Act 2

33 min

[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.]

[THE SAME SCENE. The Christmas tree is in the corner by the piano. Its ornaments have been removed, and burned-down candle ends remain on its disheveled 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 picks 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.

NORA: [drops her cloak]. Someone is coming now! [Goes to the door and listens.] No, it’s no one. Of course, no one will come today, on Christmas Day. Or tomorrow either. But perhaps... [opens the door and looks out]. No, there’s nothing in the letterbox. It’s completely empty. [Comes forward.] What nonsense! Of course he can’t be serious about it. Nothing like that could happen. It’s impossible. I have three little children.

[Enter the NURSE from the room on the left, carrying a big cardboard box.]

[The NURSE enters from the room on the left, carrying a big cardboard box.]

NURSE: At last I have found the box with the fancy dress.

NURSE: I finally found the box with the costume.

NORA: Thanks; put it on the table.

NORA: Thanks. Put it on the table.

NURSE: [doing so]. But it is very much in want of mending.

NURSE: [doing so]. But it badly needs mending.

NORA: I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces.

NORA: I'd like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces.

NURSE: What an idea! It can easily be put in order—just a little patience.

NURSE: What an idea! It can easily be fixed. Just be patient.

NORA: Yes, I will go and get Mrs Linde to come and help me with it.

NORA: Yes, I'll go 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.

NURSE: What, going out again? In this horrible weather? You’ll catch a cold and get sick, ma’am.

NORA: Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children?

NORA: Well, worse things could happen. How are the children?

NURSE: The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, but—

NURSE: The poor little ones are playing with their Christmas presents, but...

NORA: Do they ask much for me?

NORA: Do they ask about me much?

NURSE: You see, they are so accustomed to have their mamma with them.

NURSE: You see, they are so used to having their mom with them.

NORA: Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now as I was before.

NORA: Yes, but, nurse, I won't be able to spend as much time with them now as I did before.

NURSE: Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything.

NURSE: Oh well, young children get used to anything easily.

NORA: Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if she went away altogether?

NORA: Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if she went away for good?

NURSE: Good heavens!—went away altogether?

NURSE: Good heavens! Gone away for good?

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?

NORA: Nurse, I want to ask you something I’ve often wondered about. How could you bear to leave your own child with strangers?

NURSE: I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora’s nurse.

NURSE: I had 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.

NURSE: What? When I was going to get such a good job out of it? A poor girl who’s gotten 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.

NORA: But I suppose your daughter has completely forgotten you.

NURSE: No, indeed she hasn’t. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, and when she was married.

NURSE: No, she certainly hasn’t. She wrote to me when she was confirmed and when she got married.

NORA: [putting her arms round her neck]. Dear old Anne, you were a good mother to me when I was little.

NORA: [putting her arms around her neck]. Dear Anne, you were a good mother to me when I was little.

NURSE: Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me.

NURSE: Poor little Nora had no 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.

NORA: And if my little ones had no other mother, I'm sure you would. What nonsense am I talking! [Opens the box.] Go in to them. Now I must. You'll see tomorrow how charming I'll 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.]

NURSE: I’m sure no one at the ball will be as 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.]

NORA: [starts unpacking the box, but soon pushes it away]. If only I dared to go out. If only no one would come. If only I could be sure nothing would happen here while I was gone. Nonsense! No one will come. I just mustn’t think about it. I’ll brush my muff. What lovely, lovely gloves! Out of my thoughts, out of my thoughts! One, two, three, four, five, six. [Screams.] Ah! Someone’s coming. [Moves towards the door, but stops, unsure what to do.]

[Enter Mrs Linde from the hall, where she has taken off her cloak and hat.]

[Mrs Linde enters from the hall, where she has taken off her coat and hat.]

NORA: Oh, it’s you, Christine. There is no one else out there, is there? How good of you to come!

NORA: Oh, it’s you, Christine. There’s no one else out there, is there? Thanks for coming!

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.

NORA: Yes, I was passing by. Actually, there’s something you could help me with. Let’s sit here on the sofa. Listen. Tomorrow evening, the Stenborgs, who live above us, are having a costume ball. Torvald wants me to dress as a Neapolitan fisher-girl and dance the Tarantella I learned at Capri.

MRS LINDE: I see; you are going to keep up the character.

MRS LINDE: I see. You're going to keep playing the part.

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—

NORA: Yes, Torvald wants me to. Look, here’s the dress. Torvald had it made for me there, but now it’s all torn, and I have no 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.

MRS LINDE: We can easily fix that. Only some of the trim has come loose here and there. Needle and thread? There, that's all we need.

NORA: It is nice of you.

NORA: That's 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.

MRS LINDE: [sewing]. So you're dressing up tomorrow, Nora. I'll stop by for a moment to see you in your finery. But I completely forgot to thank you for a lovely 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.

NORA: [gets up and crosses the stage]. Well, I don’t think yesterday was as pleasant as usual. You should have come to town a little earlier, Christine. Torvald certainly knows how to make a house pretty and inviting.

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?

MRS LINDE: It seems to me that you do too. You take after your father. 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?

NORA: No, it was very noticeable yesterday. I have to tell you that he has a very dangerous disease. He has tuberculosis of the spine, poor man. His father was a horrible man who indulged in all sorts of excesses. 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?

MRS LINDE: [dropping her sewing]. But, Nora, my dear, 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.

NORA: [walking around]. Oh, come on! When you have three children, you get visits now and then from, from married women who know something about medicine. And they talk about this and that.

MRS LINDE: [goes on sewing. A short silence]. Does Doctor Rank come here everyday?

MRS LINDE: [continues sewing. A short silence]. Does Doctor Rank come here every day?

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.

NORA: Every day, regularly. He’s Torvald’s closest friend and a great friend of mine too. He’s just like 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?

