(SCENE.—A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but notextravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to theentrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. Between thedoors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, andbeyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, armchairs and asmall sofa. In the right-hand wall, at the farther end, another door;and on the same side, nearer the footlights, a stove, two easy chairsand a rocking-chair; between the stove and the door, a small table.Engravings on the wall; a cabinet with china and other small objects; asmall book-case with well-bound books. The floors are carpeted, and afire burns in the stove. It is winter.
A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard toopen. Enter NORA, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is inout-door dress and carries a number of parcels; these she lays on thetable to the right. She leaves the outer door open after her, andthrough it is seen a PORTER who is carrying a Christmas Tree anda basket, which he gives to the MAID who has opened thedoor.)
Nora. Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure thechildren do not see ittill this evening, when it is dressed. (To the PORTER, takingout her purse.) How much?
Porter. Sixpence.
Nora. There is a shilling. No, keep the change. (ThePORTER thanks her, and goes out. NORA shuts the door. She islaughing to herself, as she takes off her hat and coat. She takes apacket of macaroons from her pocket and eats one or two; then goescautiously 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 larktwittering 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 andwipes her mouth.) Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought.
Helmer. Don't disturb me. (A little later, he opens the doorand looks into the room, pen in hand.) Bought, did you say? Allthese things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again?
Nora. Yes, but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves goa little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed toeconomize.
Helmer. Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly.
Nora. Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bitmore reckless now, mayn't we? Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to havea big salary and earn lots and lots of money.
Helmer. Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a wholequarter before the salary is due.
Nora. Pooh! we can borrow till then.
Helmer. Nora! (Goes up to her and takes her playfully by theear.) The same little featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowedfifty pounds today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and thenon New Year's Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and—
Nora (putting her hands over his mouth). Oh! don't saysuch horrid things.
Helmer. Still, suppose that happened,—what then?
Nora. If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should carewhether 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 whothey were.
Helmer. That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know whatI think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom orbeauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two havekept bravely on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same wayfor the short time longer that there need be any struggle.
Nora (moving towards the stove). As you please, Torvald.
Helmer (following her). Come, come, mylittle skylark must not droop her wings. What is this! Is my littlesquirrel out of temper? (Taking out his purse.) Nora, what do youthink I have got here?
Nora (turning round quickly). Money!
Helmer. There you are. (Gives her some money.) Do youthink I don't know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping atChristmas-time?
Nora (counting). Ten shillings—a pound—two pounds! Thankyou, 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 Ihave bought. And ah so cheap! Look, here is a new suit for Ivar, and asword; and a horse and a trumpet for Bob; and a doll and dolly'sbedstead for Emmy.—they are very plain, but anyway she will soon breakthem in pieces. And here are dress-lengths and handkerchiefs for themaids; old Anne ought really to have something better.
Helmer. And what is in this parcel?
Nora (crying out). No, no! you mustn't see that till thisevening.
Helmer. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant littleperson, 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 youwould 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 hereyes to his). If you really want to give me something, youmight—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 willbuy something with it.
Helmer. But, Nora—
Nora. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrapit 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 wastingmoney?
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 avery sensible plan, isn't it?
Helmer (smiling). Indeed it is—that is to say, if youwere really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buysomething for yourself. But if you spend it all on the housekeeping andany 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 armround her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up adeal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such littlepersons 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 youcan't save anything!
Nora (smiling quietly and happily). You haven't any ideahow many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.
Helmer. You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. Youalways find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon asyou have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where ithas gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood; forindeed 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 youare, my sweet little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that youare 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 MissSweet-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 thinkof going against your wishes.
Helmer. No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me yourword—(Going up to her.) Keep your little Christmas secrets toyourself, my darling. They will all be revealed tonight when theChristmas 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 willcome to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes in thismorning. I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can't think how I amlooking 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 safeappointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to think of, isn'tit?
Nora. It's wonderful!
Helmer. Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeksbeforehand you shut yourself up every evening till long after midnight,making ornaments for the Christmas Tree and all the other fine thingsthat were to be a surprise to us. It was the dullest three weeks I everspent!
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 Ihelp the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces?
Helmer. Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had thebest of intentions to please us all, and that's the main thing. But itis 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, andyou needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands—
Nora (clapping her hands). No, Torvald, I needn't anylonger, need I! It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (Takinghis arm.) Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought toarrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over—(A bell ringsin the hall.) There's the bell. (She tidies the room a little.)There's someone at the door. What a nuisance!
