nora. Torvald. - -Helmer. Yes. - -Nora. If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, -very prettily--? - -Helmer. What then? - -Nora. Would you do it? - -Helmer. I should like to hear what it is, first. - -Nora. Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you -would be nice, and do what she wants. - -Helmer. Speak plainly. - -Nora. Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song -rising and falling-- - -Helmer. Well, my skylark does that anyhow. - -Nora. I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, -Torvald. - -Helmer. Nora--you surely don't mean that request you made to me -this morning? - -Nora (going near him). Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly-- - -Helmer. Have you really the courage to open up that question again? - -Nora. Yes, dear, you must do as I ask; you must let Krogstad keep -his post in the bank. - -Helmer. My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs. -Linde shall have. - -Nora. Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could -just as well dismiss some other clerk instead of Krogstad. - -Helmer. This is simply incredible obstinacy! Because you chose to -give him a thoughtless promise that you would speak for him, I am -expected to-- - -Nora. That isn't the reason, Torvald. It is for your own sake. -This fellow writes in the most scurrilous newspapers; you have -told me so yourself. He can do you an unspeakable amount of harm. -I am frightened to death of him-- - -Helmer. Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that -scare you. - -Nora. What do you mean? - -Helmer. Naturally you are thinking of your father. - -Nora. Yes--yes, of course. Just recall to your mind what these -malicious creatures wrote in the papers about papa, and how -horribly they slandered him. I believe they would have procured -his dismissal if the Department had not sent you over to inquire -into it, and if you had not been so kindly disposed and helpful -to him. - -Helmer. My little Nora, there is an important difference between -your father and me. Your father's reputation as a public official -was not above suspicion. Mine is, and I hope it will continue to -be so, as long as I hold my office. - -Nora. You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We -ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful -home, and have no cares--you and I and the children, Torvald! -That is why I beg you so earnestly-- - -Helmer. And it is just by interceding for him that you make it -impossible for me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank -that I mean to dismiss Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the -new manager has changed his mind at his wife's bidding-- - -Nora. And what if it did? - -Helmer. Of course!--if only this obstinate little person can get -her way! Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before -my whole staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by -all sorts of outside influence? I should very soon feel the -consequences of it, I can tell you! And besides, there is one thing -that makes it quite impossible for me to have Krogstad in the Bank -as long as I am manager. - -Nora. Whatever is that? - -Helmer. His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if -necessary-- - -Nora. Yes, you could--couldn't you? - -Helmer. And I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when -we were boys. It was one of those rash friendships that so often -prove an incubus in 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. - -Nora. Torvald, I don't believe you mean that. - -Helmer. Don't you? Why not? - -Nora. Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at -things. - -Helmer. What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am -narrow-minded? - -Nora. No, just the opposite, dear--and it is exactly for that -reason. - -Helmer. It's the same thing. You say my point of view is narrow- -minded, so I must be so too. Narrow-minded! Very well--I must put -an end to this. (Goes to the hall door and calls.) Helen! - -Nora. What are you going to do? - -Helmer (looking among his papers). Settle it. (Enter MAID.) Look -here; take this letter and go downstairs with it at once. Find a -messenger and tell him to deliver it, and be quick. The address -is on it, and here is the money. - -Maid. Very well, sir. (Exit with the letter.) - -Helmer (putting his papers together). Now then, little Miss -Obstinate. - -Nora (breathlessly). Torvald--what was that letter? - -Helmer. Krogstad's dismissal. - -Nora. Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald, -call her back! Do it for my sake--for your own sake--for the -children's sake! Do you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You -don't know what that letter can bring upon us. - -Helmer. It's too late. - -Nora. Yes, it's too late. - -Helmer. My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, -although really it is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn't -it an insult to think that I should be afraid of a starving -quill-driver's vengeance? But I forgive you nevertheless, -because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for -me. (Takes her in his arms.) And that is as it should be, -my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall -have both courage and strength if they be needed. You will -see I am man enough to take everything upon myself. - -Nora (in a horror-stricken voice). What do you mean by that? - -Helmer. Everything, I say-- - -Nora (recovering herself). You will never have to do that. - -Helmer. That's right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man -and wife should. That is how it shall be. (Caressing her.) -Are you content now? There! There!--not these frightened dove's -eyes! The whole thing is only the wildest fancy!--Now, you must -go and play through the Tarantella and 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. (Turns back at the door.) And when Rank comes, tell him -where he will find me. (Nods to her, takes his papers and goes -into his room, and shuts the door after him.) - -Nora (bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, -and whispers). He was capable of doing it. He will do it. He will -do it in spite of everything.--No, not that! Never, never! -Anything rather than that! Oh, for some help, some way out of -it! (The door-bell rings.) Doctor Rank! Anything rather than -that--anything, whatever it is! (She puts her hands over her -face, pulls herself together, goes to the door and opens it. RANK -is standing without, hanging up his coat. During the following -dialogue it begins to grow dark.) - -Nora. Good day, Doctor Rank. I knew your ring. But you mustn't -go in to Torvald now; I think he is busy with something. - -Rank. And you? - -Nora (brings him in and shuts the door after him). Oh, you know -very well I always have time for you. - -Rank. Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can. - -Nora. What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can? - -Rank. Well, does that alarm you? - -Nora. It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely -to happen? - -Rank. Nothing but what I have long been prepared for. But I -certainly didn't expect it to happen so soon. - -Nora (gripping him by the arm). What have you found out? Doctor -Rank, you must tell me. - -Rank (sitting down by the stove). It is all up with me. And it -can't be helped. - -Nora (with a sigh of relief). Is it about yourself? - -Rank. Who else? It is no use lying to one's self. I am the most -wretched of all my patients, Mrs. Helmer. Lately I have been -taking stock of my internal economy. Bankrupt! Probably within -a month I shall lie rotting in the churchyard. - -Nora. What an ugly thing to say! - -Rank. The thing itself is cursedly ugly, and the worst of it is -that I shall have to face so much more that is ugly before that. -I shall only make one more examination of myself; when I have -done that, I shall know pretty certainly when it will be that the -horrors of dissolution will begin. There is something I want to -tell you. Helmer's refined nature gives him an unconquerable -disgust at everything that is ugly; I won't have him in my sick- -room. - -Nora. Oh, but, Doctor Rank-- - -Rank. I won't have him there. Not on any account. I bar my door -to him. As soon as I am quite certain that the worst has come, I -shall send you my card with a black cross on it, and then you -will know that the loathsome end has begun. - -Nora. You are quite absurd today. And I wanted you so much to be -in a really good humour. - -Rank. With death stalking beside me?--To have to pay this penalty -for another man's sin? Is there any justice in that? And in -every single family, in one way or another, some such inexorable -retribution is being exacted-- - -Nora (putting her hands over her ears). Rubbish! Do talk of -something cheerful. - -Rank. Oh, it's a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor -innocent spine has to suffer for my father's youthful amusements. - -Nora (sitting at the table on the left). I suppose you mean that -he was too partial to asparagus and pate de foie gras, don't you? - -Rank. Yes, and to truffles. - -Nora. Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose? - -Rank. Oysters, of course, that goes without saying. - -Nora. And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these -nice things should take their revenge on our bones. - -Rank. Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky -bones of those who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them. - -Nora. Yes, that's the saddest part of it all. - -Rank (with a searching look at her). Hm!-- - -Nora (after a short pause). Why did you smile? - -Rank. No, it was you that laughed. - -Nora. No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank! - -Rank (rising). You are a greater rascal than I thought. - -Nora. I am in a silly mood today. - -Rank. So it seems. - -Nora (putting her hands on his shoulders). Dear, dear Doctor -Rank, death mustn't take you away from Torvald and me. - -Rank. It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are -gone are soon forgotten. - -Nora (looking at him anxiously). Do you believe that? - -Rank. People form new ties, and then-- - -Nora. Who will form new ties? - -Rank. Both you and Helmer, when I am gone. You yourself are -already on the high road to it, I think. What did that Mrs. Linde -want here last night? - -Nora. Oho!--you don't mean to say you are jealous of poor -Christine? - -Rank. Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I -am done for, this woman will-- - -Nora. Hush! don't speak so loud. She is in that room. - -Rank. Today again. There, you see. - -Nora. She has only come to sew my dress for me. Bless my soul, -how unreasonable you are! (Sits down on the sofa.) Be nice now, -Doctor Rank, and 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. (Takes various things out of the box.) -Doctor Rank, come and sit down here, and I will show you something. - -Rank (sitting down). What is it? - -Nora. Just look at those! - -Rank. Silk stockings. - -Nora. Flesh-coloured. Aren't they lovely? It is so dark here now, -but tomorrow--. No, no, no! you must only look at the feet. Oh -well, you may have leave to look at the legs too. - -Rank. Hm!--Nora. Why are you looking so critical? Don't you think -they will fit me? - -Rank. I have no means of forming an opinion about that. - -Nora (looks at him for a moment). For shame! (Hits him lightly on the -ear with the stockings.) That's to punish you. (Folds them up again.) - -Rank. And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see? - -Nora. Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. (She looks -among the things, humming to herself.) - -Rank (after a short silence). When I am sitting here, talking to -you as intimately as this, I cannot imagine for a moment what -would have become of me if I had never come into this house. - -Nora (smiling). I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. - -Rank (in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him). And to -be obliged to leave it all-- - -Nora. Nonsense, you are not going to leave it. - -Rank (as before). And not be able to leave behind one the slightest -token of one's gratitude, scarcely even a fleeting regret--nothing -but an empty place which the first comer can fill as well as any other. - -Nora. And if I asked you now for a--? No! - -Rank. For what? - -Nora. For a big proof of your friendship-- - -Rank. Yes, yes! - -Nora. I mean a tremendously big favour-- - -Rank. Would you really make me so happy for once? - -Nora. Ah, but you don't know what it is yet. - -Rank. No--but tell me. - -Nora. I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all -reason; it means advice, and help, and a favour-- - -Rank. The bigger a thing it is the better. I can't conceive what -it is you mean. Do tell me. Haven't I your confidence? - -Nora. More than anyone else. I know you are my truest and best -friend, and so I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it -is something you must help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, -how inexpressibly deeply Torvald loves me; he would never for a -moment hesitate to give his life for me. - -Rank (leaning towards her). Nora--do you think he is the only -one--? - -Nora (with a slight start). The only one--? - -Rank. The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake. - -Nora (sadly). Is that it? - -Rank. I was determined you should know it before I went away, and -there will never be a better opportunity than this. Now you know -it, Nora. And now you know, too, that you can trust me as you -would trust no one else. - -Nora (rises, deliberately and quietly). Let me pass. - -Rank (makes room for her to pass him, but sits still). Nora! - -Nora (at the hall door). Helen, bring in the lamp. (Goes over to -the stove.) Dear Doctor Rank, that was really horrid of you. - -Rank. To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that -horrid? - -Nora. No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need-- - -Rank. What do you mean? Did you know--? (MAID enters with lamp, -puts it down on the table, and goes out.) Nora--Mrs. Helmer--tell -me, had you any idea of this? - -Nora. Oh, how do I know whether I had or whether I hadn't? I -really can't tell you--To think you could be so clumsy, Doctor Rank! -We were getting on so nicely. - -Rank. Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, -body and soul. So won't you speak out? - -Nora (looking at him). After what happened? - -Rank. I beg you to let me know what it is. - -Nora. I can't tell you anything now. - -Rank. Yes, yes. You mustn't punish me in that way. Let me have -permission to do for you whatever a man may do. - -Nora. You can do nothing for me now. Besides, I really don't need -any help at all. You will find that the whole thing is merely fancy -on my part. It really is so--of course it is! (Sits down in the -rocking-chair, and looks at him with a smile.) You are a nice sort -of man, Doctor Rank!--don't you feel ashamed of yourself, now the -lamp has come? - -Rank. Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go--for ever? - -Nora. No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here -just as before. You know very well Torvald can't do without you. - -Rank. Yes, but you? - -Nora. Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come. - -Rank. It is just that, that put me on the wrong track. You are a -riddle to me. I have often thought that you would almost as soon -be in my company as in Helmer's. - -Nora. Yes--you see there are some people one loves best, and -others whom one would almost always rather have as companions. - -Rank. Yes, there is something in that. - -Nora. When I was at home, of course I loved papa best. But I -always thought it tremendous fun if I could steal down into the -maids' room, because they never moralised at all, and talked to -each other about such entertaining things. - -Rank. I see--it is their place I have taken. - -Nora (jumping up and going to him). Oh, dear, nice Doctor Rank, I -never meant that at all. But surely you can understand that being -with Torvald is a little like being with papa--(Enter MAID from -the hall.) - -Maid. If you please, ma'am. (Whispers and hands her a card.) - -Nora (glancing at the card). Oh! (Puts it in her pocket.) - -Rank. Is there anything wrong? - -Nora. No, no, not in the least. It is only something--it is my -new dress-- - -Rank. What? Your dress is lying there. - -Nora. Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. -Torvald mustn't know about it-- - -Rank. Oho! Then that was the great secret. - -Nora. Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner -room. Keep him as long as-- - -Rank. Make your mind easy; I won't let him escape. - -(Goes into HELMER'S room.) - -Nora (to the MAID). And he is standing waiting in the kitchen? - -Maid. Yes; he came up the back stairs. - -Nora. But didn't you tell him no one was in? - -Maid. Yes, but it was no good. - -Nora. He won't go away? - -Maid. No; he says he won't until he has seen you, ma'am. - -Nora. Well, let him come in--but quietly. Helen, you mustn't say -anything about it to anyone. It is a surprise for my husband. - -Maid. Yes, ma'am, I quite understand. (Exit.) - -Nora. This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in -spite of me! No, no, no, it can't happen--it shan't happen! (She -bolts the door of HELMER'S room. The MAID opens the hall door for -KROGSTAD and shuts it after him. He is wearing a fur coat, high -boots and a fur cap.) - -Nora (advancing towards him). Speak low--my husband is at home. - -Krogstad. No matter about that. - -Nora. What do you want of me? - -Krogstad. An explanation of something. - -Nora. Make haste then. What is it? - -Krogstad. You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal. - -Nora. I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought as hard as I -could on your side, but it was no good. - -Krogstad. Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows -what I can expose you to, and yet he ventures-- - -Nora. How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort? - -Krogstad. I didn't suppose so at all. It would not be the least -like our dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage-- - -Nora. Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please. - -Krogstad. Certainly--all the respect he deserves. But since you -have kept the matter so carefully to yourself, I make bold to -suppose that you have a little clearer idea, than you had -yesterday, of what it actually is that you have done? - -Nora. More than you could ever teach me. - -Krogstad. Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am. - -Nora. What is it you want of me? - -Krogstad. Only to see how you were, Mrs. Helmer. I have been -thinking about you all day long. A mere cashier, a quill-driver, -a--well, a man like me--even he has a little of what is called -feeling, you know. - -Nora. Show it, then; think of my little children. - -Krogstad. Have you and your husband thought of mine? But never -mind about that. I only wanted to tell you that you need not -take this matter too seriously. In the first place there will -be no accusation made on my part. - -Nora. No, of course not; I was sure of that. - -Krogstad. The whole thing can be arranged amicably; there is -no reason why anyone should know anything about it. It will -remain a secret between us three. - -Nora. My husband must never get to know anything about it. - -Krogstad. How will you be able to prevent it? Am I to understand -that you can pay the balance that is owing? - -Nora. No, not just at present. - -Krogstad. Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the -money soon? - -Nora. No expedient that I mean to make use of. - -Krogstad. Well, in any case, it would have been of no use to you -now. If you stood there with ever so much money in your hand, I -would never part with your bond. - -Nora. Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to. - -Krogstad. I shall only preserve it--keep it in my possession. No -one who is not concerned in the matter shall have the slightest -hint of it. So that if the thought of it has driven you to any -desperate resolution-- - -Nora. It has. - -Krogstad. If you had it in your mind to run away from your home-- - -Nora. I had. - -Krogstad. Or even something worse-- - -Nora. How could you know that? - -Krogstad. Give up the idea. - -Nora. How did you know I had thought of that? - -Krogstad. Most of us think of that at first. I did, too--but I -hadn't the courage. - -Nora (faintly). No more had I. - -Krogstad (in a tone of relief). No, that's it, isn't it--you -hadn't the courage either? - -Nora. No, I haven't--I haven't. - -Krogstad. Besides, it would have been a great piece of folly. -Once the first storm at home is over--. I have a letter for your -husband in my pocket. - -Nora. Telling him everything? - -Krogstad. In as lenient a manner as I possibly could. - -Nora (quickly). He mustn't get the letter. Tear it up. I will -find some means of getting money. - -Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer, but I think I told you just -now-- - -Nora. I am not speaking of what I owe you. Tell me what sum you -are asking my husband for, and I will get the money. - -Krogstad. I am not asking your husband for a penny. - -Nora. What do you want, then? - -Krogstad. I will tell you. I want to rehabilitate myself, -Mrs. Helmer; I want to get on; and in that your husband must -help me. For the last year and a half I have not had a hand -in anything dishonourable, 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-- - -Nora. That he will never do! - -Krogstad. He will; I know him; he dare not protest. And as soon -as I am in there again with him, then you will see! Within a year -I shall be the manager's right hand. It will be Nils Krogstad -and not Torvald Helmer who manages the Bank. - -Nora. That's a thing you will never see! - -Krogstad. Do you mean that you will--? - -Nora. I have courage enough for it now. - -Krogstad. Oh, you can't frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you-- - -Nora. You will see, you will see. - -Krogstad. Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, coal-black -water? And then, in the spring, to float up to the surface, all -horrible and unrecognisable, with your hair fallen out-- - -Nora. You can't frighten me. - -Krogstad. Nor you me. People don't do such things, Mrs. Helmer. -Besides, what use would it be? I should have him completely in my -power all the same. - -Nora. Afterwards? When I am no longer-- - -Krogstad. Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of -your reputation? (NORA stands speechlessly looking at him.) Well, -now, I have warned you. Do not do anything foolish. When Helmer -has had my letter, I shall expect a message from him. And be sure -you remember that it is your husband himself who has forced me -into such ways as this again. I will never forgive him for that. -Goodbye, Mrs. Helmer. (Exit through the hall.) - -Nora (goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens.) He -is going. He is not putting the letter in the box. Oh no, no! -that's impossible! (Opens the door by degrees.) What is that? He -is standing outside. He is not going downstairs. Is he -hesitating? Can he--? (A letter drops into the box; then -KROGSTAD'S footsteps are heard, 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.) - -Nora. In the letter-box. (Steals across to the hall door.) There -it lies--Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now! - -(Mrs. LINDE comes in from the room on the left, carrying the -dress.) - -Mrs. Linde. There, I can't see anything more to mend now. Would -you like to try it on--? - -Nora (in a hoarse whisper). Christine, come here. - -Mrs. Linde (throwing the dress down on the sofa). What is the -matter with you? You look so agitated! - -Nora. Come here. Do you see that letter? There, look--you can see -it through the glass in the letter-box. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I see it. - -Nora. That letter is from Krogstad. - -Mrs. Linde. Nora--it was Krogstad who lent you the money! - -Nora. Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it. - -Mrs. Linde. Believe me, Nora, that's the best thing for both of you. - -Nora. You don't know all. I forged a name. - -Mrs. Linde. Good heavens--! - -Nora. I only want to say this to you, Christine--you must be my -witness. - -Mrs. Linde. Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to--? - -Nora. If I should go out of my mind--and it might easily happen-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora! - -Nora. Or if anything else should happen to me--anything, for -instance, that might prevent my being here-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind. - -Nora. And if it should happen that there were some one who wanted -to take all the responsibility, all the blame, you understand-- - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, yes--but how can you suppose--? - -Nora. Then you must be my witness, that it is not true, Christine. -I am not out of my mind at all; I am in my right senses now, and -I tell you no one else has known anything about it; I, and I -alone, did the whole thing. Remember that. - -Mrs. Linde. I will, indeed. But I don't understand all this. - -Nora. How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going -to happen! - -Mrs. Linde. A wonderful thing? - -Nora. Yes, a wonderful thing!--But it is so terrible, Christine; -it mustn't happen, not for all the world. - -Mrs. Linde. I will go at once and see Krogstad. - -Nora. Don't go to him; he will do you some harm. - -Mrs. Linde. There was a time when he would gladly do anything for -my sake. - -Nora. He? - -Mrs. Linde. Where does he live? - -Nora. How should I know--? Yes (feeling in her pocket), here is -his card. But the letter, the letter--! - -Helmer (calls from his room, knocking at the door). Nora! Nora -(cries out anxiously). Oh, what's that? What do you want? - -Helmer. Don't be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have -locked the door. Are you trying on your dress? - -Nora. Yes, that's it. I look so nice, Torvald. - -Mrs. Linde (who has read the card). I see he lives at the corner here. - -Nora. Yes, but it's no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying -there in the box. - -Mrs. Linde. And your husband keeps the key? - -Nora. Yes, always. - -Mrs. Linde. Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must -find some pretence-- - -Nora. But it is just at this time that Torvald generally-- - -Mrs. Linde. You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I -will come back as soon as I can. (She goes out hurriedly through -the hall door.) - -Nora (goes to HELMER'S door, opens it and peeps in). Torvald! - -Helmer (from the inner room). Well? May I venture at last to come -into my own room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see-- -(Halting in the doorway.) But what is this? - -Nora. What is what, dear? - -Helmer. Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation. - -Rank (in the doorway). I understood so, but evidently I was -mistaken. - -Nora. Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my -dress until tomorrow. - -Helmer. But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been -practising too much? - -Nora. No, I have not practised at all. - -Helmer. But you will need to-- - -Nora. Yes, indeed I shall, Torvald. But I can't get on a bit -without you to help me; I have absolutely forgotten the whole -thing. - -Helmer. Oh, we will soon work it up again. - -Nora. Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise that you will! I am so -nervous about it--all the people--. You must give yourself up to -me entirely this evening. Not the tiniest bit of business--you -mustn't even take a pen in your hand. Will you promise, Torvald dear? - -Helmer. I promise. This evening I will be wholly and absolutely -at your service, you helpless little mortal. Ah, by the way, -first of all I will just-- (Goes towards the hall door.) - -Nora. What are you going to do there? - -Helmer. Only see if any letters have come. - -Nora. No, no! don't do that, Torvald! - -Helmer. Why not? - -Nora. Torvald, please don't. There is nothing there. - -Helmer. Well, let me look. (Turns to go to the letter-box. NORA, -at the piano, plays the first bars of the Tarantella. HELMER -stops in the doorway.) Aha! - -Nora. I can't dance tomorrow if I don't practise with you. - -Helmer (going up to her). Are you really so afraid of it, dear? - -Nora. Yes, so dreadfully afraid of it. Let me practise at once; -there is time now, before we go to dinner. Sit down and play for -me, Torvald dear; criticise me, and correct me as you play. - -Helmer. With great pleasure, if you wish me to. (Sits down at the -piano.) - -Nora (takes out of the box a tambourine and a long variegated -shawl. She hastily drapes the shawl round her. Then she springs -to the front of the stage and calls out). Now play for me! I am -going to dance! - -(HELMER plays and NORA dances. RANK stands by the piano behind -HELMER, and looks on.) - -Helmer (as he plays). Slower, slower! - -Nora. I can't do it any other way. - -Helmer. Not so violently, Nora! - -Nora. This is the way. - -Helmer (stops playing). No, no--that is not a bit right. - -Nora (laughing and swinging the tambourine). Didn't I tell you -so? - -Rank. Let me play for her. - -Helmer (getting up). Yes, do. I can correct her better then. - -(RANK sits down at the piano and plays. NORA dances more and more -wildly. HELMER has taken up a position beside the stove, and -during her dance gives her frequent instructions. She does not -seem to hear him; her hair comes down and falls over her -shoulders; she pays no attention to it, but goes on dancing. -Enter Mrs. LINDE.) - -Mrs. Linde (standing as if spell-bound in the doorway). Oh!-- - -Nora (as she dances). Such fun, Christine! - -Helmer. My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life -depended on it. - -Nora. So it does. - -Helmer. Stop, Rank; this is sheer madness. Stop, I tell you! -(RANK stops playing, and NORA suddenly stands still. HELMER goes -up to her.) I could never have believed it. You have forgotten -everything I taught you. - -Nora (throwing away the tambourine). There, you see. - -Helmer. You will want a lot of coaching. - -Nora. Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to -the last minute. Promise me that, Torvald! - -Helmer. You can depend on me. - -Nora. You must not think of anything but me, either today or -tomorrow; you mustn't open a single letter--not even open the -letter-box-- - -Helmer. Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow-- - -Nora. Yes, indeed I am. - -Helmer. Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter -from him lying there. - -Nora. I don't know; I think there is; but you must not read -anything of that kind now. Nothing horrid must come between us -until this is all over. - -Rank (whispers to HELMER). You mustn't contradict her. - -Helmer (taking her in his arms). The child shall have her way. -But tomorrow night, after you have danced-- - -Nora. Then you will be free. (The MAID appears in the doorway to -the right.) - -Maid. Dinner is served, ma'am. - -Nora. We will have champagne, Helen. - -Maid. Very good, ma'am. [Exit. - -Helmer. Hullo!--are we going to have a banquet? - -Nora. Yes, a champagne banquet until the small hours. (Calls out.) -And a few macaroons, Helen--lots, just for once! - -Helmer. Come, come, don't be so wild and nervous. Be my own -little skylark, as you used. - -Nora. Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. -Christine, you must help me to do up my hair. - -Rank (whispers to HELMER as they go out). I suppose there is -nothing--she is not expecting anything? - -Helmer. Far from it, my dear fellow; it is simply nothing more -than this childish nervousness I was telling you of. (They go -into the right-hand room.) - -Nora. Well! - -Mrs. Linde. Gone out of town. - -Nora. I could tell from your face. - -Mrs. Linde. He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note -for him. - -Nora. You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. -After all, it is splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to -happen. - -Mrs. Linde. What is it that you are waiting for? - -Nora. Oh, you wouldn't understand. Go in to them, I will come in -a moment. (Mrs. LINDE goes into the dining-room. NORA stands -still for a little while, as if to compose herself. Then she -looks at her watch.) Five o'clock. Seven hours 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. - -Helmer (from the doorway on the right). Where's my little skylark? - -Nora (going to him with her arms outstretched). Here she is! - -ACT III - -(THE SAME SCENE.--The table has been placed in the middle of the -stage, with chairs around it. A lamp is burning on the table. The -door into the hall stands open. Dance music is heard in the room -above. Mrs. LINDE is sitting at the table idly turning over the -leaves of a book; she tries to read, but does not seem able to -collect her thoughts. Every now and then she listens intently for -a sound at the outer door.) - -Mrs. Linde (looking at her watch). Not yet--and the time is -nearly up. If only he does not--. (Listens again.) Ah, there he is. -(Goes into the hall and opens the outer door carefully. -Light footsteps are heard on the stairs. She whispers.) -Come in. There is no one here. - -Krogstad (in the doorway). I found a note from you at home. What -does this mean? - -Mrs. Linde. It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk -with you. - -Krogstad. Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should -be here? - -Mrs. Linde. It is impossible where I live; there is no private -entrance to my rooms. Come in; we are quite alone. The maid is -asleep, and the Helmers are at the dance upstairs. - -Krogstad (coming into the room). Are the Helmers really at a -dance tonight? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, why not? - -Krogstad. Certainly--why not? - -Mrs. Linde. Now, Nils, let us have a talk. - -Krogstad. Can we two have anything to talk about? - -Mrs. Linde. We have a great deal to talk about. - -Krogstad. I shouldn't have thought so. - -Mrs. Linde. No, you have never properly understood me. - -Krogstad. Was there anything else to understand except what -was obvious to all the world--a heartless woman jilts a man -when a more lucrative chance turns up? - -Mrs. Linde. Do you believe I am as absolutely heartless as -all that? And do you believe that I did it with a light heart? - -Krogstad. Didn't you? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, did you really think that? - -Krogstad. If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you -did at the time? - -Mrs. Linde. I could do nothing else. As I had to break with you, -it was my duty also to put an end to all that you felt for me. - -Krogstad (wringing his hands). So that was it. And all this--only -for the sake of money! - -Mrs. Linde. You must not forget that I had a helpless mother and -two little brothers. We couldn't wait for you, Nils; your -prospects seemed hopeless then. - -Krogstad. That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over -for anyone else's sake. - -Mrs. Linde. Indeed I don't know. Many a time did I ask myself if -I had the right to do it. - -Krogstad (more gently). When I lost you, it was as if all the -solid ground went from under my feet. Look at me now--I am a shipwrecked -man clinging to a bit of wreckage. - -Mrs. Linde. But help may be near. - -Krogstad. It was near; but then you came and stood in my way. - -Mrs. Linde. Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I -learned it was your place I was going to take in the Bank. - -Krogstad. I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, -are you not going to give it up to me? - -Mrs. Linde. No, because that would not benefit you in the least. - -Krogstad. Oh, benefit, benefit--I would have done it whether or no. - -Mrs. Linde. I have learned to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter -necessity have taught me that. - -Krogstad. And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches. - -Mrs. Linde. Then life has taught you something very reasonable. -But deeds you must believe in? - -Krogstad. What do you mean by that? - -Mrs. Linde. You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to -some wreckage. - -Krogstad. I had good reason to say so. - -Mrs. Linde. Well, I am like a shipwrecked woman clinging to some -wreckage--no one to mourn for, no one to care for. - -Krogstad. It was your own choice. - -Mrs. Linde. There was no other choice--then. - -Krogstad. Well, what now? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people -could join forces? - -Krogstad. What are you saying? - -Mrs. Linde. Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a -better chance than each on their own. - -Krogstad. Christine I... - -Mrs. Linde. What do you suppose brought me to town? - -Krogstad. Do you mean that you gave me a thought? - -Mrs. Linde. I could not endure life without work. All my life, as -long as I can remember, I have worked, and it has been my greatest -and only pleasure. But now I am quite alone in the world--my life -is so dreadfully empty and I feel so forsaken. There is not the -least pleasure in working for one's self. Nils, give me someone and -something to work for. - -Krogstad. I don't trust that. It is nothing but a woman's -overstrained sense of generosity that prompts you to make such an -offer of yourself. - -Mrs. Linde. Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me? - -Krogstad. Could you really do it? Tell me--do you know all about -my past life? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes. - -Krogstad. And do you know what they think of me here? - -Mrs. Linde. You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have -been quite another man. - -Krogstad. I am certain of it. - -Mrs. Linde. Is it too late now? - -Krogstad. Christine, are you saying this deliberately? Yes, I am -sure you are. I see it in your face. Have you really the courage, -then--? - -Mrs. Linde. I want to be a mother to someone, and your children -need a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your -real character--I can dare anything together with you. - -Krogstad (grasps her hands). Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I -shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, -but I forgot-- - -Mrs. Linde (listening). Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go! - -Krogstad. Why? What is it? - -Mrs. Linde. Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may -expect them back. - -Krogstad. Yes, yes--I will go. But it is all no use. Of course -you are not aware what steps I have taken in the matter of the -Helmers. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, I know all about that. - -Krogstad. And in spite of that have you the courage to--? - -Mrs. Linde. I understand very well to what lengths a man like you -might be driven by despair. - -Krogstad. If I could only undo what I have done! - -Mrs. Linde. You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box -now. - -Krogstad. Are you sure of that? - -Mrs. Linde. Quite sure, but-- - -Krogstad (with a searching look at her). Is that what it all -means?--that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me -frankly. Is that it? - -Mrs. Linde. Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's -sake, doesn't do it a second time. - -Krogstad. I will ask for my letter back. - -Mrs. Linde. No, no. - -Krogstad. Yes, of course I will. I will wait here 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-- - -Mrs. Linde. No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. - -Krogstad. But, tell me, wasn't it for that very purpose that you -asked me to meet you here? - -Mrs. Linde. In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four -hours have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed -incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. -This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete -understanding between them, which is impossible with all this -concealment and falsehood going on. - -Krogstad. Very well, if you will take the responsibility. But -there is one thing I can do in any case, and I shall do it at -once. - -Mrs. Linde (listening). You must be quick and go! The dance is -over; we are not safe a moment longer. - -Krogstad. I will wait for you below. - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, do. You must see me back to my door... - -Krogstad. I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune -in my life! (Goes out through the outer door. The door between -the room and the hall remains open.) - -Mrs. Linde (tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak -ready). What a difference! what a difference! Someone to work -for and live for--a home to bring comfort into. That I will do, -indeed. I wish they would be quick and come--(Listens.) Ah, there -they are now. I must put on my things. (Takes up her hat and -cloak. HELMER'S and NORA'S voices are heard outside; a key is -turned, and HELMER brings NORA almost by force into the hall. She -is in an Italian costume with a large black shawl around her; he -is in evening dress, and a black domino which is flying open.) - -Nora (hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him). No, -no, no!--don't take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don't -want to leave so early. - -Helmer. But, my dearest Nora-- - -Nora. Please, Torvald dear--please, please--only an hour more. - -Helmer. Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our -agreement. Come along into the room; you are catching cold -standing there. (He brings her gently into the room, in spite of -her resistance.) - -Mrs. Linde. Good evening. - -Nora. Christine! - -Helmer. You here, so late, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora -in her dress. - -Nora. Have you been sitting here waiting for me? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, unfortunately I came too late, you had already -gone upstairs; and I thought I couldn't go away again without -having seen you. - -Helmer (taking off NORA'S shawl). Yes, take a good look at her. I -think she is worth looking at. Isn't she charming, Mrs. Linde? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, indeed she is. - -Helmer. Doesn't she look remarkably pretty? Everyone thought so -at the dance. But she is terribly self-willed, this sweet little -person. What are we to do with her? You will hardly believe that -I had almost to bring her away by force. - -Nora. Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it -were only for half an hour. - -Helmer. Listen to her, Mrs. Linde! She had danced her Tarantella, -and it had been a tremendous success, as it deserved--although -possibly the performance was a trifle too realistic--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. (Throws his domino on a -chair, and opens the door of his room.) Hullo! it's all dark -in here. Oh, of course--excuse me--. (He goes in, and lights -some candles.) - -Nora (in a hurried and breathless whisper). Well? - -Mrs. Linde (in a low voice). I have had a talk with him. - -Nora. Yes, and-- - -Mrs. Linde. Nora, you must tell your husband all about it. - -Nora (in an expressionless voice). I knew it. - -Mrs. Linde. You have nothing to be afraid of as far as Krogstad -is concerned; but you must tell him. - -Nora. I won't tell him. - -Mrs. Linde. Then the letter will. - -Nora. Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush--! - -Helmer (coming in again). Well, Mrs. Linde, have you admired her? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, and now I will say goodnight. - -Helmer. What, already? Is this yours, this knitting? - -Mrs. Linde (taking it). Yes, thank you, I had very nearly forgotten it. - -Helmer. So you knit? - -Mrs. Linde. Of course. - -Helmer. Do you know, you ought to embroider. - -Mrs. Linde. Really? Why? - -Helmer. Yes, it's far more becoming. Let me show you. You hold -the embroidery thus in your left hand, and use the needle with -the right--like this--with a long, easy sweep. Do you see? - -Mrs. Linde. Yes, perhaps-- - -Helmer. But in the case of knitting--that can never be anything -but ungraceful; look here--the arms close together, the knitting- -needles going up and down--it has a sort of Chinese effect--. -That was really excellent champagne they gave us. - -Mrs. Linde. Well,--goodnight, Nora, and don't be self-willed any -more. - -Helmer. That's right, Mrs. Linde. - -Mrs. Linde. Goodnight, Mr. Helmer. - -Helmer (accompanying her to the door). 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. -(She goes out; he shuts the door after her, and comes in again.) -Ah!--at last we have got rid of her. She is a frightful bore, -that woman. - -Nora. Aren't you very tired, Torvald? - -Helmer. No, not in the least. - -Nora. Nor sleepy? - -Helmer. Not a bit. On the contrary, I feel extraordinarily lively. -And you?--you really look both tired and sleepy. - -Nora. Yes, I am very tired. I want to go to sleep at once. - -Helmer. There, you see it was quite right of me not to let you -stay there any longer. - -Nora. Everything you do is quite right, Torvald. - -Helmer (kissing her on the forehead). Now my little skylark is -speaking reasonably. Did you notice what good spirits Rank was in -this evening? - -Nora. Really? Was he? I didn't speak to him at all. - -Helmer. And I very little, but I have not for a long time seen -him in such good form. (Looks for a while at her and then goes -nearer to her.) It is delightful to be at home by ourselves again, -to be all alone with you--you fascinating, charming little darling! - -Nora. Don't look at me like that, Torvald. - -Helmer. Why shouldn't I look at my dearest treasure?--at all the -beauty that is mine, all my very own? - -Nora (going to the other side of the table). You mustn't say -things like that to me tonight. - -Helmer (following her). You have still got the Tarantella in your -blood, I see. And it makes you more captivating than ever. -Listen--the guests are beginning to go now. (In a lower voice.) -Nora--soon the whole house will be quiet. - -Nora. Yes, I hope so. - -Helmer. Yes, my own darling Nora. Do you know, when I am out at a -party with you like this, why I speak so little to you, keep away -from you, and only send a stolen glance in your direction now and -then?--do you know why I do that? It is because I make believe to -myself that we are secretly in love, and you are my secretly -promised bride, and that no one suspects there is anything between us. - -Nora. Yes, yes--I know very well your thoughts are with me all -the time. - -Helmer. And when we are leaving, and I am putting the shawl over -your beautiful young shoulders--on your lovely neck--then I imagine -that you are my young bride and that we have just come from the -wedding, and I am bringing you for the first time into our -home--to be alone with you for the first time--quite alone with -my shy little darling! All this evening I have longed for nothing -but you. When I watched the seductive figures of the Tarantella, -my blood was on fire; I could endure it no longer, and that was -why I brought you down so early-- - -Nora. Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won't-- - -Helmer. What's that? You're joking, my little Nora! You won't-- -you won't? Am I not your husband--? (A knock is heard at the -outer door.) - -Nora (starting). Did you hear--? - -Helmer (going into the hall). Who is it? - -Rank (outside). It is I. May I come in for a moment? - -Helmer (in a fretful whisper). Oh, what does he want now? -(Aloud.) Wait a minute! (Unlocks the door.) Come, that's kind of -you not to pass by our door. - -Rank. I thought I heard your voice, and felt as if I should like -to look in. (With a swift glance round.) Ah, yes!--these dear -familiar rooms. You are very happy and cosy in here, you two. - -Helmer. It seems to me that you looked after yourself pretty well -upstairs too. - -Rank. Excellently. Why shouldn't I? Why shouldn't one enjoy -everything in this world?--at any rate as much as one can, and as -long as one can. The wine was capital-- - -Helmer. Especially the champagne. - -Rank. So you noticed that too? It is almost incredible how much I -managed to put away! - -Nora. Torvald drank a great deal of champagne tonight too. - -Rank. Did he? - -Nora. Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards. - -Rank. Well, why should one not enjoy a merry evening after a -well-spent day? - -Helmer. Well spent? I am afraid I can't take credit for that. - -Rank (clapping him on the back). But I can, you know! - -Nora. Doctor Rank, you must have been occupied with some -scientific investigation today. - -Rank. Exactly. - -Helmer. Just listen!--little Nora talking about scientific -investigations! - -Nora. And may I congratulate you on the result? - -Rank. Indeed you may. - -Nora. Was it favourable, then? - -Rank. The best possible, for both doctor and patient--certainty. - -Nora (quickly and searchingly). Certainty? - -Rank. Absolute certainty. So wasn't I entitled to make a merry -evening of it after that? - -Nora. Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank. Helmer. I think so -too, so long as you don't have to pay for it in the morning. - -Rank. Oh well, one can't have anything in this life without -paying for it. - -Nora. Doctor Rank--are you fond of fancy-dress balls? - -Rank. Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes. - -Nora. Tell me--what shall we two wear at the next? - -Helmer. Little featherbrain!--are you thinking of the next -already? - -Rank. We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy-- - -Helmer. Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume -for that? - -Rank. Let your wife go dressed just as she is in everyday life. - -Helmer. That was really very prettily turned. But can't you tell -us what you will be? - -Rank. Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that. - -Helmer. Well? - -Rank. At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible. - -Helmer. That's a good joke! - -Rank. There is a big black hat--have you never heard of hats that -make you invisible? If you put one on, no one can see you. - -Helmer (suppressing a smile). Yes, you are quite right. - -Rank. But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me -a cigar--one of the dark Havanas. - -Helmer. With the greatest pleasure. (Offers him his case.) - -Rank (takes a cigar and cuts off the end). Thanks. - -Nora (striking a match). Let me give you a light. - -Rank. Thank you. (She holds the match for him to light his -cigar.) And now goodbye! - -Helmer. Goodbye, goodbye, dear old man! - -Nora. Sleep well, Doctor Rank. - -Rank. Thank you for that wish. - -Nora. Wish me the same. - -Rank. You? Well, if you want me to sleep well! And thanks for the -light. (He nods to them both and goes out.) - -Helmer (in a subdued voice). He has drunk more than he ought. - -Nora (absently). Maybe. (HELMER takes a bunch of keys out of his -pocket and goes into the hall.) Torvald! what are you going to do -there? - -Helmer. Emptying the letter-box; it is quite full; there will be no -room to put the newspaper in tomorrow morning. - -Nora. Are you going to work tonight? - -Helmer. You know quite well I'm not. What is this? Someone has -been at the lock. - -Nora. At the lock--? - -Helmer. Yes, someone has. What can it mean? I should never have -thought the maid--. Here is a broken hairpin. Nora, it is one of -yours. - -Nora (quickly). Then it must have been the children-- - -Helmer. Then you must get them out of those ways. There, at last -I have got it open. (Takes out the contents of the letter-box, -and calls to the kitchen.) Helen!--Helen, put out the light over -the front door. (Goes back into the room and shuts the door into -the hall. He holds out his hand full of letters.) Look at that-- -look what a heap of them there are. (Turning them over.) What on -earth is that? - -Nora (at the window). The letter--No! Torvald, no! - -Helmer. Two cards--of Rank's. - -Nora. Of Doctor Rank's? - -Helmer (looking at them). Doctor Rank. They were on the top. He -must have put them in when he went out. - -Nora. Is there anything written on them? - -Helmer. There is a black cross over the name. Look there--what an -uncomfortable idea! It looks as if he were announcing his own death. - -Nora. It is just what he is doing. - -Helmer. What? Do you know anything about it? Has he said anything -to you? - -Nora. Yes. He told me that when the cards came it would be his -leave-taking from us. He means to shut himself up and die. - -Helmer. My poor old friend! Certainly I knew we should not have -him very long with us. But so soon! And so he hides himself away -like a wounded animal. - -Nora. If it has to happen, it is best it should be without a -word--don't you think so, Torvald? - -Helmer (walking up and down). He 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. (Standing still.) And perhaps for us too, Nora. We -two are thrown quite upon each other now. (Puts his arms round -her.) My darling wife, I don't feel as if I could hold you tight -enough. Do you know, Nora, I have often wished that you might be -threatened by some great danger, so that I might risk my life's -blood, and everything, for your sake. - -Nora (disengages herself, and says firmly and decidedly). Now you -must read your letters, Torvald. - -Helmer. No, no; not tonight. I want to be with you, my darling wife. - -Nora. With the thought of your friend's death-- - -Helmer. You are right, it has affected us both. Something ugly -has come between us--the thought of the horrors of death. -We must try and rid our minds of that. Until then--we will -each go to our own room. - -Nora (hanging on his neck). Goodnight, Torvald--Goodnight! - -Helmer (kissing her on the forehead). Goodnight, my little -singing-bird. Sleep sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters -through. (He takes his letters and goes into his room, shutting -the door after him.) - -Nora (gropes distractedly about, seizes HELMER'S domino, throws -it round her, while she says in quick, hoarse, spasmodic -whispers). Never to see him again. Never! Never! (Puts her shawl -over her head.) Never to see my children again either--never -again. Never! Never!--Ah! the icy, black water--the unfathomable -depths--If only it were over! He has got it now--now he is reading -it. Goodbye, Torvald and my children! (She is about to rush out -through the hall, when HELMER opens his door hurriedly and stands -with an open letter in his hand.) - -Helmer. Nora! - -Nora. Ah!-- - -Helmer. What is this? Do you know what is in this letter? - -Nora. Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me get out! - -Helmer (holding her back). Where are you going? - -Nora (trying to get free). You shan't save me, Torvald! - -Helmer (reeling). True? Is this true, that I read here? Horrible! -No, no--it is impossible that it can be true. - -Nora. It is true. I have loved you above everything else in the world. - -Helmer. Oh, don't let us have any silly excuses. - -Nora (taking a step towards him). Torvald--! - -Helmer. Miserable creature--what have you done? - -Nora. Let me go. You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not -take it upon yourself. - -Helmer. No tragic airs, please. (Locks the hall door.) Here you -shall stay and give me an explanation. Do you understand what you -have done? Answer me! Do you understand what you have done? - -Nora (looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of -coldness in her face). Yes, now I am beginning to understand -thoroughly. - -Helmer (walking about the room). What a horrible awakening! All -these eight years--she who was my joy and pride--a hypocrite, a -liar--worse, worse--a criminal! The unutterable ugliness of it -all!--For shame! For shame! (NORA is silent and looks steadily at -him. He stops in front of her.) I ought to have suspected that -something of the sort would happen. I ought to have foreseen it. -All your father's want of principle--be silent!--all your father's -want of principle has come out in you. No religion, no morality, -no sense of duty--. How I am punished for having winked at what he did! -I did it for your sake, and this is how you repay me. - -Nora. Yes, that's just it. - -Helmer. Now you have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined -all my future. It is horrible to think of! I am in the power of -an unscrupulous man; he can do what he likes with me, ask anything -he likes of me, give me any orders he pleases--I dare not refuse. -And I must sink to such miserable depths because of a thoughtless woman! - -Nora. When I am out of the way, you will be free. - -Helmer. No fine speeches, please. Your father had always plenty -of those ready, too. What good would it be to me if you were out -of the way, as you say? Not the slightest. He can make the affair -known everywhere; and if he does, I may be falsely suspected of -having been a party to your criminal action. Very likely people -will think I was behind it all--that it was I who prompted you! -And I have to thank you for all this--you whom I have cherished -during the whole of our married life. Do you understand now what -it is you have done for me? - -Nora (coldly and quietly). Yes. - -Helmer. It is so incredible that I can't take it in. But we must -come to some understanding. Take off that shawl. Take it off, I -tell you. I must try and appease him some way or another. The -matter must be hushed up at any cost. And as for you and me, it -must appear as if everything between us were 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-- - -(A ring is heard at the front-door bell.) - -Helmer (with a start). What is that? So late! Can the worst--? -Can he--? Hide yourself, Nora. Say you are ill. - -(NORA stands motionless. HELMER goes and unlocks the hall door.) - -Maid (half-dressed, comes to the door). A letter for the mistress. - -Helmer. Give it to me. (Takes the letter, and shuts the door.) -Yes, it is from him. You shall not have it; I will read it myself. - -Nora. Yes, read it. - -Helmer (standing by the lamp). I scarcely have the courage to do -it. It may mean ruin for both of us. No, I must know. (Tears open -the letter, runs his eye over a few lines, looks at a paper -enclosed, and gives a shout of joy.) Nora! (She looks at him -questioningly.) Nora!--No, I must read it once again--. Yes, it -is true! I am saved! Nora, I am saved! - -Nora. And I? - -Helmer. You too, of course; we are both saved, both you and I. -Look, he sends you your bond back. He says he regrets and repents-- -that a happy change in his life--never mind what he says! We -are saved, Nora! No one can do anything to you. Oh, Nora, -Nora!--no, first I must destroy these hateful things. Let -me see--. (Takes a look at the bond.) No, no, I won't look -at it. The whole thing shall be nothing but a bad dream to -me. (Tears up the bond and both letters, throws them all -into the stove, and watches them burn.) There--now it doesn't -exist any longer. He says that since Christmas Eve you--. -These must have been three dreadful days for you, Nora. - -Nora. I have fought a hard fight these three days. - -Helmer. And suffered agonies, and seen no way out but--. No, we -won't call any of the horrors to mind. We will only shout with -joy, and keep saying, "It's all over! It's all over!" Listen to -me, Nora. You don't seem to realise that it is all over. What is -this?--such a cold, set face! My poor little Nora, I quite -understand; you don't feel as if you could believe that I have -forgiven you. But it is true, Nora, I swear it; I have forgiven -you everything. I know that what you did, you did out of love for me. - -Nora. That is true. - -Helmer. You have loved me as a wife ought to love her husband. Only -you had not sufficient knowledge to judge of the means you used. But -do you suppose you are any the less dear to me, because you don't -understand how to act on your own responsibility? No, no; only lean -on me; I will advise you and direct you. I should not be a man if -this womanly helplessness did not just give you a double -attractiveness in my eyes. You must not think 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. - -Nora. Thank you for your forgiveness. (She goes out through the -door to the right.) - -Helmer. No, don't go--. (Looks in.) What are you doing in there? - -Nora (from within). Taking off my fancy dress. - -Helmer (standing at the open door). Yes, do. Try and calm yourself, -and make your mind easy again, my frightened little singing-bird. Be -at rest, and feel secure; I have broad wings to shelter you under. -(Walks up and down by the door.) How warm and cosy our home is, -Nora. Here is shelter for you; here I will protect you like a -hunted dove that I have saved from a hawk's claws; I will bring -peace to your poor beating heart. It will come, little by little, -Nora, believe me. 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? - -Nora (in everyday dress). Yes, Torvald, I have changed my things now. - -Helmer. But what for?--so late as this. - -Nora. I shall not sleep tonight. - -Helmer. But, my dear Nora-- - -Nora (looking at her watch). It is not so very late. Sit down -here, Torvald. You and I have much to say to one another. (She -sits down at one side of the table.) - -Helmer. Nora--what is this?--this cold, set face? - -Nora. Sit down. It will take some time; I have a lot to talk over -with you. - -Helmer (sits down at the opposite side of the table). You alarm -me, Nora!--and I don't understand you. - -Nora. No, that is just it. You don't understand me, and I have -never understood you either--before tonight. No, you mustn't -interrupt me. You must simply listen to what I say. Torvald, -this is a settling of accounts. - -Helmer. What do you mean by that? - -Nora (after a short silence). Isn't there one thing that strikes -you as strange in our sitting here like this? - -Helmer. What is that? - -Nora. We have been married now eight years. Does it not occur -to you that this is the first time we two, you and I, husband -and wife, have had a serious conversation? - -Helmer. What do you mean by serious? - -Nora. In all these eight years--longer than that--from the very -beginning of our acquaintance, we have never exchanged a word on -any serious subject. - -Helmer. Was it likely that I would be continually and forever -telling you about worries that you could not help me to bear? - -Nora. I am not speaking about business matters. I say that we -have never sat down in earnest together to try and get at the -bottom of anything. - -Helmer. But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you? - -Nora. That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been -greatly wronged, Torvald--first by papa and then by you. - -Helmer. What! By us two--by us two, who have loved you better -than anyone else in the world? - -Nora (shaking her head). You have never loved me. You have only -thought it pleasant to be in love with me. - -Helmer. Nora, what do I hear you saying? - -Nora. It is perfectly true, Torvald. When I was at home with -papa, he told me his opinion about everything, and so I -had the same opinions; and if I differed from him I -concealed the fact, because he would not have liked it. -He called me his doll-child, and he played with me just -as I used to play with my dolls. And when I came to -live with you-- - -Helmer. What sort of an expression is that to use about our marriage? - -Nora (undisturbed). I mean that I was simply transferred from -papa's hands into yours. You arranged everything according to -your own taste, and so I got the same tastes as your else I -pretended to, I am really not quite sure which--I think -sometimes the one and sometimes the other. When I look back -on it, it seems to me as if I had been living here like a -poor woman--just from hand to mouth. I have existed merely -to perform tricks for you, Torvald. But you would have it -so. You and papa have committed a great sin against me. -It is your fault that I have made nothing of my life. - -Helmer. How unreasonable and how ungrateful you are, Nora! Have -you not been happy here? - -Nora. No, I have never been happy. I thought I was, but it has -never really been so. - -Helmer. Not--not happy! - -Nora. No, only merry. And you have always been so kind to me. -But our home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been -your doll-wife, just as at home I was papa's doll-child; and -here the children have been my dolls. I thought it great fun -when you played with me, just as they thought it great fun -when I played with them. That is what our marriage has been, Torvald. - -Helmer. There is some truth in what you say--exaggerated and -strained as your view of it is. But for the future it shall be -different. Playtime shall be over, and lesson-time shall begin. - -Nora. Whose lessons? Mine, or the children's? - -Helmer. Both yours and the children's, my darling Nora. - -Nora. Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being -a proper wife for you. - -Helmer. And you can say that! - -Nora. And I--how am I fitted to bring up the children? - -Helmer. Nora! - -Nora. Didn't you say so yourself a little while ago--that you -dare not trust me to bring them up? - -Helmer. In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? - -Nora. Indeed, you were perfectly right. I am not fit for the -task. There is another task I must undertake first. I must -try and educate myself--you are not the man to help me in -that. I must do that for myself. And that is why I am -going to leave you now. - -Helmer (springing up). What do you say? - -Nora. I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and -everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain -with you any longer. - -Helmer. Nora, Nora! - -Nora. I am going away from here now, at once. I am sure Christine -will take me in for the night-- - -Helmer. You are out of your mind! I won't allow it! I forbid you! - -Nora. It is no use forbidding me anything any longer. I will take -with me what belongs to myself. I will take nothing from you, -either now or later. - -Helmer. What sort of madness is this! - -Nora. Tomorrow I shall go home--I mean, to my old home. It will -be easiest for me to find something to do there. - -Helmer. You blind, foolish woman! - -Nora. I must try and get some sense, Torvald. - -Helmer. To desert your home, your husband and your children! And -you don't consider what people will say! - -Nora. I cannot consider that at all. I only know that it is -necessary for me. - -Helmer. It's shocking. This is how you would neglect your most -sacred duties. - -Nora. What do you consider my most sacred duties? - -Helmer. Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to -your husband and your children? - -Nora. I have other duties just as sacred. - -Helmer. That you have not. What duties could those be? - -Nora. Duties to myself. - -Helmer. Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. - -Nora. I don't believe that any longer. I believe that before all -else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are--or, at all -events, that I must try and become one. I know quite well, -Torvald, that most people would think you right, and that -views of that kind are to be found in books; but I can no -longer content myself with what most people say, or with -what is found in books. I must think over things for myself -and get to understand them. - -Helmer. Can you not understand your place in your own home? -Have you not a reliable guide in such matters as that?--have -you no religion? - -Nora. I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. - -Helmer. What are you saying? - -Nora. I know nothing but what the clergyman said, when I went -to be confirmed. He told us that religion was this, and that, -and the other. When I am away from all this, and am alone, -I will look into that matter too. I will see if what the -clergyman said is true, or at all events if it is true for me. - -Helmer. This is unheard of in a girl of your age! But if religion -cannot lead you aright, let me try and awaken your conscience. I -suppose you have some moral sense? Or--answer me--am I to think you -have none? - -Nora. I assure you, Torvald, that is not an easy question to answer. -I really don't know. The thing perplexes me altogether. I only -know that you and I look at it in quite a different light. -I am learning, too, that the law is quite another thing from -what I supposed; but I find it impossible to convince myself -that the law is right. According to it a woman has no right -to spare her old dying father, or to save her husband's -life. I can't believe that. - -Helmer. You talk like a child. You don't understand the -conditions of the world in which you live. - -Nora. No, I don't. But now I am going to try. I am going -to see if I can make out who is right, the world or I. - -Helmer. You are ill, Nora; you are delirious; I almost think you -are out of your mind. - -Nora. I have never felt my mind so clear and certain as tonight. - -Helmer. And is it with a clear and certain mind that you forsake -your husband and your children? - -Nora. Yes, it is. - -Helmer. Then there is only one possible explanation. - -Nora. What is that? - -Helmer. You do not love me anymore. - -Nora. No, that is just it. - -Helmer. Nora!--and you can say that? - -Nora. It gives me great pain, Torvald, for you have always been -so kind to me, but I cannot help it. I do not love you any more. - -Helmer (regaining his composure). Is that a clear and certain -conviction too? - -Nora. Yes, absolutely clear and certain. That is the reason why I -will not stay here any longer. - -Helmer. And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love? - -Nora. Yes, indeed I can. It was tonight, when the wonderful thing did not -happen; then I saw you were not the man I had thought you were. - -Helmer. Explain yourself better. I don't understand you. - -Nora. I have waited so patiently for eight years; for, goodness -knows, I knew very well that wonderful things don't happen every -day. Then this horrible misfortune came upon me; and then I felt -quite certain that the wonderful thing was going to happen at last. -When Krogstad's letter was lying out there, never for a moment -did I imagine that you would consent to accept this man's -conditions. I was so absolutely certain that you would say -to him: Publish the thing to the whole world. And when that was done-- - -Helmer. Yes, what then?--when I had exposed my wife to shame and -disgrace? - -Nora. When that was done, I was so absolutely certain, you would -come forward and take everything upon yourself, and say: I am the -guilty one. - -Helmer. Nora--! - -Nora. You mean that I would never have accepted such a sacrifice -on your part? No, of course not. But what would my assurances have -been worth against yours? That was the wonderful thing which I -hoped for and feared; and it was to prevent that, that I wanted -to kill myself. - -Helmer. I would gladly work night and day for you, Nora--bear -sorrow and want for your sake. But no man would sacrifice his -honour for the one he loves. - -Nora. It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done. - -Helmer. Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child. - -Nora. Maybe. But you neither think nor talk like the man I -could bind myself to. As soon as your fear was over--and it -was not fear for what threatened me, but for what might happen -to you--when the whole thing was past, as far as you were -concerned it was exactly as if nothing at all had happened. -Exactly as before, I was your little skylark, your doll, -which you would in future treat with doubly gentle care, -because it was so brittle and fragile. (Getting up.) -Torvald--it was then it dawned upon me that for eight -years I had been living here with a strange man, and had -borne him three children--. Oh, I can't bear to think -of it! I could tear myself into little bits! - -Helmer (sadly). I see, I see. An abyss has opened between us--there -is no denying it. But, Nora, would it not be possible to fill it up? - -Nora. As I am now, I am no wife for you. - -Helmer. I have it in me to become a different man. - -Nora. Perhaps--if your doll is taken away from you. - -Helmer. But to part!