MRS LINDE: But tell me this. Is he completely sincere? I mean, isn't he the kind of man who is eager to make himself likable?

NORA: Not in the least. What makes you think that?

NORA: Not at all. 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—?

MRS LINDE: When you introduced him to me yesterday, he said he had often heard my name mentioned here. But afterward, I noticed that your husband had no 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.

NORA: That’s quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of me that he wants me all to himself, as he says. At first, he seemed almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear people back home. So naturally, I stopped mentioning them. But I often talk about them 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.

MRS LINDE: Listen to me, Nora. You are still like a child in many ways. I am older than you in many ways and have a little more experience. Let me tell you this: you should put an end to it with Doctor Rank.

NORA: What ought I to make an end of?

NORA: What should I put an end to?

MRS LINDE: Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense about a rich admirer who was to leave you money—

MRS LINDE: I think there are two things. Yesterday you talked nonsense about a rich admirer who would leave you money...

NORA: An admirer who doesn’t exist, unfortunately! But what then?

MRS LINDE: Is Doctor Rank a man of means?

MRS LINDE: Is Doctor Rank wealthy?

NORA: Yes, he is.

MRS LINDE: And has no one to provide for?

MRS LINDE: And no one to support?

NORA: No, no one; but—

NORA: No, no one, but...

MRS LINDE: And comes here everyday?

MRS LINDE: And comes here every day?

NORA: Yes, I told you so.

MRS LINDE: But how can this well-bred man be so tactless?

MRS LINDE: But how can a well-mannered 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?

MRS LINDE: Don’t dodge the question, Nora. Do you think I can’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?

NORA: Are you out of your mind? How can you even think of such a thing! A friend of ours who comes here every day! Do you realize how horribly painful that would be?

MRS LINDE: Then it really isn’t he?

MRS LINDE: So it really isn't him?

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.

NORA: No, certainly not. It never crossed my mind for a moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then. He came into his money later.

MRS LINDE: Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora.

MRS LINDE: Well, I think you were lucky, 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—

NORA: No, it would never have occurred to me to ask Doctor Rank. Although I'm 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—

NORA: Of course not. I have no reason to think it could be necessary. But I'm 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.

NORA: I have to end things with the other one, and that will be behind his back too. I have to end things with him.

MRS LINDE: Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but—

MRS LINDE: Yes, that's 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—

NORA: [walking back and forth]. A man can sort out something like that much more easily than a woman.

MRS LINDE: One’s husband, yes.

MRS LINDE: Your husband, yes.

NORA: Nonsense! [Standing still.] When you pay off a debt you get your bond back, don’t you?

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.

MRS LINDE: Yes, of course.

NORA: And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up—the nasty dirty paper!

NORA: And I can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces and burn it up. That nasty, dirty paper!

MRS LINDE: [looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly]. Nora, you are concealing something from me.

MRS LINDE: [looks closely at her, puts down her sewing and slowly gets up]. Nora, you're hiding something from me.

NORA: Do I look as if I were?

NORA: Do I look like I am?

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.

NORA: [moving closer to her]. Christine! [Listens.] Shh! Torvald is home. Would you mind going in with the children for now? Torvald can't stand seeing dressmaking in progress. 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.]

MRS LINDE: [gathering some of the things]. Of course, but I’m not leaving until we’ve talked everything out. [She goes into the room on the left as HELMER enters from the hall.]

NORA: [going up to HELMER]. I have wanted you so much, Torvald dear.

NORA: [going up to HELMER]. I've wanted you so much, dear Torvald.

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.

NORA: No, it was Christine. She's helping me fix my dress. You'll see, I'll look quite stylish.

HELMER: Wasn’t that a happy thought of mine, now?

HELMER: Wasn’t that a clever idea of mine?

NORA: Splendid! But don’t you think it is nice of me, too, to do as you wish?

NORA: Great! But don't you think it's nice of me to do what you want, too?

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.

HELMER: Nice? Because you do what your husband wants? Well, well, you little rascal, I’m sure you didn’t mean it that way. But I won’t disturb you. I expect you’ll want to try on your dress.

NORA: I suppose you are going to work.

NORA: I suppose you're 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.]

HELMER: Yes. [Shows her a bundle of papers.] Look at that. I just went to 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—?

NORA: What if your little squirrel asked you for something very, very sweetly?

HELMER: What then?

NORA: Would you do it?

HELMER: I should like to hear what it is, first.

HELMER: I'd 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.

NORA: Your squirrel would run around and do all her tricks if you were nice and did what she wants.

HELMER: Speak plainly.

HELMER: Speak clearly.

NORA: Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song rising and falling—

NORA: Your skylark would chirp in every room, her song rising and falling...

HELMER: Well, my skylark does that anyhow.

HELMER: Well, my skylark does that anyway.

NORA: I would play the fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, Torvald.

NORA: I would pretend to be a fairy and dance for you in the moonlight, Torvald.

HELMER: Nora—you surely don’t mean that request you made to me this morning?

HELMER: Nora, you can't really mean what you asked me for this morning?

NORA: [going near him]. Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly—

NORA: [going near him]. Yes, Torvald, I'm begging you, please.

HELMER: Have you really the courage to open up that question again?

HELMER: Do you really have the courage to bring up that question again?

NORA: Yes, dear, you must do as I ask; you must let Krogstad keep his post in the bank.

NORA: Yes, dear, you must do as I ask. You must let Krogstad keep his job at the bank.

HELMER: My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs Linde shall have.

HELMER: My dear Nora, I have arranged for Mrs Linde to have his job.

NORA: Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could just as well dismiss some other clerk instead of Krogstad.