Helmer. If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.
Maid (in the doorway). A lady to see you, ma'am,—astranger.
Nora. Ask her to come in.
Maid (to HELMER). The doctor came at the same time, sir.
Helmer. Did he go straight into my room?
Maid. Yes, sir.
(HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in MRS. LINDE,who is in traveling dress, and shuts the door.)
Mrs Linde (in a dejected and timid voice). How do you do,Nora?
Nora (doubtfully). How do you do—
Mrs. Linde. You don't recognize me, I suppose.
Nora No, I don't know—yes, to be sure, I seemto—(Suddenly.) Yes! Christine! Is it really you?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, it is I.
Nora. Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet howcould 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 eightyears have been a happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you havecome into the town, and have taken this long journey in winter—that wasplucky of you.
Mrs. Linde. I arrived by steamer this morning.
Nora. To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. Howdelightful! We will have such fun together! But take off your things.You are not cold, I hope. (Helps her.) Now we will sit down bythe stove, and be cosy. No, take this arm-chair; I will sit here in therocking-chair. (Takes her hands.) Now you look like your old selfagain; 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 notmuch. (Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.) What a thoughtlesscreature I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, doforgive 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 Ialways 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 musthave 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, isthat possible?
Mrs. Linde (smiles sadly and strokes her hair). Itsometimes happens, Nora.
Nora. So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. Ihave three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they areout 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 beselfish today; today I must only think of your affairs. But there is onething I must tell you. Do you know we have just had a great piece ofgood 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 anuncertain thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavoury cases; andnaturally Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I quite agreewith him. You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his workin the Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lotsof commissions. For the future we can live quite differently—we can dojust as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will besplendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won'tit?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to havewhat one needs.
Nora. No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money.
Mrs. Linde (smiling). Nora, Nora, haven't you learnt senseyet? 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 youthink. We have not been in a position for me to waste money. We haveboth had to work.
Mrs. Linde. You too?
Nora. Yes; odds and ends, needlework,crochet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing. (Dropping hervoice.) And other things as well. You know Torvald left his officewhen we were married? There was no prospect of promotion there, and hehad to try and earn more than before. But during the first year heoverworked himself dreadfully. You see, he had to make money every wayhe could, and he worked early and late; but he couldn't stand it, andfell dreadfully ill, and the doctors said it was necessary for him to gosouth.
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. Itwas just after Ivar was born; but naturally we had to go. It was awonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's life. But it costa 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 havethe 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. Iwas expecting little Ivar's birth every day and I had my poor sickTorvald 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 wentoff to Italy?
Nora. Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted onour 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 arrivedhere just as I did, was the doctor?
Nora. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come hereprofessionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least onceevery day. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since then, and ourchildren are strong and healthy and so am I. (Jumps up and claps herhands.) Christine! Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!—Buthow horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. (Sitson a stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.) You mustn'tbe angry with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love yourhusband? Why did you marry him?
Mrs. Linde. My mother was alive then, and was bedridden andhelpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did notthink 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 wasa 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 couldfind—first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last threeyears have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is atan end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and theboys do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift forthemselves.
Nora. What a relief you must feel it—
Mrs. Linde. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. Noone to live for any more. (Gets up restlessly.) That is why Icould not stand the life in my little backwater any longer. I hope itmay be easier here to find something which will busy me and occupy mythoughts. If only I could have the good luck to get some regularwork—office work of some kind—
Nora. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you looktired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place.
Mrs. Linde (walking to the window). I have no father togive 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 beangry with me, dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makesone so bitter. No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on thelook-out for chances. One must live, and so one becomes selfish. Whenyou told me of the happy turn your fortuneshave taken—you will hardly believe it—I was delighted not so much onyour account as on my own.
Nora. How do you mean?—Oh, I understand. You mean that perhapsTorvald 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 thesubject very cleverly—I will think of something that will please himvery 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 andtroubles of life.
Nora. I—? I know so little of them?
Mrs Linde (smiling). My dear! Small household cares andthat sort of thing!—You are a child, Nora.
Nora (tosses her head and crosses the stage). You oughtnot to be so superior.
Mrs. Linde. No?
Nora. You are just like all the others. They all think that I amincapable 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 yourtroubles.