--to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can't -understand that idea. - -Nora (going out to the right). That makes it all the more certain -that it must be done. (She comes back with her cloak and hat and -a small bag which she puts on a chair by the table.) - -Helmer. Nora, Nora, not now! Wait until tomorrow. - -Nora (putting on her cloak). I cannot spend the night in a -strange man's room. - -Helmer. But can't we live here like brother and sister--? - -Nora (putting on her hat). You know very well that would not last -long. (Puts the shawl round her.) 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. - -Helmer. But some day, Nora--some day? - -Nora. How can I tell? I have no idea what is going to become of me. - -Helmer. But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you. - -Nora. Listen, Torvald. I have heard that when a wife deserts her -husband's house, as I am doing now, he is legally freed from all -obligations towards her. In any case, I set you free from all your -obligations. You are not to feel yourself bound in the slightest -way, any more than I shall. There must be perfect freedom on -both sides. See, here is your ring back. Give me mine. - -Helmer. That too? - -Nora. That too. - -Helmer. Here it is. - -Nora. That's right. Now it is all over. I have put the keys here. -The maids know all about everything in the house--better than I do. -Tomorrow, after I have left her, Christine will come here and -pack up my own things that I brought with me from home. I will -have them sent after me. - -Helmer. All over! All over!--Nora, shall you never think of me again? - -Nora. I know I shall often think of you, the children, and this house. - -Helmer. May I write to you, Nora? - -Nora. No--never. You must not do that. - -Helmer. But at least let me send you-- - -Nora. Nothing--nothing-- - -Helmer. Let me help you if you are in want. - -Nora. No. I can receive nothing from a stranger. - -Helmer. Nora--can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? - -Nora (taking her bag). Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of -all would have to happen. - -Helmer. Tell me what that would be! - -Nora. Both you and I would have to be so changed that--. Oh, Torvald, -I don't believe any longer in wonderful things happening. - -Helmer. But I will believe in it. Tell me! So changed that--? - -Nora. That our life together would be a real wedlock. Goodbye. -(She goes out through the hall.) - -Helmer (sinks down on a chair at the door and buries his face in -his hands). Nora! Nora! (Looks round, and rises.) Empty. She is gone. (A hope -flashes across his mind.) The most wonderful thing of all--? - -(The sound of a door shutting is heard from below.) - - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, A DOLL'S HOUSE *** - -This file should be named dlshs11.txt or dlshs11.zip -Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, dlshs12.txt -VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, dlshs11a.txt - -Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US -unless a copyright notice is included. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END* - diff --git a/old/dlshs11.zip b/old/dlshs11.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index df323c3..0000000 --- a/old/dlshs11.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/dlshs11h.htm b/old/dlshs11h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index dc11428..0000000 --- a/old/dlshs11h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3056 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> -<html> -<head> -<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen</title> -<meta HTTP-EQUIV="content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> -<STYLE TYPE="text/css"> -<!-- -.character { - font-weight: bold; -} - -.stage-direction { - font-style: italic; -} - -.centered { - text-align: center; -} ---> -</STYLE> -</head> -<body> -<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen</h1> - -<pre> -Copyright laws are changing all over the world. 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You can also find out about how to make a -donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. - - -**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** - -**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** - -*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** - - -Title: Ax Doll's House - -Author: Henrik Ibsen - -Release Date: March, 2001 [EBook #2542] -[This file was first posted on February 22, 2004] -[Most recently updated: February 22, 2004] - -Edition: 11 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: US-ASCII - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, A DOLL'S HOUSE *** - - - - -HTML prepared by Cameron Stone. - - - - - - - -</pre> -<H1 class="centered">A DOLL'S HOUSE</H1> - -<H3 class="centered">by Henrik Ibsen</H3> - -<HR> - -<H3>DRAMATIS PERSONAE</H3> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Torvald Helmer</SPAN>. -<BR><SPAN class="character">Nora, his wife</SPAN>. -<BR><SPAN class="character">Doctor Rank</SPAN>. -<BR><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. -<BR><SPAN class="character">Nils Krogstad</SPAN>. -<BR><SPAN class="character">Helmer's three young children</SPAN>. -<BR><SPAN class="character">Anne, their nurse</SPAN>. -<BR><SPAN class="character">A Housemaid</SPAN>. -<BR><SPAN class="character">A Porter</SPAN>. -<BR><SPAN class="stage-direction">[The action takes place in Helmer's house.]</SPAN> - -<HR> - -<H2>A DOLL'S HOUSE</H2> - -<HR> - -<H3>ACT I</H3> - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">It is winter. A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. Enter NORA, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in 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.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[To the PORTER, taking out her purse.]</SPAN> How much? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Porter</SPAN>. Sixpence. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. There is a shilling. No, keep the change. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> Yes, he is in. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[calls out from his room]</SPAN>. Is that my little lark twittering out there? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[busy opening some of the parcels]</SPAN>. Yes, it is! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Is it my little squirrel bustling about? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. When did my squirrel come home? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Just now. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.]</SPAN> Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Don't disturb me. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room, pen in hand.]</SPAN> Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary is due. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Pooh! we can borrow until then. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[putting her hands over his mouth]</SPAN>. Oh! don't say such horrid things. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Still, suppose that happened,--what then? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I owed money or not. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes, but what about the people who had lent it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[moving towards the stove]</SPAN>. As you please, Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[following her]</SPAN>. Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Taking out his purse.]</SPAN> Nora, what do you think I have got here? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[turning round quickly]</SPAN>. Money! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. There you are. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Gives her some money.]</SPAN> Do you think I don't know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas- time? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[counting]</SPAN>. Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you, thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Indeed it must. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. And what is in this parcel? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[crying out]</SPAN>. No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would you like for yourself? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would particularly like to have. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Well? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his]</SPAN>. If you really want to give me something, you might--you might-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Well, out with it! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[speaking quickly]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But, Nora-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What are little people called that are always wasting money? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[smiling]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Oh but, Torvald-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts his arm round her waist.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[laughing]</SPAN>. That's very true,--all you can. But you can't save anything! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[smiling quietly and happily]</SPAN>. You haven't any idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Do I? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You do, really. Look straight at me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[looks at him]</SPAN>. Well? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[wagging his finger at her]</SPAN>. Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No; what makes you think that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, I assure you, Torvald-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Not been nibbling sweets? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, certainly not. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, Torvald, I assure you really-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. There, there, of course I was only joking. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[going to the table on the right]</SPAN>. I should not think of going against your wishes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word-- <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Going up to her.]</SPAN> Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It's wonderful! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I didn't find it dull. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[smiling]</SPAN>. But there was precious little result, Nora. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I help the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, it is really wonderful. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[clapping her hands]</SPAN>. No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need I! It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Taking his arm.]</SPAN> Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over--<SPAN class="stage-direction">[A bell rings in the hall.]</SPAN> There's the bell. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She tidies the room a little.]</SPAN> There's some one at the door. What a nuisance! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in the doorway]</SPAN>. A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Ask her to come in. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[to HELMER]</SPAN>. The doctor came at the same time, sir. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Did he go straight into my room? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. Yes, sir. - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs Linde, who is in travelling dress, and shuts the door.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[in a dejected and timid voice]</SPAN>. How do you do, Nora? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[doubtfully]</SPAN>. How do you do-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You don't recognise me, I suppose. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--<SPAN class="stage-direction">[Suddenly.]</SPAN> Yes! Christine! Is it really you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, it is I. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could I--<SPAN class="stage-direction">[In a gentle voice.]</SPAN> How you have altered, Christine! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I arrived by steamer this morning. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Helps her.]</SPAN> Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Takes her hands.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. And much, much older, Nora. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.]</SPAN> What a thoughtless creature I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. What do you mean, Nora? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[gently]</SPAN>. Poor Christine, you are a widow. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes; it is three years ago now. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I quite understand, dear. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have suffered. And he left you nothing? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And no children? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Nothing at all, then. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[looking incredulously at her]</SPAN>. But, Christine, is that possible? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[smiles sadly and strokes her hair]</SPAN>. It sometimes happens, Nora. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, no; I want to hear about you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, what is it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Your husband? What good luck! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[smiling]</SPAN>. Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you were a great spendthrift. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[laughing]</SPAN>. Yes, that is what Torvald says now. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Wags her finger at her.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You too? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Dropping her voice.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. So I should think. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, isn't it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the money. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I ought to tell you that we had it from papa. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn't it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to Italy? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our going, so we started a month later. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. And your husband came back quite well? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. As sound as a bell! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But--the doctor? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What doctor? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just as I did, was the doctor? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once everyday. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Jumps up and claps her hands.]</SPAN> Christine! Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!--But how horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And then?-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What a relief you must feel if-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Gets up restlessly.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[walking to the window]</SPAN>. I have no father to give me money for a journey, Nora. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[rising]</SPAN>. Oh, don't be angry with me! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[going up to her]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could get you something to do. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, that was what I was thinking of. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I--? I know so little of them? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[smiling]</SPAN>. My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!--You are a child, Nora. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[tosses her head and crosses the stage]</SPAN>. You ought not to be so superior. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable of anything really serious-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Come, come-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Pooh!--those were trifles. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Lowering her voice.]</SPAN> I have not told you the important thing. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. The important thing? What do you mean? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And you are proud to think of what you have done for your brothers? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I think I have the right to be. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have something to be proud and glad of. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn't on any account--no one in the world must know, Christine, except you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But what is it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Come here. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. "Saved"? How? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have recovered if he had not gone there-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[smiling]</SPAN>. Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, but-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You? All that large sum? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a prize in the Lottery? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[contemptuously]</SPAN>. In the Lottery? There would have been no credit in that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But where did you get it from, then? Nora <SPAN class="stage-direction">[humming and smiling with an air of mystery]</SPAN>. Hm, hm! Aha! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Because you couldn't have borrowed it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Couldn't I? Why not? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband's consent. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[tossing her head]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I don't understand it at all, Nora. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed the money. I may have got it some other way. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Lies back on the sofa.]</SPAN> Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is as attractive as I am-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You are a mad creature. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Now, you know you're full of curiosity, Christine. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Listen to me, Nora dear. Haven't you been a little bit imprudent? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[sits up straight]</SPAN>. Is it imprudent to save your husband's life? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. And did your husband never get to know from your father that the money had not come from him? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. And since then have you never told your secret to your husband? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Do you mean never to tell him about it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[meditatively, and with a half smile]</SPAN>. 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--<SPAN class="stage-direction">[Breaking off.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries of life, poor Nora? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Quite so. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. How much have you been able to pay off in that way? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Smiles.]</SPAN> Then I used to sit here and imagine that a rich old gentleman had fallen in love with me-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. What! Who was it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But, my dear Nora--who could the man be? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Jumps up.]</SPAN> 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[A bell is heard in the hall.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[rising]</SPAN>. There is the bell; perhaps I had better go. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, don't go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be for Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Servant </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[at the hall door]</SPAN>. Excuse me, ma'am--there is a gentleman to see the master, and as the doctor is with him-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Who is it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[at the door]</SPAN>. It is I, Mrs Helmer. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Mrs LINDE starts, trembles, and turns to the window.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low voice]</SPAN>. You? What is it? What do you want to see my husband about? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Then it is-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs Helmer; absolutely nothing else. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Be so good as to go into the study, then. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She bows indifferently to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes back and makes up the fire in the stove.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Nora--who was that man? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Then it really was he. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Do you know the man? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I used to--many years ago. At one time he was a solicitor's clerk in our town. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, he was. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. He is greatly altered. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. He made a very unhappy marriage. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. He is a widower now, isn't he? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. With several children. There now, it is burning up. Shuts the door of the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.] - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. They say he carries on various kinds of business. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Really! Perhaps he does; I don't know anything about it. But don't let us think of business; it is so tiresome. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Doctor Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[comes out of HELMER'S study. Before he shuts the door he calls to him]</SPAN>. No, my dear fellow, I won't disturb you; I would rather go in to your wife for a little while. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Shuts the door and sees Mrs LINDE.]</SPAN> I beg your pardon; I am afraid I am disturbing you too. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, not at all. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Introducing him]</SPAN>. Doctor Rank, Mrs Linde. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. I have often heard Mrs Linde's name mentioned here. I think I passed you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs Linde? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, I go up very slowly; I can't manage stairs well. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Ah! some slight internal weakness? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, the fact is I have been overworking myself. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to town to amuse yourself with our entertainments? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I have come to look for work. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Is that a good cure for overwork? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. One must live, Doctor Rank. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Look here, Doctor Rank--you know you want to live. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[sadly]</SPAN>. Ah! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Whom do you mean? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about the Bank. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I didn't know this--what's his name--Krogstad had anything to do with the Bank. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[To Mrs Linde.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care of. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[shrugging his shoulders]</SPAN>. Yes, there you are. That is the sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house. - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into smothered laughter and claps her hands.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society really is? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Is that what you find so extremely amusing? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[smiling and humming]</SPAN>. That's my affair! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Walking about the room.]</SPAN> It's perfectly glorious to think that we have--that Torvald has so much power over so many people. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Takes the packet from her pocket.]</SPAN> Doctor Rank, what do you say to a macaroon? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, but these are some Christine gave me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. What! I?-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts a macaroon into his mouth.]</SPAN> You must have one too, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one--or at most two. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Walking about.]</SPAN> I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in the world now that I should dearly love to do. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Well, what is that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It's something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald could hear me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Well, why can't you say it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, I daren't; it's so shocking. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Shocking? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I should just love to say--Well, I'm damned! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Are you mad? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Nora, dear--! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Say it, here he is! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[hiding the packet]</SPAN>. Hush! Hush! Hush! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[HELMER comes out of his room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes, he has just gone. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Let me introduce you--this is Christine, who has come to town. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Christine--? Excuse me, but I don't know-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Mrs Linde, dear; Christine Linde. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Of course. A school friend of my wife's, I presume? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, we have known each other since then. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What do you mean? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, really, I-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect herself-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Very sensible, Mrs Linde. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a widow, Mrs Linde? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. And have had some experience of book-keeping? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, a fair amount. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Ah! well, it's very likely I may be able to find something for you-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[clapping her hands]</SPAN>. What did I tell you? What did I tell you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs Linde. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. How am I to thank you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. There is no need. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts on his coat.]</SPAN> But today you must excuse me-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Wait a minute; I will come with you. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Brings his fur coat from the hall and warms it at the fire.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Don't be long away, Torvald dear. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. About an hour, not more. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Are you going too, Christine? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[putting on her cloak]</SPAN>. Yes, I must go and look for a room. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[helping her]</SPAN>. What a pity it is we are so short of space here; I am afraid it is impossible for us-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Please don't think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and many thanks. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[They go to the door all talking together. Children's voices are heard on the staircase.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. There they are! There they are! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She runs to open the door. The NURSE comes in with the children.]</SPAN> Come in! Come in! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Stoops and kisses them.]</SPAN> Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren't they darlings? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Don't let us stand here in the draught. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Come along, Mrs Linde; the place will only be bearable for a mother now! - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[RANK, HELMER, and Mrs Linde go downstairs. The NURSE comes forward with the children; NORA shuts the hall door.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples and roses. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[The children all talk at once while she speaks to them.]</SPAN> 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! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Takes the baby from the MAID and dances it up and down.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[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, lie waits a little; the game goes on.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Excuse me, Mrs Helmer. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her knees]</SPAN>. Ah! what do you want? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone forgot to shut it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[rising]</SPAN>. My husband is out, Mr. Krogstad. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I know that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you want here, then? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. A word with you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. With me?--<SPAN class="stage-direction">[To the children, gently.]</SPAN> Go in to nurse. What? No, the strange man won't do mother any harm. When he has gone we will have another game. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She takes the children into the room on the left, and shuts the door after them.]</SPAN> You want to speak to me? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Yes, I do. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Today? It is not the first of the month yet. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself what sort of a Christmas you will spend. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. We won't talk about that until later on. This is something different. I presume you can give me a moment? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes--yes, I can--although-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Good. I was in Olsen's Restaurant and saw your husband going down the street-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. With a lady. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What then? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs Linde? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It was. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Just arrived in town? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, today. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. She is a great friend of yours, isn't she? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. She is. But I don't see-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I knew her too, once upon a time. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I am aware of that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I was right in what I thought, then. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[walking up and down the stage]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Who has influence? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Exactly. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[changing his tone]</SPAN>. Mrs Helmer, you will be so good as to use your influence on my behalf. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What? What do you mean? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position in the Bank. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. But I assure you-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Haven't you? I thought you said yourself just now-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don't suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. You are bold, Mrs Helmer. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[controlling himself]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. So it seems. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I think I have heard something of the kind. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Then it is because you haven't the will; but I have means to compel you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Hm!--suppose I were to tell him? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It would be perfectly infamous of you. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Sobbing.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Only disagreeable? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[impetuously]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid of? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[coming a step nearer]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you mean? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two hundred and fifty pounds. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I didn't know anyone else to go to. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I promised to get you that amount-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, and you did so. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, and which I signed. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Should? He did sign them. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, I think I remember-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is that not so? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Well, haven't I been paying it off regularly? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It was, indeed. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Your father was very ill, wasn't he? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. He was very near his end. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. And died soon afterwards? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Tell me, Mrs Helmer, can you by any chance remember what day your father died?--on what day of the month, I mean. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Papa died on the 29th of September. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as that is so, there is a discrepancy <SPAN class="stage-direction">[taking a paper from his pocket]</SPAN> which I cannot account for. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What discrepancy? I don't know-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. The discrepancy consists, Mrs Helmer, in the fact that your father signed this bond three days after his death. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you mean? I don't understand-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[NORA is silent.]</SPAN> Can you explain it to me? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[NORA is still silent.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly at him]</SPAN>. No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa's name. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Are you aware that is a dangerous confession? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. In what way? You shall have your money soon. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to your father? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. It would have been better for you if you had given up your trip abroad. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband's life; I couldn't give that up. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. But did it never occur to you that you were committing a fraud on me? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run a risk to save your wife's life? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. The law cares nothing about motives. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Then it must be a very foolish law. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if I produce this paper in court. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[He bows, and goes out through the hall.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her head]</SPAN>. Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!--I am not so silly as he thinks. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Begins to busy herself putting the children's things in order.]</SPAN> And yet--? No, it's impossible! I did it for love's sake. - -<P><SPAN class="character">The Children </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in the doorway on the left]</SPAN>. Mother, the stranger man has gone out through the gate. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, dears, I know. But, don't tell anyone about the stranger man. Do you hear? Not even papa. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Children</SPAN>. No, mother; but will you come and play again? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, no,--not now. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Children</SPAN>. But, mother, you promised us. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, but I can't now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run away in, my sweet little darlings. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> No! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.]</SPAN> Helen! bring the Tree in. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes to the table on the left, opens a drawer, and stops again.]</SPAN> No, no! it is quite impossible! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[coming in with the Tree]</SPAN>. Where shall I put it, ma'am? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Here, in the middle of the floor. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. Shall I get you anything else? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit MAID.] - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[begins dressing the tree]</SPAN>. 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--<SPAN class="stage-direction">[HELMER comes in with some papers under his arm.]</SPAN> Oh! are you back already?. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes. Has anyone been here? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Here? No. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging you to say a good word for him. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, Torvald, but-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. A lie--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Didn't you tell me no one had been here? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Shakes his finger at her.]</SPAN> My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with--no false notes! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts his arm round her waist.]</SPAN> That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure it is. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Lets her go.]</SPAN> We will say no more about it. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Sits down by the stove.]</SPAN> How warm and snug it is here! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Turns over his papers.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the Christmas Tree.]</SPAN> Torvald! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It was very silly of me to want to do that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What do you mean? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I can't hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of seems so silly and insignificant. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it]</SPAN>. Are you very busy, Torvald? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Well-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What are all those papers? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Bank business. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Already? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Then that was why this poor Krogstad-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Hm! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair]</SPAN>. If you hadn't been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What is that? Tell me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to her rescue? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, Torvald, I can't get along a bit without your help. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon something. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. That is nice of you. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short pause.]</SPAN> How pretty the red flowers look--. But, tell me, was it really something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. He forged someone's name. Have you any idea what that means? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Isn't it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, you wouldn't, would you, Torvald? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Punishment--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. But do you think it would--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. How? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[coming nearer him]</SPAN>. Are you sure of that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Why do you only say--mother? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Holds out his hands to her.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of the Christmas Tree]</SPAN>. How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot to do. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[getting up and putting his papers in order]</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts his hand on her head.]</SPAN> My precious little singing-bird! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[He goes into his room and shuts the door after him.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[after a pause, whispers]</SPAN>. No, no--it isn't true. It's impossible; it must be impossible. - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[The NURSE opens the door on the left.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come in to mamma. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, no, no! Don't let them come in to me! You stay with them, Anne. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. Very well, ma'am. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Shuts the door.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[pale with terror]</SPAN>. Deprave my little children? Poison my home? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[A short pause. Then she tosses her head.]</SPAN> It's not true. It can't possibly be true. - -<HR> - -<H3>ACT II</H3> - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[drops her cloak]</SPAN>. Someone is coming now! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes to the door and listens.]</SPAN> No--it is no one. Of course, no one will come today, Christmas Day--nor tomorrow either. But, perhaps--<SPAN class="stage-direction">[opens the door and looks out]</SPAN>. No, nothing in the letterbox; it is quite empty. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Comes forward.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="stage-direction">[Enter the NURSE from the room on the left, carrying a big cardboard box.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. At last I have found the box with the fancy dress. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Thanks; put it on the table. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[doing so]</SPAN>. But it is very much in want of mending. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. What an idea! It can easily be put in order--just a little patience. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, I will go and get Mrs Linde to come and help me with it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch cold, ma'am, and make yourself ill. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, but-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Do they ask much for me? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now as I was before. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if she went away altogether? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. Good heavens!--went away altogether? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora's nurse. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, but how could you be willing to do it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. No, indeed she hasn't. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, and when she was married. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[putting her arms round her neck]</SPAN>. Dear old Anne, you were a good mother to me when I was little. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would-- What nonsense I am talking! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Opens the box.]</SPAN> Go in to them. Now I must--. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nurse</SPAN>. I am sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as you, ma'am. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes into the room on the left.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[begins to unpack the box, but soon pushes it away from her]</SPAN>. 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-- <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Screams.]</SPAN> Ah! there is someone coming--. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Makes a movement towards the door, but stands irresolute.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[Enter Mrs Linde from the hall, where she has taken off her cloak and hat.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Oh, it's you, Christine. There is no one else out there, is there? How good of you to come! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I heard you were up asking for me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I see; you are going to keep up the character. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It is nice of you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[sewing]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[gets up, and crosses the stage]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[dropping her sewing]</SPAN>. But, my dearest Nora, how do you know anything about such things? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[walking about]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[goes on sewing. A short silence]</SPAN>. Does Doctor Rank come here everyday? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Not in the least. What makes you think that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What ought I to make an end of? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense about a rich admirer who was to leave you money-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. An admirer who doesn't exist, unfortunately! But what then? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Is Doctor Rank a man of means? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, he is. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. And has no one to provide for? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, no one; but-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. And comes here everyday? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, I told you so. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But how can this well-bred man be so tactless? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I don't understand you at all. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Don't prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don't guess who lent you the two hundred and fifty pounds? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Then it really isn't he? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But of course you won't. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Behind your husband's back? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[walking up and down]</SPAN>. A man can put a thing like that straight much easier than a woman-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. One's husband, yes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Nonsense! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Standing still.]</SPAN> When you pay off a debt you get your bond back, don't you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, as a matter of course. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up--the nasty dirty paper! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly]</SPAN>. Nora, you are concealing something from me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Do I look as if I were? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, what is it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[going nearer to her]</SPAN>. Christine! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Listens.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[gathering some of the things together]</SPAN>. Certainly -- but I am not going away from here until we have had it out with one another. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She goes into the room on the left, as HELMER comes in from the hall.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[going up to HELMER]</SPAN>. I have wanted you so much, Torvald dear. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Was that the dressmaker? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in order. You will see I shall look quite smart. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Wasn't that a happy thought of mine, now? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Splendid! But don't you think it is nice of me, too, to do as you wish? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I suppose you are going to work. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Shows her a bundle of papers.]</SPAN> Look at that. I have just been into the bank. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Turns to go into his room.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, very prettily--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What then? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Would you do it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. I should like to hear what it is, first. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you would be nice, and do what she wants. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Speak plainly. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song rising and falling-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Well, my skylark does that anyhow. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora--you surely don't mean that request you made to me this morning? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[going near him]</SPAN>. Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Have you really the courage to open up that question again? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, dear, you must do as I ask; you must let Krogstad keep his post in the bank. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs Linde shall have. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could just as well dismiss some other clerk instead of Krogstad. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that scare you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you mean? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Naturally you are thinking of your father. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And what if it did? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Whatever is that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if necessary-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, you could--couldn't you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Torvald, I don't believe you mean that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Don't you? Why not? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at things. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am narrow-minded? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, just the opposite, dear--and it is exactly for that reason. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes to the hall door and calls.]</SPAN> Helen! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What are you going to do? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[looking among his papers]</SPAN>. Settle it. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Enter MAID.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. Very well, sir. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Exit with the letter.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[putting his papers together]</SPAN>. Now then, little Miss Obstinate. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[breathlessly]</SPAN>. Torvald--what was that letter? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Krogstad's dismissal. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. It's too late. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, it's too late. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Takes her in his arms.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in a horror-stricken voice]</SPAN>. What do you mean by that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Everything, I say-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[recovering herself]</SPAN>. You will never have to do that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. That's right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man and wife should. That is how it shall be. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Caressing her.]</SPAN> 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Turns back at the door.]</SPAN> And when Rank comes, tell him where he will find me. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Nods to her, takes his papers and goes into his room, and shuts the door after him.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot, and whispers]</SPAN>. 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! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[The door-bell rings.]</SPAN> Doctor Rank! Anything rather than that--anything, whatever it is! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. And you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[brings him in and shuts the door after him]</SPAN>. Oh, you know very well I always have time for you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Well, does that alarm you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely to happen? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Nothing but what I have long been prepared for. But I certainly didn't expect it to happen so soon. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[gripping him by the arm]</SPAN>. What have you found out? Doctor Rank, you must tell me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[sitting down by the stove]</SPAN>. It is all up with me. And it can't be helped. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[with a sigh of relief]</SPAN>. Is it about yourself? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What an ugly thing to say! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Oh, but, Doctor Rank-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. You are quite absurd today. And I wanted you so much to be in a really good humour. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[putting her hands over her ears]</SPAN>. Rubbish! Do talk of something cheerful. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Oh, it's a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor innocent spine has to suffer for my father's youthful amusements. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[sitting at the table on the left]</SPAN>. I suppose you mean that he was too partial to asparagus and pate de foie gras, don't you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, and to truffles. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Oysters, of course, that goes without saying. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these nice things should take their revenge on our bones. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky bones of those who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, that's the saddest part of it all. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[with a searching look at her]</SPAN>. Hm!-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[after a short pause]</SPAN>. Why did you smile? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. No, it was you that laughed. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[rising]</SPAN>. You are a greater rascal than I thought. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I am in a silly mood today. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. So it seems. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[putting her hands on his shoulders]</SPAN>. Dear, dear Doctor Rank, death mustn't take you away from Torvald and me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are gone are soon forgotten. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[looking at him anxiously]</SPAN>. Do you believe that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. People form new ties, and then-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Who will form new ties? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Oho!--you don't mean to say you are jealous of poor Christine? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am done for, this woman will-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Hush! don't speak so loud. She is in that room. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Today again. There, you see. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. She has only come to sew my dress for me. Bless my soul, how unreasonable you are! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Sits down on the sofa.]</SPAN> 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Takes various things out of the box.]</SPAN> Doctor Rank, come and sit down here, and I will show you something. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[sitting down]</SPAN>. What is it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Just look at those! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Silk stockings. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Hm!-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Why are you looking so critical? Don't you think they will fit me? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. I have no means of forming an opinion about that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[looks at him for a moment]</SPAN>. For shame! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Hits him lightly on the ear with the stockings.]</SPAN> That's to punish you. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Folds them up again.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She looks among the things, humming to herself.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[after a short silence]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[smiling]</SPAN>. I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him]</SPAN>. And to be obliged to leave it all-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Nonsense, you are not going to leave it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[as before]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And if I asked you now for a--? No! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. For what? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. For a big proof of your friendship-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, yes! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I mean a tremendously big favour-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Would you really make me so happy for once? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Ah, but you don't know what it is yet. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. No--but tell me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason; it means advice, and help, and a favour-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[leaning towards her]</SPAN>. Nora--do you think he is the only one--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[with a slight start]</SPAN>. The only one--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[sadly]</SPAN>. Is that it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[rises, deliberately and quietly]</SPAN>. Let me pass. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[makes room for her to pass him, but sits still]</SPAN>. Nora! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[at the hall door]</SPAN>. Helen, bring in the lamp. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes over to the stove.]</SPAN> Dear Doctor Rank, that was really horrid of you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that horrid? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. What do you mean? Did you know--? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[MAID enters with lamp, puts it down on the table, and goes out.]</SPAN> Nora--Mrs Helmer--tell me, had you any idea of this? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, body and soul. So won't you speak out? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[looking at him]</SPAN>. After what happened? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. I beg you to let me know what it is. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I can't tell you anything now. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, yes. You mustn't punish me in that way. Let me have permission to do for you whatever a man may do. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Sits down in the rocking-chair, and looks at him with a smile.]</SPAN> You are a nice sort of man, Doctor Rank!--don't you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lamp has come? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go--for ever? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, but you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes--you see there are some people one loves best, and others whom one would almost always rather have as companions. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, there is something in that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. I see--it is their place I have taken. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[jumping up and going to him]</SPAN>. 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--<SPAN class="stage-direction">[Enter MAID from the hall.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. If you please, ma'am. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Whispers and hands her a card.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[glancing at the card]</SPAN>. Oh! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts it in her pocket.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Is there anything wrong? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, no, not in the least. It is only something--it is my new dress-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. What? Your dress is lying there. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn't know about it-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Oho! Then that was the great secret. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room. Keep him as long as-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Make your mind easy; I won't let him escape. - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes into HELMER'S room.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[to the MAID]</SPAN>. And he is standing waiting in the kitchen? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. Yes; he came up the back stairs. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. But didn't you tell him no one was in? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. Yes, but it was no good. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. He won't go away? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. No; he says he won't until he has seen you, ma'am. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. Yes, ma'am, I quite understand. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Exit.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[advancing towards him]</SPAN>. Speak low--my husband is at home. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. No matter about that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you want of me? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. An explanation of something. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Make haste then. What is it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought as hard as I could on your side, but it was no good. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I can expose you to, and yet he ventures-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I didn't suppose so at all. It would not be the least like our dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. More than you could ever teach me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What is it you want of me? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Show it, then; think of my little children. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, of course not; I was sure of that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. My husband must never get to know anything about it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. How will you be able to prevent it? Am I to understand that you can pay the balance that is owing? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, not just at present. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the money soon? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No expedient that I mean to make use of. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It has. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. If you had it in your mind to run away from your home-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I had. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Or even something worse-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. How could you know that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Give up the idea. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. How did you know I had thought of that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Most of us think of that at first. I did, too--but I hadn't the courage. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[faintly]</SPAN>. No more had I. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in a tone of relief]</SPAN>. No, that's it, isn't it--you hadn't the courage either? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, I haven't--I haven't. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Telling him everything? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. In as lenient a manner as I possibly could. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[quickly]</SPAN>. He mustn't get the letter. Tear it up. I will find some means of getting money. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Excuse me, Mrs Helmer, but I think I told you just now-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I am not asking your husband for a penny. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you want, then? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. That he will never do! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. That's a thing you will never see! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Do you mean that you will--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I have courage enough for it now. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Oh, you can't frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. You will see, you will see. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. You can't frighten me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Afterwards? When I am no longer-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of your reputation? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[NORA stands speechlessly looking at him.]</SPAN> 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Exit through the hall.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens.]</SPAN> He is going. He is not putting the letter in the box. Oh no, no! that's impossible! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Opens the door by degrees.]</SPAN> What is that? He is standing outside. He is not going downstairs. Is he hesitating? Can he--? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. In the letter-box. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Steals across to the hall door.]</SPAN> There it lies--Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now! - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[Mrs Linde comes in from the room on the left, carrying the dress.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. There, I can't see anything more to mend now. Would you like to try it on--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in a hoarse whisper]</SPAN>. Christine, come here. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[throwing the dress down on the sofa]</SPAN>. What is the matter with you? You look so agitated! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Come here. Do you see that letter? There, look--you can see it through the glass in the letter-box. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, I see it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. That letter is from Krogstad. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Nora--it was Krogstad who lent you the money! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, and now Torvald will know all about it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Believe me, Nora, that's the best thing for both of you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. You don't know all. I forged a name. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Good heavens--! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I only want to say this to you, Christine--you must be my witness. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. If I should go out of my mind--and it might easily happen-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Nora! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Or if anything else should happen to me--anything, for instance, that might prevent my being here-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And if it should happen that there were some one who wanted to take all the responsibility, all the blame, you understand-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, yes--but how can you suppose--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I will, indeed. But I don't understand all this. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going to happen! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. A wonderful thing? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, a wonderful thing!--But it is so terrible, Christine; it mustn't happen, not for all the world. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I will go at once and see Krogstad. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Don't go to him; he will do you some harm. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. There was a time when he would gladly do anything for my sake. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. He? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Where does he live? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. How should I know--? Yes <SPAN class="stage-direction">[feeling in her pocket]</SPAN>, here is his card. But the letter, the letter--! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[calls from his room, knocking at the door]</SPAN>. Nora! Nora <SPAN class="stage-direction">[cries out anxiously]</SPAN>. Oh, what's that? What do you want? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Don't be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked the door. Are you trying on your dress? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, that's it. I look so nice, Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[who has read the card]</SPAN>. I see he lives at the corner here. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, but it's no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying there in the box. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. And your husband keeps the key? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, always. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must find some pretence-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. But it is just at this time that Torvald generally-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I will come back as soon as I can. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She goes out hurriedly through the hall door.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[goes to HELMER'S door, opens it and peeps in]</SPAN>. Torvald! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[from the inner room]</SPAN>. Well? May I venture at last to come into my own room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see-- <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Halting in the doorway.]</SPAN> But what is this? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What is what, dear? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in the doorway]</SPAN>. I understood so, but evidently I was mistaken. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress until tomorrow. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been practising too much? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, I have not practised at all. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But you will need to-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Oh, we will soon work it up again. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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-- <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes towards the hall door.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What are you going to do there? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Only see if any letters have come. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, no! don't do that, Torvald! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Why not? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Torvald, please don't. There is nothing there. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Well, let me look. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Turns to go to the letter-box. NORA, at the piano, plays the first bars of the Tarantella. HELMER stops in the doorway.]</SPAN> Aha! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I can't dance tomorrow if I don't practise with you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[going up to her]</SPAN>. Are you really so afraid of it, dear? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. With great pleasure, if you wish me to. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Sits down at the piano.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[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]</SPAN>. Now play for me! I am going to dance! - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[HELMER plays and NORA dances. RANK stands by the piano behind HELMER, and looks on.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[as he plays]</SPAN>. Slower, slower! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I can't do it any other way. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Not so violently, Nora! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. This is the way. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[stops playing]</SPAN>. No, no--that is not a bit right. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[laughing and swinging the tambourine]</SPAN>. Didn't I tell you so? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Let me play for her. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[getting up]</SPAN>. Yes, do. I can correct her better then. - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[standing as if spell-bound in the doorway]</SPAN>. Oh!-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[as she dances]</SPAN>. Such fun, Christine! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. So it does. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Stop, Rank; this is sheer madness. Stop, I tell you! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[RANK stops playing, and NORA suddenly stands still. HELMER goes up to her.]</SPAN> I could never have believed it. You have forgotten everything I taught you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[throwing away the tambourine]</SPAN>. There, you see. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You will want a lot of coaching. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, you see how much I need it. You must coach me up to the last minute. Promise me that, Torvald! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You can depend on me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, indeed I am. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter from him lying there. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[whispers to HELMER]</SPAN>. You mustn't contradict her. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[taking her in his arms]</SPAN>. The child shall have her way. But tomorrow night, after you have danced-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Then you will be free. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[The MAID appears in the doorway to the right.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. Dinner is served, ma'am. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. We will have champagne, Helen. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid</SPAN>. Very good, ma'am. [Exit. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Hullo!--are we going to have a banquet? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, a champagne banquet until the small hours. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Calls out.]</SPAN> And a few macaroons, Helen--lots, just for once! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Come, come, don't be so wild and nervous. Be my own little skylark, as you used. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. Christine, you must help me to do up my hair. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[whispers to HELMER as they go out]</SPAN>. I suppose there is nothing--she is not expecting anything? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Far from it, my dear fellow; it is simply nothing more than this childish nervousness I was telling you of. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[They go into the right-hand room.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Well! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Gone out of town. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I could tell from your face. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. He is coming home tomorrow evening. I wrote a note for him. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. What is it that you are waiting for? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Oh, you wouldn't understand. Go in to them, I will come in a moment. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[from the doorway on the right]</SPAN>. Where's my little skylark? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[going to him with her arms outstretched]</SPAN>. Here she is! - -<HR> - -<H3>ACT III</H3> - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[looking at her watch]</SPAN>. Not yet--and the time is nearly up. If only he does not--. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Listens again.]</SPAN> Ah, there he is. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes into the hall and opens the outer door carefully. Light footsteps are heard on the stairs. She whispers.]</SPAN> Come in. There is no one here. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in the doorway]</SPAN>. I found a note from you at home. What does this mean? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Really? And is it absolutely necessary that it should be here? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[coming into the room]</SPAN>. Are the Helmers really at a dance tonight? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, why not? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Certainly--why not? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Now, Nils, let us have a talk. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Can we two have anything to talk about? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. We have a great deal to talk about. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I shouldn't have thought so. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, you have never properly understood me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Do you believe I am as absolutely heartless as all that? And do you believe that I did it with a light heart? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Didn't you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Nils, did you really think that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. If it were as you say, why did you write to me as you did at the time? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[wringing his hands]</SPAN>. So that was it. And all this--only for the sake of money! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. That may be so, but you had no right to throw me over for anyone else's sake. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Indeed I don't know. Many a time did I ask myself if I had the right to do it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[more gently]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. But help may be near. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. It was near; but then you came and stood in my way. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Unintentionally, Nils. It was only today that I learned it was your place I was going to take in the Bank. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I believe you, if you say so. But now that you know it, are you not going to give it up to me? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, because that would not benefit you in the least. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Oh, benefit, benefit--I would have done it whether or no. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I have learned to act prudently. Life, and hard, bitter necessity have taught me that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. And life has taught me not to believe in fine speeches. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Then life has taught you something very reasonable. But deeds you must believe in? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. What do you mean by that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You said you were like a shipwrecked man clinging to some wreckage. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I had good reason to say so. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Well, I am like a shipwrecked woman clinging to some wreckage--no one to mourn for, no one to care for. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. It was your own choice. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. There was no other choice--then. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Well, what now? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Nils, how would it be if we two shipwrecked people could join forces? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. What are you saying? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a better chance than each on their own. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Christine I... - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. What do you suppose brought me to town? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Do you mean that you gave me a thought? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Have you ever noticed anything of the sort in me? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Could you really do it? Tell me--do you know all about my past life? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. And do you know what they think of me here? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You seemed to me to imply that with me you might have been quite another man. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I am certain of it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Is it too late now? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[grasps her hands]</SPAN>. Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[listening]</SPAN>. Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Why? What is it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may expect them back. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, I know all about that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. And in spite of that have you the courage to--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. I understand very well to what lengths a man like you might be driven by despair. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. If I could only undo what I have done! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box now. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. Are you sure of that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Quite sure, but-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[with a searching look at her]</SPAN>. Is that what it all means?--that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. Is that it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's sake, doesn't do it a second time. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I will ask for my letter back. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, no. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. But, tell me, wasn't it for that very purpose that you asked me to meet you here? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[listening]</SPAN>. You must be quick and go! The dance is over; we are not safe a moment longer. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I will wait for you below. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, do. You must see me back to my door... - -<P><SPAN class="character">Krogstad</SPAN>. I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes out through the outer door. The door between the room and the hall remains open.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak ready]</SPAN>. 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--<SPAN class="stage-direction">[Listens.]</SPAN> Ah, there they are now. I must put on my things. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[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.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him]</SPAN>. No, no, no!--don't take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don't want to leave so early. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But, my dearest Nora-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Please, Torvald dear--please, please--only an hour more. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our agreement. Come along into the room; you are catching cold standing there. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[He brings her gently into the room, in spite of her resistance.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Good evening. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Christine! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You here, so late, Mrs Linde? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora in her dress. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Have you been sitting here waiting for me? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[taking off NORA'S shawl]</SPAN>. Yes, take a good look at her. I think she is worth looking at. Isn't she charming, Mrs Linde? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, indeed she is. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Torvald, you will repent not having let me stay, even if it were only for half an hour. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Throws his domino on a chair, and opens the door of his room.]</SPAN> Hullo! it's all dark in here. Oh, of course--excuse me--. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[He goes in, and lights some candles.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in a hurried and breathless whisper]</SPAN>. Well? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[in a low voice]</SPAN>. I have had a talk with him. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, and-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Nora, you must tell your husband all about it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in an expressionless voice]</SPAN>. I knew it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. You have nothing to be afraid of as far as Krogstad is concerned; but you must tell him. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I won't tell him. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Then the letter will. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Thank you, Christine. Now I know what I must do. Hush--! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[coming in again]</SPAN>. Well, Mrs Linde, have you admired her? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, and now I will say goodnight. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What, already? Is this yours, this knitting? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN> <SPAN class="stage-direction">[taking it]</SPAN>. Yes, thank you, I had very nearly forgotten it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. So you knit? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Of course. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Do you know, you ought to embroider. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Really? Why? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Yes, perhaps-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Well,--goodnight, Nora, and don't be self-willed any more. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. That's right, Mrs Linde. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Mrs Linde</SPAN>. Goodnight, Mr. Helmer. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[accompanying her to the door]</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She goes out; he shuts the door after her, and comes in again.]</SPAN> Ah!--at last we have got rid of her. She is a frightful bore, that woman. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Aren't you very tired, Torvald? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. No, not in the least. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Nor sleepy? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Not a bit. On the contrary, I feel extraordinarily lively. And you?--you really look both tired and sleepy. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, I am very tired. I want to go to sleep at once. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. There, you see it was quite right of me not to let you stay there any longer. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Everything you do is quite right, Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[kissing her on the forehead]</SPAN>. Now my little skylark is speaking reasonably. Did you notice what good spirits Rank was in this evening? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Really? Was he? I didn't speak to him at all. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. And I very little, but I have not for a long time seen him in such good form. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Looks for a while at her and then goes nearer to her.]</SPAN> It is delightful to be at home by ourselves again, to be all alone with you--you fascinating, charming little darling! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Don't look at me like that, Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Why shouldn't I look at my dearest treasure?--at all the beauty that is mine, all my very own? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[going to the other side of the table]</SPAN>. You mustn't say things like that to me tonight. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[following her]</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[In a lower voice.]</SPAN> Nora--soon the whole house will be quiet. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, I hope so. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, yes--I know very well your thoughts are with me all the time. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won't-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What's that? You're joking, my little Nora! You won't-- you won't? Am I not your husband--? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[A knock is heard at the outer door.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[starting]</SPAN>. Did you hear--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[going into the hall]</SPAN>. Who is it? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[outside]</SPAN>. It is I. May I come in for a moment? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in a fretful whisper]</SPAN>. Oh, what does he want now? <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Aloud.]</SPAN> Wait a minute! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Unlocks the door.]</SPAN> Come, that's kind of you not to pass by our door. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. I thought I heard your voice, and felt as if I should like to look in. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[With a swift glance round.]</SPAN> Ah, yes!