NORA: Yes, you've been very kind about that. But you could just as easily fire another 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—

HELMER: This is unbelievably stubborn! You made a thoughtless promise to speak on his behalf, and now you expect me 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—

NORA: That isn’t the reason, Torvald. I’m doing this for your sake. This man writes for the most scandalous newspapers. You’ve told me that yourself. He can do you more harm than I can say. I’m frightened to death of him.

HELMER: Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that scare you.

HELMER: Ah, I understand. Memories of the past are what scare you.

NORA: What do you mean?

HELMER: Naturally you are thinking of your father.

HELMER: Of course you're 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.

NORA: Yes, yes, of course. Just remember what those malicious creatures wrote about papa in the papers, and how terribly they slandered him. I believe they would have had him fired if the Department had not sent you to investigate. And they would have succeeded if you had not been so kind 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.

HELMER: My little Nora, there is an important difference between your father and me. Your father’s reputation as a public official was under suspicion. Mine is not, and I hope it stays that way as long as I hold 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—

NORA: You never know what trouble these men might cause. We should be comfortable and happy here in our peaceful home, without a care. You and I and the children, Torvald! That’s why I’m begging 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—

HELMER: And by pleading for him, you make it impossible for me to keep him. People at the Bank already know I plan to dismiss Krogstad. Is word now going to spread that the new manager has changed his mind because his wife told him to...

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.

HELMER: Of course! If only this stubborn little person can get her way! Do you think I'm going to make myself look ridiculous in front of my whole staff? Do you want people to think I can be swayed by all sorts of outside influence? I can tell you, I would soon feel the consequences! Besides, there's one thing that makes it impossible for me to keep Krogstad at the Bank as long as I'm manager.

NORA: Whatever is that?

NORA: What is that?

HELMER: His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if necessary—

HELMER: I might perhaps have overlooked his moral failings, if necessary.

NORA: Yes, you could—couldn’t you?

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.

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 become a burden later in life. I might as well tell you plainly. We were once very close. But this tactless fellow does nothing to hold himself back when other people are present. On the contrary, he thinks our old friendship gives him the right to be overly familiar with me. 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 at 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.

NORA: Because that's such a narrow-minded way to look at things.

HELMER: What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am narrow-minded?

HELMER: What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I'm narrow-minded?

NORA: No, just the opposite, dear—and it is exactly for that reason.

NORA: No, just the opposite, dear. And that's exactly why.

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!

HELMER: It’s the same thing. You say my point of view is narrow-minded, so I must be narrow-minded too. Narrow-minded! Fine. I have to 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.

HELMER: [looking through his papers]. Settle it. [Enter MAID.] Here, take this letter downstairs right away. Find a messenger and tell him to deliver it. Be quick. The address is on the letter, and here is the money.

MAID: Very well, sir. [Exit with the letter.]

MAID: All right, sir. [Exits with the letter.]

HELMER: [putting his papers together]. Now then, little Miss Obstinate.

HELMER: [gathering his papers]. All right, little Miss Stubborn.

NORA: [breathlessly]. Torvald—what was that letter?

NORA: [breathlessly]. Torvald, what was that letter?

HELMER: Krogstad’s dismissal.

HELMER: Krogstad being fired.

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.

NORA: Call her back, Torvald! There’s still time. Oh, Torvald, call her back! Do it for me, for yourself, for the children! Do you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You don’t know what that letter could do to 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.

HELMER: My dear Nora, I can forgive you for being worried, though your worry really is an insult to me. It is. Isn’t it insulting to think I would be afraid of revenge from a starving scribbler? But I forgive you anyway, because your worry shows so clearly how much you love me. [Takes her in his arms.] And that is how it should be, my darling Nora. Whatever happens, you can be sure I’ll have the courage and strength if they’re needed. You’ll see that I’m man enough to take everything upon myself.

NORA: [in a horror-stricken voice]. What do you mean by that?

NORA: [in a horrified voice]. What do you mean by that?

HELMER: Everything, I say—

HELMER: Everything, I said...

NORA: [recovering herself]. You will never have to do that.

NORA: [regaining her composure]. 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.]

HELMER: That’s right. Well, we’ll share it, Nora, as husband and wife should. That’s how it will be. [Caressing her.] Are you happy now? There, there! Don’t look so frightened, like a little dove! The whole thing is just a wild fantasy! Now, go play through the Tarantella and practice with your tambourine. I’ll go into the inner office and close the door. I won’t hear anything, so you can make as much noise as you like. [Turns back at the door.] And when Rank comes, tell him where to find me. [Nods to her, takes his papers, goes into his room, and closes the door behind 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: [overwhelmed 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 but that! Oh, if only there were some help, some way out! [The doorbell rings.] Doctor Rank! Anything but that, anything at all! [She covers her face with her hands, pulls herself together, goes to the door and opens it. RANK is standing outside, hanging up his coat. It begins to grow dark during the following conversation.]

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.

NORA: Hello, Doctor Rank. I recognized your ring. But you mustn’t go in to see Torvald now. I think he’s 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.

NORA: [brings him in and closes the door behind him]. Oh, you know I always have time for you.

RANK: Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can.

RANK: Thank you. I'll use as much of it as I can.

NORA: What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can?

NORA: What do you mean? As much of it as you can?

RANK: Well, does that alarm you?

RANK: Well, does that scare you?

NORA: It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely to happen?

NORA: That was such a strange way to put it. Is something likely to happen?

RANK: Nothing but what I have long been prepared for. But I certainly didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

RANK: It’s nothing I haven’t 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.

NORA: [gripping him by the arm]. What did you find out? Doctor Rank, you have to tell me.

RANK: [sitting down by the stove]. It is all up with me. And it can’t be helped.

RANK: [sitting down by the stove]. It’s all over for me. And nothing can be done about it.