Nora. Pooh!—those were trifles. (Lowering her voice.) Ihave 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 oughtnot to. You are proud, aren't you, of having-worked so hard and so longfor your mother?
Mrs. Linde. Indeed, I don't look down on any one. But it is truethat I am both proud and glad to think that I was privileged to make theend of my mother's life almost free from care.
Nora. And you are proud to think of what you have done for yourbrothers.
Mrs. Linde. I think I have the right to be.
Nora. I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too havesomething 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 anyaccount—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 neverhave 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 theothers think, but—
Mrs. Linde. But.—
Nora. Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured themoney.
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 wina prize in the Lottery?
Nora (contemptuously). In the Lottery? There would havebeen no credit in that.
Mrs. Linde. But where did you get it from, then?
Nora (humming and smiling with an air of mystery). Hm, hu!Aha!
Mrs. Linde. Because you couldn't have borrowed it.
Nora. Couldn't I? Why not?
Mrs. Linde. No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband'sconsent.
Nora (tossing her head). Oh, if it is a wife who has anyhead 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 borrowedthe money. I may have got it some other way. (Lies back on thesofa.) Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is asattractive 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 littlebit imprudent?
Nora (sits up straight). Is it imprudent to save yourhusband's life?
Mrs. Linde. It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to—
Nora. But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! Mygoodness, can't you understand that? It was necessary he should have noidea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctorscame and said that his life was in danger, and that the only thing tosave him was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn't try, first ofall, to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how muchI should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears andentreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the conditionI was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I evenhinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry,Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as myhusband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices—as I believe hecalled them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved—and that was howI came to devise a way out of the difficulty—
Mrs. Linde. And did your husband never get to know from yourfather that the money had not come from him?
Nora. No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to lethim into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so illthen—alas, there never was any need to tell him.
Mrs. Linde. And since then have you never told your secret toyour husband?
Nora. Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who hassuch strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful andhumiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, toknow that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relationsaltogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now.
Mrs. Linde. Do you mean never to tell him about it?
Nora (meditatively, and with a half smile.) Yes—some day,perhaps, after many years, when I am no longer as nice-looking as I amnow. Don't laugh at me! I mean, of course, when Torvald is no longer asdevoted to me as he is now; when my dancing and dressing-up and recitinghave palled on him; then it may be a good thing to have something inreserve—(Breaking off,) What nonsense! That time will nevercome. Now, what do you think of my great secret, Christine? Do you stillthink I am of no use? I can tell you, too, that this affair has causedme a lot of worry. It has been by no means easy for me to meet myengagements punctually. I may tell you that there is something that iscalled, in business, quarterly interest, and another thing calledpayment in instalments, and it is always so dreadfully difficult tomanage 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 myhousekeeping money, forTorvald must have a good table. I couldn't let my children be shabbilydressed; I have felt obliged to use up all he gave me for them, thesweet little darlings!
Mrs. Linde. So it has all had to come out of your own necessariesof 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, Ihave never spent more than half of it; I have always bought the simplestand cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, and soTorvald 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. Lastwinter I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I lockedmyself up and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Manya time I was desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendouspleasure to sit there working and earning money. It was like being aman.
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 tokeep an account of a business matter of that kind. I only know that Ihave paid every penny that I could scrape together. Many a time I was atmy wits' end. (Smiles.) Then I used to sit here and imagine thata 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 wasopened it contained, written in big letters, the instruction: "Thelovely Mrs. Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over to her atonce in cash."
Mrs. Linde. But, my dear Nora—who could the man be?
Nora. Good gracious, can't you understand? There was no oldgentleman at all; it was only something that I used to sit here andimagine, when I couldn't think of any way of procuring money. But it'sall the same now; the tiresome old person can stay where he is, as faras I am concerned; I don't care about him or his will either, for I amfree from care now. (Jumps up.) My goodness, it's delightful tothink 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; tobe able to keep the house beautifully and have everything just asTorvald likes it! And, think of it, soon the spring will come and thebig blue sky! Perhaps we shall be able to take a little trip—perhaps Ishall see the sea again! Oh, it's a wonderful thing to be alive and behappy. (A bell is heard in the hall.)
Mrs. Linde (rising). There is the bell; perhaps I hadbetter go.
Nora. No, don't go; no one will come in here; it is sure to befor Torvald.