--these dear familiar rooms. You are very happy and cosy in here, you two. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. It seems to me that you looked after yourself pretty well upstairs too. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Especially the champagne. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. So you noticed that too? It is almost incredible how much I managed to put away! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Torvald drank a great deal of champagne tonight too. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Did he? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, and he is always in such good spirits afterwards. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Well, why should one not enjoy a merry evening after a well-spent day? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Well spent? I am afraid I can't take credit for that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[clapping him on the back]</SPAN>. But I can, you know! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Doctor Rank, you must have been occupied with some scientific investigation today. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Exactly. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Just listen!--little Nora talking about scientific investigations! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And may I congratulate you on the result? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Indeed you may. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Was it favourable, then? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. The best possible, for both doctor and patient--certainty. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[quickly and searchingly]</SPAN>. Certainty? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Absolute certainty. So wasn't I entitled to make a merry evening of it after that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. I think so too, so long as you don't have to pay for it in the morning. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Oh well, one can't have anything in this life without paying for it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Doctor Rank--are you fond of fancy-dress balls? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Tell me--what shall we two wear at the next? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Little featherbrain!--are you thinking of the next already? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume for that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Let your wife go dressed just as she is in everyday life. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. That was really very prettily turned. But can't you tell us what you will be? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Well? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. That's a good joke! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[suppressing a smile]</SPAN>. Yes, you are quite right. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me a cigar--one of the dark Havanas. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. With the greatest pleasure. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Offers him his case.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[takes a cigar and cuts off the end]</SPAN>. Thanks. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[striking a match]</SPAN>. Let me give you a light. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Thank you. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She holds the match for him to light his cigar.]</SPAN> And now goodbye! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Goodbye, goodbye, dear old man! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Sleep well, Doctor Rank. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. Thank you for that wish. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Wish me the same. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Rank</SPAN>. You? Well, if you want me to sleep well! And thanks for the light. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[He nods to them both and goes out.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in a subdued voice]</SPAN>. He has drunk more than he ought. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[absently]</SPAN>. Maybe. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[HELMER takes a bunch of keys out of his pocket and goes into the hall.]</SPAN> Torvald! what are you going to do there? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Emptying the letter-box; it is quite full; there will be no room to put the newspaper in tomorrow morning. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Are you going to work tonight? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You know quite well I'm not. What is this? Someone has been at the lock. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. At the lock--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[quickly]</SPAN>. Then it must have been the children-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Then you must get them out of those ways. There, at last I have got it open. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Takes out the contents of the letter-box, and calls to the kitchen.]</SPAN> Helen!--Helen, put out the light over the front door. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Goes back into the room and shuts the door into the hall. He holds out his hand full of letters.]</SPAN> Look at that-- look what a heap of them there are. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Turning them over.]</SPAN> What on earth is that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[at the window]</SPAN>. The letter--No! Torvald, no! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Two cards--of Rank's. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Of Doctor Rank's? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[looking at them]</SPAN>. Doctor Rank. They were on the top. He must have put them in when he went out. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Is there anything written on them? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It is just what he is doing. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What? Do you know anything about it? Has he said anything to you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. If it has to happen, it is best it should be without a word--don't you think so, Torvald? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[walking up and down]</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Standing still.]</SPAN> And perhaps for us too, Nora. We two are thrown quite upon each other now. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts his arms round her.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[disengages herself, and says firmly and decidedly]</SPAN>. Now you must read your letters, Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. No, no; not tonight. I want to be with you, my darling wife. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. With the thought of your friend's death-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[hanging on his neck]</SPAN>. Goodnight, Torvald--Goodnight! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[kissing her on the forehead]</SPAN>. Goodnight, my little singing-bird. Sleep sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters through. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[He takes his letters and goes into his room, shutting the door after him.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[gropes distractedly about, seizes HELMER'S domino, throws it round her, while she says in quick, hoarse, spasmodic whispers]</SPAN>. Never to see him again. Never! Never! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts her shawl over her head.]</SPAN> 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! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She is about to rush out through the hall, when HELMER opens his door hurriedly and stands with an open letter in his hand.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Ah!-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What is this? Do you know what is in this letter? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me get out! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[holding her back]</SPAN>. Where are you going? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[trying to get free]</SPAN>. You shan't save me, Torvald! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[reeling]</SPAN>. True? Is this true, that I read here? Horrible! No, no--it is impossible that it can be true. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It is true. I have loved you above everything else in the world. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Oh, don't let us have any silly excuses. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[taking a step towards him]</SPAN>. Torvald--! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Miserable creature--what have you done? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Let me go. You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not take it upon yourself. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. No tragic airs, please. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Locks the hall door.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of coldness in her face]</SPAN>. Yes, now I am beginning to understand thoroughly. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[walking about the room]</SPAN>. 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! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[NORA is silent and looks steadily at him. He stops in front of her.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, that's just it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. When I am out of the way, you will be free. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[coldly and quietly]</SPAN>. Yes. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="stage-direction">[A ring is heard at the front-door bell.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[with a start]</SPAN>. What is that? So late! Can the worst--? Can he--? Hide yourself, Nora. Say you are ill. - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[NORA stands motionless. HELMER goes and unlocks the hall door.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Maid </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[half-dressed, comes to the door]</SPAN>. A letter for the mistress. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Give it to me. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Takes the letter, and shuts the door.]</SPAN> Yes, it is from him. You shall not have it; I will read it myself. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, read it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[standing by the lamp]</SPAN>. I scarcely have the courage to do it. It may mean ruin for both of us. No, I must know. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Tears open the letter, runs his eye over a few lines, looks at a paper enclosed, and gives a shout of joy.]</SPAN> Nora! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She looks at him questioningly.]</SPAN> Nora!--No, I must read it once again--. Yes, it is true! I am saved! Nora, I am saved! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And I? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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--. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Takes a look at the bond.]</SPAN> No, no, I won't look at it. The whole thing shall be nothing but a bad dream to me. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Tears up the bond and both letters, throws them all into the stove, and watches them burn.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I have fought a hard fight these three days. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. That is true. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Thank you for your forgiveness. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She goes out through the door to the right.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. No, don't go--. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Looks in.]</SPAN> What are you doing in there? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[from within]</SPAN>. Taking off my fancy dress. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[standing at the open door]</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Walks up and down by the door.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[in everyday dress]</SPAN>. Yes, Torvald, I have changed my things now. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But what for?--so late as this. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I shall not sleep tonight. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But, my dear Nora-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[looking at her watch]</SPAN>. It is not so very late. Sit down here, Torvald. You and I have much to say to one another. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She sits down at one side of the table.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora--what is this?--this cold, set face? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Sit down. It will take some time; I have a lot to talk over with you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[sits down at the opposite side of the table]</SPAN>. You alarm me, Nora!--and I don't understand you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What do you mean by that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[after a short silence]</SPAN>. Isn't there one thing that strikes you as strange in our sitting here like this? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What is that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What do you mean by serious? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Was it likely that I would be continually and forever telling you about worries that you could not help me to bear? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But, dearest Nora, would it have been any good to you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been greatly wronged, Torvald--first by papa and then by you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What! By us two--by us two, who have loved you better than anyone else in the world? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[shaking her head]</SPAN>. You have never loved me. You have only thought it pleasant to be in love with me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora, what do I hear you saying? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What sort of an expression is that to use about our marriage? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[undisturbed]</SPAN>. 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 your 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. How unreasonable and how ungrateful you are, Nora! Have you not been happy here? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, I have never been happy. I thought I was, but it has never really been so. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Not--not happy! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Whose lessons? Mine, or the children's? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Both yours and the children's, my darling Nora. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Alas, Torvald, you are not the man to educate me into being a proper wife for you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. And you can say that! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. And I--how am I fitted to bring up the children? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Didn't you say so yourself a little while ago--that you dare not trust me to bring them up? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. In a moment of anger! Why do you pay any heed to that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[springing up]</SPAN>. What do you say? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora, Nora! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I am going away from here now, at once. I am sure Christine will take me in for the night-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You are out of your mind! I won't allow it! I forbid you! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What sort of madness is this! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Tomorrow I shall go home--I mean, to my old home. It will be easiest for me to find something to do there. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You blind, foolish woman! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I must try and get some sense, Torvald. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. To desert your home, your husband and your children! And you don't consider what people will say! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I cannot consider that at all. I only know that it is necessary for me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. It's shocking. This is how you would neglect your most sacred duties. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What do you consider my most sacred duties? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your husband and your children? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I have other duties just as sacred. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. That you have not. What duties could those be? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Duties to myself. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Before all else, you are a wife and a mother. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly know what religion is. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. What are you saying? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You talk like a child. You don't understand the conditions of the world in which you live. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You are ill, Nora; you are delirious; I almost think you are out of your mind. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I have never felt my mind so clear and certain as tonight. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. And is it with a clear and certain mind that you forsake your husband and your children? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, it is. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Then there is only one possible explanation. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. What is that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. You do not love me anymore. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No, that is just it. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora!--and you can say that? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[regaining his composure]</SPAN>. Is that a clear and certain conviction too? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Yes, absolutely clear and certain. That is the reason why I will not stay here any longer. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. And can you tell me what I have done to forfeit your love? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Explain yourself better. I don't understand you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Yes, what then?--when I had exposed my wife to shame and disgrace? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora--! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Oh, you think and talk like a heedless child. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Getting up.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[sadly]</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. As I am now, I am no wife for you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. I have it in me to become a different man. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Perhaps--if your doll is taken away from you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But to part!--to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can't understand that idea. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[going out to the right]</SPAN>. That makes it all the more certain that it must be done. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She comes back with her cloak and hat and a small bag which she puts on a chair by the table.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora, Nora, not now! Wait until tomorrow. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[putting on her cloak]</SPAN>. I cannot spend the night in a strange man's room. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But can't we live here like brother and sister--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[putting on her hat]</SPAN>. You know very well that would not last long. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Puts the shawl round her.]</SPAN> 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But some day, Nora--some day? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. How can I tell? I have no idea what is going to become of me. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But you are my wife, whatever becomes of you. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. That too? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. That too. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Here it is. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. 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><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. All over! All over!--Nora, shall you never think of me again? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. I know I shall often think of you, the children, and this house. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. May I write to you, Nora? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No--never. You must not do that. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But at least let me send you-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Nothing--nothing-- - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Let me help you if you are in want. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. No. I can receive nothing from a stranger. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Nora--can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[taking her bag]</SPAN>. Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of all would have to happen. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. Tell me what that would be! - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. Both you and I would have to be so changed that--. Oh, Torvald, I don't believe any longer in wonderful things happening. - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer</SPAN>. But I will believe in it. Tell me! So changed that--? - -<P><SPAN class="character">Nora</SPAN>. That our life together would be a real wedlock. Goodbye. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[She goes out through the hall.]</SPAN> - -<P><SPAN class="character">Helmer </SPAN><SPAN class="stage-direction">[sinks down on a chair at the door and buries his face in his hands]</SPAN>. Nora! Nora! <SPAN class="stage-direction">[Looks round, and rises.]</SPAN> Empty. She is gone. <SPAN class="stage-direction">[A hope flashes across his mind.]</SPAN> The most wonderful thing of all--? - -<P><SPAN class="stage-direction">[The sound of a door shutting is heard from below.]</SPAN> - -</BODY> -</HTML> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<pre> -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, A DOLL'S HOUSE *** - -This file should be named dlshs11h.htm or dlshs11h.zip -Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, dlshs12h.htm -VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, dlshs11ah.htm - - -Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US -unless a copyright notice is included. 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