NORA: [with a sigh of relief]. Is it about yourself?

NORA: [with a sigh of relief]. Is it about you?

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.

RANK: Who else? There’s no point lying to myself. I’m the most miserable of all my patients, Mrs Helmer. Lately, I’ve been taking stock of my health. Bankrupt! I’ll probably be lying rotting in the churchyard within a month.

NORA: What an ugly thing to say!

NORA: What a horrible 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.

RANK: The thing itself is damned ugly. Worse still, I’ll have to face much more that is ugly before then. I’ll examine myself just once more. After that, I’ll know pretty much when the horrors of my body’s decay will begin. There’s something I want to tell you. Helmer’s refined nature makes him feel an overpowering disgust for anything ugly. I won’t have him in my sickroom.

NORA: Oh, but, Doctor Rank—

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.

RANK: I won’t let him in. Not under any circumstances. I’ll lock my door against him. As soon as I’m sure the worst has come, I’ll send you my card with a black cross on it. Then you’ll know the dreadful end has begun.

NORA: You are quite absurd today. And I wanted you so much to be in a really good humour.

NORA: You’re being ridiculous today. And I wanted you to be in such a good mood.

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—

RANK: With death stalking beside me? Having to pay for another man’s sin? Is there any justice in that? And in every single family, in one way or another, someone is paying a price like this, with no escape.

NORA: [putting her hands over her ears]. Rubbish! Do talk of something cheerful.

NORA: [putting her hands over her ears]. Nonsense! Please talk about 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.

RANK: Oh, the whole thing is just a joke. My poor innocent spine has to suffer for the fun my father had in his youth.

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?

NORA: [sitting at the table on the left]. I suppose you mean he liked asparagus and foie gras pâté too much, don’t you?

RANK: Yes, and to truffles.

RANK: Yes, and truffles too.

NORA: Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose?

RANK: Oysters, of course, that goes without saying.

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.

NORA: And lots of port and champagne. It's sad that all these lovely 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.

RANK: Especially that they should take revenge on the unlucky bones of those who never had the pleasure of enjoying them.

NORA: Yes, that’s the saddest part of it all.

RANK: [with a searching look at her]. Hm!—

RANK: [looking at her intently]. Hm!

NORA: [after a short pause]. Why did you smile?

RANK: No, it was you that laughed.

RANK: No, you were the one who laughed.

NORA: No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank!

NORA: No, you were the one who smiled, Doctor Rank!

RANK: [rising]. You are a greater rascal than I thought.

RANK: [standing up]. You're more of a rascal than I thought.

NORA: I am in a silly mood today.

NORA: I'm in a silly mood today.

RANK: So it seems.

RANK: It seems so.

NORA: [putting her hands on his shoulders]. Dear, dear Doctor Rank, death mustn’t take you away from Torvald and me.

NORA: [putting her hands on his shoulders]. Dear, dear Doctor Rank, death must not take you away from Torvald and me.

RANK: It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are gone are soon forgotten.

RANK: You would easily recover from the loss. Those who are gone are soon forgotten.

NORA: [looking at him anxiously]. Do you believe that?

RANK: People form new ties, and then—

RANK: People form new relationships, and then...

NORA: Who will form new ties?

NORA: Who will form new relationships?

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?

RANK: Both you and Helmer, when I'm gone. I think you're already well on your way to it. What did that Mrs Linde want here last night?

NORA: Oho!—you don’t mean to say you are jealous of poor Christine?

NORA: Oh! You don't mean you're jealous of poor Christine?

RANK: Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am done for, this woman will—

RANK: Yes, I am. She will take my place in this house. When I’m gone, this woman will...

NORA: Hush! don’t speak so loud. She is in that room.

NORA: Shh! Don't speak so loudly. She's in that room.

RANK: Today again. There, you see.

RANK: Again today. 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.

NORA: She's only here to sew my dress for me. Goodness, you're so unreasonable! [Sits down on the sofa.] Be nice now, Doctor Rank. Tomorrow you'll see how beautifully I dance. You can imagine I'm doing it all for you, and for Torvald too, of course. [Takes various things out of the box.] Doctor Rank, come and sit here, and I'll 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.

NORA: Flesh-colored. Aren’t they lovely? It’s so dark here now, but tomorrow... No, no, no! You can only look at the feet. Oh well, you can look at the legs too.

RANK: Hm!—

RANK: Hmm!

NORA: Why are you looking so critical? Don’t you think they will fit me?

NORA: Why do you look so critical? Don’t you think they’ll fit me?

RANK: I have no means of forming an opinion about that.

RANK: I have no way 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.]

NORA: [looks at him for a moment]. Shame on you! [Hits him lightly on the ear with the stockings.] That’s your punishment. [Folds them up again.]

RANK: And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see?

RANK: And what other nice things will I be allowed to see?

NORA: Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. [She looks among the things, humming to herself.]

NORA: Not one more thing, because you've been so naughty. [She looks through 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.

RANK: [after a short silence]. Sitting here, talking so intimately with you, I can't imagine what would have become of me if I had never come to this house.

NORA: [smiling]. I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us.

NORA: [smiling]. I believe you really do feel at home with us.

RANK: [in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him]. And to be obliged to leave it all—

RANK: [in a quieter voice, looking straight ahead]. And to have to leave it all...

NORA: Nonsense, you are not going to leave it.

NORA: Nonsense, you're 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.

RANK: [as before]. And not be able to leave behind the slightest sign of gratitude, or even much more than a fleeting regret. Nothing but an empty place that anyone can fill just as well as anyone else.

NORA: And if I asked you now for a—? No!

NORA: And if I asked you now for a...? No!

RANK: For what?

RANK: What for?

NORA: For a big proof of your friendship—

NORA: For a big sign of your friendship...

RANK: Yes, yes!

NORA: I mean a tremendously big favour—

NORA: I mean a really huge favor...

RANK: Would you really make me so happy for once?

RANK: Would you really make me that happy, just this once?

NORA: Ah, but you don’t know what it is yet.

NORA: Oh, but you don’t know what it is yet.

RANK: No—but tell me.

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—

NORA: I really can’t, Doctor Rank. It’s completely unreasonable. It means asking for advice, help, and a favor...

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?

RANK: The bigger it is, the better. I can’t imagine what you mean. Please tell me. Don’t you trust me?

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.

NORA: More than anyone else. I know you're my truest and best friend, so I'll tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it's something you must help me prevent. You know how devotedly and deeply Torvald loves me. I can't put it into words. He wouldn't hesitate for a moment to give his life for me.

RANK: [leaning towards her]. Nora—do you think he is the only one—?

RANK: [leaning towards her]. Nora, do you think he's the only one...?

NORA: [with a slight start]. The only one—?

NORA: [slightly startled]. The only one?

RANK: The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake.

RANK: The only one who would gladly give his life for you.

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.

RANK: I was determined to tell you before I went away. And there will never be a better chance than this. Now you know, Nora. And now you also know that you can trust me more than anyone else.

NORA: [rises, deliberately and quietly]. Let me pass.

NORA: [stands up, deliberately and quietly]. Let me pass.

RANK: [makes room for her to pass him, but sits still]. Nora!

RANK: [moves aside to let her pass, but stays seated]. 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.

NORA: [at the hall door]. Helen, bring in the lamp. [Goes over to the stove.] Dear Doctor Rank, that was really awful of you.

RANK: To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that horrid?

RANK: Was it so awful that I loved you as much as anyone else does?

NORA: No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need—

NORA: No, but you didn't have to tell me that. 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?

RANK: What do you mean? Did you know? [MAID enters with a lamp, puts it on the table, and leaves.] Nora, Mrs Helmer, tell me. Did you have any idea about 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.

NORA: Oh, how do I know if I did or not? I really can’t tell you. How could you be so clumsy, Doctor Rank! We were getting along so nicely.

RANK: Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, body and soul. So won’t you speak out?

RANK: Well, at least you know now that I’m yours to command, body and soul. So won’t you tell me?

NORA: [looking at him]. After what happened?

RANK: I beg you to let me know what it is.

RANK: Please tell me 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.

RANK: Yes, yes. You mustn’t punish me that way. Let me do whatever a man can do for you.

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?

NORA: You can’t do anything for me now. Besides, I really don’t need any help at all. You’ll find that the whole thing is just my imagination. It really is, of course it is! [Sits down in the rocking chair and looks at him with a smile.] You’re quite a man, Doctor Rank! Aren’t you ashamed of yourself, now that the lamp is here?

RANK: Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go—for ever?

RANK: Not at all. But perhaps I'd better go, forever?

NORA: No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here just as before. You know very well Torvald can’t do without you.

NORA: No, you certainly won't. Of course you must come here just as you always have. You know very well Torvald can't do without you.

RANK: Yes, but you?

RANK: Yes, but what about you?

NORA: Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come.

NORA: Oh, I'm always so happy 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.

RANK: That’s exactly what misled me. You’re a puzzle to me. I’ve often thought you almost enjoyed being with me as much as being with Helmer.

NORA: Yes—you see there are some people one loves best, and others whom one would almost always rather have as companions.

NORA: Yes, you see, there are some people you love most. And there are others you'd almost always rather spend time with.

RANK: Yes, there is something in that.

RANK: Yes, there's something to 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.

NORA: When I lived at home, of course I loved Papa best. But I always had so much fun sneaking down to the maids’ room. They never lectured me about morals, and they talked to each other about such entertaining things.

RANK: I see—it is their place I have taken.

RANK: I see, I've taken their place.

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.]

NORA: [jumping up and going to him]. Oh, dear, kind Doctor Rank, I didn't mean 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.]

MAID: Excuse me, ma’am. [Whispers and hands her a card.]

NORA: [glancing at the card]. Oh! [Puts it in her pocket.]

NORA: [looking at the card]. Oh! [Puts it in her pocket.]

RANK: Is there anything wrong?

RANK: Is anything wrong?

NORA: No, no, not in the least. It is only something—it is my new dress—

NORA: No, no, not at all. It's just something, it's my new dress...

RANK: What? Your dress is lying there.

RANK: What? Your dress is right there.

NORA: Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn’t know about it—

NORA: Oh, yes, that one. But this is another one. I ordered it. Torvald mustn’t know about it.

RANK: Oho! Then that was the great secret.

RANK: Oh! So that was the big secret.

NORA: Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room. Keep him as long as—

NORA: Of course. Just go in. He's sitting in the inner room. Keep him as long as...

RANK: Make your mind easy; I won’t let him escape.

RANK: Don't worry. I won't let him escape.

[Goes into HELMER’S room.]

NORA: [to the MAID]. And he is standing waiting in the kitchen?

NORA: [to the MAID]. And he's waiting in the kitchen?

MAID: Yes; he came up the back stairs.

MAID: Yes, he came up the back stairs.

NORA: But didn’t you tell him no one was in?

NORA: But didn’t you tell him no one was home?

MAID: Yes, but it was no good.

MAID: Yes, but it didn't help.

NORA: He won’t go away?

MAID: No; he says he won’t until he has seen you, ma’am.

MAID: No, he says he won’t until he’s 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.

NORA: Well, let him come in, but quietly. Helen, you mustn’t tell anyone about it. It’s a surprise for my husband.

MAID: Yes, ma’am, I quite understand. [Exit.]

MAID: Yes, ma’am, I understand completely. [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: This terrible thing is going to happen! It will happen no matter what I do! No, no, no, it can’t happen. I won’t let it happen! [She bolts the door to HELMER’S room. The MAID opens the hall door for KROGSTAD and closes it behind him. He is wearing a fur coat, high boots, and a fur cap.]

NORA: [advancing towards him]. Speak low—my husband is at home.

NORA: [moving toward him]. Speak quietly. My husband is home.

KROGSTAD: No matter about that.

KROGSTAD: Never mind that.

NORA: What do you want of me?

NORA: What do you want from me?

KROGSTAD: An explanation of something.

NORA: Make haste then. What is it?

NORA: Hurry up, then. What is it?

KROGSTAD: You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal.

KROGSTAD: I suppose you know I've been fired.

NORA: I couldn’t prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought as hard as I could on your side, but it was no good.

NORA: I couldn’t stop it, Mr. Krogstad. I did everything I could to help you, but it didn’t work.

KROGSTAD: Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I can expose you to, and yet he ventures—

KROGSTAD: Does your husband love you so little? He knows what I could put you through, and yet he dares to...

NORA: How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort?

NORA: How can you think he knows anything about that?

KROGSTAD: I didn’t suppose so at all. It would not be the least like our dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage—

KROGSTAD: I didn’t think so at all. It wouldn’t be like our dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage.

NORA: Mr. Krogstad, a little respect for my husband, please.

NORA: Mr. Krogstad, please show my husband some respect.

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?

KROGSTAD: Certainly, all the respect he deserves. But since you have kept the matter so carefully to yourself, I dare say you understand it better than you did yesterday. You have a clearer idea of what you have actually done?

NORA: More than you could ever teach me.

KROGSTAD: Yes, such a bad lawyer as I am.

KROGSTAD: Yes, a bad lawyer like me.

NORA: What is it you want of me?

NORA: What do you want from 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.

KROGSTAD: I only wanted to see how you were, Mrs Helmer. I've been thinking about you all day. Even a mere cashier, a clerk, well, a man like me has a little of what people call feeling, you know.

NORA: Show it, then; think of my little children.

NORA: Then show it. 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.

KROGSTAD: Have you and your husband thought about mine? But never mind that. I just wanted to tell you that you don't need to take this matter too seriously. First of all, I won't make any accusations.

NORA: No, of course not; I was sure of that.

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.

KROGSTAD: We can settle the whole thing on friendly terms. There is no reason for anyone to know about it. It will remain a secret between the three of us.

NORA: My husband must never get to know anything about it.

NORA: My husband must never find out about it.

KROGSTAD: How will you be able to prevent it? Am I to understand that you can pay the balance that is owing?

KROGSTAD: How can you prevent it? Are you saying you can pay the rest of what you owe?

NORA: No, not just at present.

NORA: No, not right now.

KROGSTAD: Or perhaps that you have some expedient for raising the money soon?

KROGSTAD: Or perhaps you have a way to raise the money soon?

NORA: No expedient that I mean to make use of.

NORA: Not a solution I intend to use.

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.

KROGSTAD: Well, in any case, it wouldn't help you now. Even if you stood there with all the money in the world, I'd never give up your bond.

NORA: Tell me what purpose you mean to put it to.

NORA: Tell me what you plan to use it for.

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—

KROGSTAD: I will only keep it in my possession. No one who isn't involved will have the slightest hint of it. So if the thought of it has driven you to some desperate decision...

NORA: It has.

KROGSTAD: If you had it in your mind to run away from your home—

KROGSTAD: If you were thinking of running away from home...

NORA: I had.

KROGSTAD: Or even something worse—

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?

NORA: How did you know I'd thought of that?

KROGSTAD: Most of us think of that at first. I did, too—but I hadn’t the courage.

KROGSTAD: Most of us think of that at first. I did too, but I didn't have the courage.

NORA: [faintly]. No more had I.

NORA: [faintly]. Neither did I.

KROGSTAD: [in a tone of relief]. No, that’s it, isn’t it—you hadn’t the courage either?

KROGSTAD: [in a tone of relief]. No, that’s it, isn’t it? You didn’t have the courage either?

NORA: No, I haven’t—I haven’t.

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.

KROGSTAD: Besides, it would have been very foolish. 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.

KROGSTAD: As leniently as I possibly could.

NORA: [quickly]. He mustn’t get the letter. Tear it up. I will find some means of getting money.

NORA: [quickly]. He mustn’t get the letter. Tear it up. I’ll find a way to get the money.

KROGSTAD: Excuse me, Mrs Helmer, but I think I told you just now—

KROGSTAD: Excuse me, Mrs Helmer, but I think I just told you...

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.

NORA: I'm not talking about what I owe you. Tell me how much you're asking my husband for. I'll get the money.

KROGSTAD: I am not asking your husband for a penny.

KROGSTAD: I'm not asking your husband for any money.

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—

KROGSTAD: I’ll tell you. I want to restore my reputation, Mrs Helmer. I want to get ahead, and your husband must help me do it. For the past year and a half, I haven’t been involved in anything dishonest. And all that time, I’ve been struggling with very little money. I was willing to work my way up step by step. Now I’ve been fired, and I won’t be satisfied with just being taken back. I want to get ahead, I tell you. I want to return to the Bank in a higher position. Your husband must find me a place.

NORA: That he will never do!

NORA: He will never do that!

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.

KROGSTAD: He will. I know him. He won't dare protest. And once I'm back there with him, you'll see! Within a year, I'll be the manager's right hand. Nils Krogstad, not Torvald Helmer, will be running the Bank.

NORA: That’s a thing you will never see!

NORA: You will never see that!

KROGSTAD: Do you mean that you will—?

KROGSTAD: Do you mean you'll...?

NORA: I have courage enough for it now.

NORA: I have enough courage for it now.

KROGSTAD: Oh, you can’t frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you—

KROGSTAD: Oh, you can't scare me. A fancy, spoiled lady like you...

NORA: You will see, you will see.

NORA: You'll see, you'll 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—

KROGSTAD: Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, coal-black water? And then, in the spring, floating up to the surface, horrible and unrecognizable, with your hair fallen out.

NORA: You can’t frighten me.

NORA: You can’t scare 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.

KROGSTAD: And you wouldn’t do that to me. People don’t do such things, Mrs Helmer. Besides, what good would it do? I would still have him completely in my power.

NORA: Afterwards? When I am no longer—

NORA: Afterward? When I'm 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.]

KROGSTAD: Have you forgotten that your reputation is in my hands? [NORA stands looking at him, unable to speak.] Well, I've warned you now. Don't do anything foolish. Once Helmer has received my letter, I expect to hear from him. And remember, your husband himself has forced me to resort to such tactics again. I'll 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: [goes to the hall door, opens it slightly, and listens.] He’s leaving. He’s not putting the letter in the box. Oh no, no! That’s impossible! [Opens the door slowly.] What’s that? He’s standing outside. He’s not going downstairs. Is he hesitating? Could he...? [A letter drops into the box. Then KROGSTAD’S footsteps are heard, fading as he goes downstairs. NORA lets out a muffled 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!

NORA: In the mailbox. [Sneaks across to the hall door.] There it is. Torvald, Torvald, there's no hope for us now!

[Mrs Linde comes in from the room on the left, carrying the dress.]

[Mrs Linde enters 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—?

MRS LINDE: There, I can’t see anything else 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!

MRS LINDE: [throwing the dress down on the sofa]. What’s wrong with you? You look so upset!

NORA: Come here. Do you see that letter? There, look—you can see it through the glass in the letter-box.

NORA: Come here. Do you see that letter? Look, you can see it through the glass in the mailbox.

MRS LINDE: Yes, I see it.

NORA: That letter is from Krogstad.

MRS LINDE: Nora—it was Krogstad who lent you the money!

MRS LINDE: Nora, Krogstad was the one 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.

NORA: You don’t know everything. I forged a name.

MRS LINDE: Good heavens—!

MRS LINDE: Oh my goodness!

NORA: I only want to say this to you, Christine—you must be my witness.

NORA: I just want to say this, Christine. You must be my witness.

MRS LINDE: Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to—?

MRS LINDE: Your witness? What do you mean? What am I supposed to...?

NORA: If I should go out of my mind—and it might easily happen—

NORA: If I were to lose my mind, and that could easily happen...

MRS LINDE: Nora!

NORA: Or if anything else should happen to me—anything, for instance, that might prevent my being here—

NORA: Or if something else happened to me, something that might keep me from being here...

MRS LINDE: Nora! Nora! you are quite out of your mind.

MRS LINDE: Nora! Nora! You're completely 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—

NORA: And if there were someone who wanted to take all the responsibility, all the blame, you understand...

MRS LINDE: Yes, yes—but how can you suppose—?

MRS LINDE: Yes, yes, but how can you think...?

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.

NORA: Then you must be my witness that it isn't true, Christine. I'm not out of my mind at all. I'm thinking clearly now, and I tell you, no one else knew anything about it. I did the whole thing, and I did it alone. Remember that.

MRS LINDE: I will, indeed. But I don’t understand all this.

MRS LINDE: I certainly will. But I don't understand all this.

NORA: How should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going to happen!

NORA: How could you understand it? Something wonderful 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.

NORA: Yes, a wonderful thing! But it’s so terrible, Christine. It must not happen, no matter what.

MRS LINDE: I will go at once and see Krogstad.

MRS LINDE: I'll go see Krogstad right away.

NORA: Don’t go to him; he will do you some harm.

NORA: Don’t go to him. He’ll hurt you.

MRS LINDE: There was a time when he would gladly do anything for my sake.

MRS LINDE: There was a time when he would gladly do anything for me.

NORA: He?

NORA: Him?

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—!

NORA: How would 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!

HELMER: [calls from his room, knocking on 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?

HELMER: Don’t be so scared. We can’t come in because you’ve 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.

MRS LINDE: [who has read the card]. I see he lives on the corner here.

NORA: Yes, but it’s no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying there in the box.

NORA: Yes, but there’s no point. It’s hopeless. The letter is 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—

MRS LINDE: Krogstad must ask for his letter back before it is read. He must find some excuse.

NORA: But it is just at this time that Torvald generally—

NORA: But this is just when Torvald usually...

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.]

MRS LINDE: You have to delay him. Go in and see him in the meantime. I'll come back as soon as I can. [She hurries out through the hall door.]

NORA: [goes to HELMER’S door, opens it and peeps in]. Torvald!

NORA: [goes to HELMER’S door, opens it and looks inside]. 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?

HELMER: [from the inner room]. Well? May I finally come back into my own room? Come along, Rank. Now you'll see. [Stopping in the doorway.] But what is this?

NORA: What is what, dear?

NORA: What do you mean, dear?

HELMER: Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation.

HELMER: Rank made me expect a wonderful transformation.

RANK: [in the doorway]. I understood so, but evidently I was mistaken.

RANK: [in the doorway]. That's what I thought, but apparently I was wrong.

NORA: Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress until tomorrow.

NORA: Yes, nobody gets to admire me in my dress until tomorrow.

HELMER: But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been practising too much?

HELMER: But, my dear Nora, you look so tired. Have you been practicing too much?

NORA: No, I have not practised at all.

NORA: No, I haven't practiced at all.

HELMER: But you will need to—

HELMER: But you'll 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.

NORA: Yes, I certainly will, Torvald. But I can’t do any of it without your help. I’ve completely forgotten the whole thing.

HELMER: Oh, we will soon work it up again.

HELMER: Oh, we'll soon build 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?

NORA: Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise you will! I’m so nervous about it, with all those people. You must devote yourself entirely to me this evening. No business at all. You mustn’t even pick up a pen. Will you promise, dear Torvald?

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.]

HELMER: I promise. Tonight, I’ll be entirely at your service, you helpless little mortal. Oh, but first I’ll just... [Goes toward the hall door.]

NORA: What are you going to do there?

HELMER: Only see if any letters have come.

HELMER: Just check if any letters have arrived.

NORA: No, no! don’t do that, Torvald!

NORA: No, no! Don’t do that, Torvald!

HELMER: Why not?

NORA: Torvald, please don’t. There is nothing there.

NORA: Torvald, please don't. There's 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!

HELMER: Well, let me see. [He turns toward the mailbox. NORA plays the opening notes of the Tarantella on the piano. HELMER stops in the doorway.] Aha!

NORA: I can’t dance tomorrow if I don’t practise with you.

NORA: I can’t dance tomorrow if I don’t practice with you.

HELMER: [going up to her]. Are you really so afraid of it, dear?

HELMER: [going up to her]. Are you really that 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.

NORA: Yes, I'm terribly afraid of it. Let me practice right now. There's time before we go to dinner. Sit down and play for me, dear Torvald. Critique me and correct me as you play.

HELMER: With great pleasure, if you wish me to. [Sits down at the piano.]

HELMER: I'd be happy to, if you want 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!

NORA: [takes a tambourine and a long, multicolored shawl out of the box. She quickly wraps the shawl around herself. Then she springs to the front of the stage and calls out]. Play for me now! I'm going to dance!

[HELMER plays and NORA dances. RANK stands by the piano behind HELMER, and looks on.]

[HELMER plays and NORA dances. RANK stands behind HELMER by the piano and watches.]

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.

HELMER: [stops playing]. No, no, that's not right at all.

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.

HELMER: [getting up]. Yes, do. I can correct her more easily 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.]

[RANK sits down at the piano and plays. NORA dances more and more wildly. HELMER stands beside the stove and gives her frequent instructions as she dances. She does not seem to hear him. Her hair comes down and falls over her shoulders. She pays no attention to it and keeps dancing. Mrs Linde enters.]

MRS LINDE: [standing as if spell-bound in the doorway]. Oh!—

MRS LINDE: [standing in the doorway as if spellbound]. Oh!

NORA: [as she dances]. Such fun, Christine!

NORA: [as she dances]. This is so much fun, Christine!

HELMER: My dear darling Nora, you are dancing as if your life depended on it.

HELMER: My darling Nora, you're dancing as if your life depended on it.

NORA: So it does.

NORA: Yes, 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.

HELMER: Stop, Rank. This is madness. Stop, I tell you! [RANK stops playing, and NORA suddenly stands still. HELMER goes up to her.] I never would 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.

HELMER: You'll need 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!

NORA: Yes, you can see how much I need it. You must coach me right up to the last minute. Promise me you will, Torvald!

HELMER: You can depend on me.

HELMER: You can count 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—

NORA: You must think of nothing but me today and tomorrow. You mustn’t open a single letter, or even open the mailbox.

HELMER: Ah, you are still afraid of that fellow—

HELMER: Ah, you're still afraid of that man.

NORA: Yes, indeed I am.

NORA: Yes, I certainly am.

HELMER: Nora, I can tell from your looks that there is a letter from him lying there.

HELMER: Nora, I can tell by your expression that there's a letter from him 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.

NORA: I don't know. I think there is. But you mustn't read anything like that now. Nothing awful 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—

HELMER: [taking her in his arms]. The child can 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.]

NORA: Then you'll be free. [The MAID appears in the doorway on the right.]

MAID: Dinner is served, ma’am.

MAID: Dinner is ready, ma’am.

NORA: We will have champagne, Helen.

NORA: We'll have champagne, Helen.

MAID: Very good, ma’am. [Exit.]

MAID: Yes, ma’am. [Exit.]

HELMER: Hullo!—are we going to have a banquet?

HELMER: Hello! Are we going to have a feast?

NORA: Yes, a champagne banquet until the small hours. [Calls out.] And a few macaroons, Helen—lots, just for once!

NORA: Yes, a champagne feast until the early hours. [Calls out.] And some macaroons, Helen. Lots of them, just this once!

HELMER: Come, come, don’t be so wild and nervous. Be my own little skylark, as you used.

HELMER: Come on, don’t be so wild and nervous. Be my own little skylark, like you used to be.

NORA: Yes, dear, I will. But go in now and you too, Doctor Rank. Christine, you must help me to do up my hair.

NORA: Yes, dear, I will. But go in now, and you too, Doctor Rank. Christine, you must help me put up my hair.

RANK: [whispers to HELMER as they go out]. I suppose there is nothing—she is not expecting anything?

RANK: [whispers to HELMER as they leave]. I suppose there's nothing wrong. She's 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.]

HELMER: Not at all, my friend. It's just the childish nervousness I told you about. [They go into the room on the right.]

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.

NORA: You should have left it alone. You must not stop anything. After all, it's wonderful to wait for something wonderful to happen.

MRS LINDE: What is it that you are waiting for?

MRS LINDE: What are you 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.

NORA: Oh, you wouldn’t understand. Go in with them. I’ll be there in a moment. [Mrs Linde goes into the dining room. NORA stands still for a little while, as if trying to compose herself. Then she looks at her watch.] Five o’clock. Seven hours until midnight. Then twenty-four hours until the next midnight. By 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!