Servant (at the hall door). Excuse me, ma'am—there is agentleman 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 lowvoice). 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 theBank, and I hear your husband is to be our chief now—
Nora. Then it is—
Krogstad. Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs. Helmers;absolutely nothing else.
Nora. Be so good as to go into the study then. (She bowsindifferently to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes backand 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 asolicitor'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 heshuts the door he calls to him). No, my dear fellow, I won't disturbyou; I would rather go in to your wife for a little while. (Shuts thedoor and sees Mrs. LINDE.) I beg your pardon; I am afraid I amdisturbing you too.
Nora. No, not at all. (Introducing him.) Doctor Rank, Mrs.Linde.
Rank. I have often heard Mrs. Linde's name mentioned here. Ithink 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 totown 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 prolongthe agony as long as possible. All my patients are like that. And so arethose who are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad case, too, is atthis 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 knowat all. He suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs. Helmer; buteven 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 aboutthe Bank.
Nora. I didn't know this—what's his name—Krogstad had anythingto 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 worldthat there are certain people who go zealously snuffing about to smellout moral corruption, and, as soon as they have found some, put theperson concerned into some lucrative position where they can keep theireye on him. Healthy natures are left out in the cold.
Mrs. Linde. Still I think the sick are those who most need takingcare of.
Rank (shrugging his shoulders). Yes, there you are. Thatis the sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house.
(NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out intosmothered laughter and claps her hands.)
Rank. Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Societyreally is?
Nora. What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing atsomething quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, DoctorRank, are all the people who areemployed in the Bank dependent on Torvald now?
Rank. Is that what you find so extremely amusing?
Nora (smiling and humming). That's my affair! (Walkingabout the room.) It's perfectly glorious to think that we have—thatTorvald has so much power over so many people. (Takes the packet fromher 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 Torvaldhad forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil myteeth. But, bah!—once in a way—That's so, isn't it, Doctor Rank? Byyour leave! (Puts a macaroon into his mouth.) You must have onetoo, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one—or at most two.(Walking about.) I am tremendously happy. There is just one thingin 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 Torvaldcould 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 youmight. What is it youwould 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! (HELMERcomes out of his room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in hishand.)
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 totown.
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 tosee you.
Helmer. What do you mean?
Mrs. Linde. No, really, I—
Nora. Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and sheis frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfectherself—
Helmer. Very sensible, Mrs. Linde.
Nora. And when she heard you had been appointed manager of theBank—the news was telegraphed, you know—she traveled here as quick asshe could, Torvald, I am sure you willbe able to do something for Christine, for my sake, won't you?
Helmer. Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you area widow, Mrs. Linde?
Mrs. Linde. Yes.
Helmer. And have had some experience of bookkeeping?
Mrs. Linde. Yes, a fair amount.
Helmer. Ah! well it's very likely I may be able to find somethingfor you—
Nora (clapping her hands). What did I tell you? What did Itell 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 todayyou must excuse me—
Rank. Wait a minute; I will come with you. (Brings his furcoat 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 lookfor 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 ofspace here; I am afraid it is impossible for us—
Mrs. Linde. Please don't think of it! Good-bye, Nora dear, andmany thanks.
Nora. Good-bye for the present. Of course you will come back thisevening. And you too,Dr. Rank. What do you say? If you are well enough? Oh, you must be! Wrapyourself 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 thedoor. The NURSE comes in with the children.) Come in! Comein! (Stoops and kisses them.) Oh, you sweet blessings! Look atthem, 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 bearablefor a mother now!
(RANK, HELMER, and MRS. LINDE go downstairs. The NURSEcomes forward with the children; NORA shuts the halldoor.)
Nora. How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks!—like applesand roses. (The children all talk at once while she speaks tothem.) Have you had great fun? That's splendid! What, you pulledboth Emmy and Bob along on the sledge?—both at once?—that wasgood. You are a clever boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, Anne. Mysweet little baby doll! (Takes the baby from the MAID anddances it up and down.) Yes, yes, mother will dance with Bob too.What! Have you been snow-balling? I wish I had been there too! No, no, Iwill 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 thestove.
(The NURSE goes into the room on the left.Nora takes off the children's things and throws them about, whilethey all talk to her at once.)
Nora. Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn't biteyou? No, dogs don't bite nice little dolly children. You mustn't look atthe 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 weplay at? Hide and Seek? Yes, we'll play Hide and Seek. Bob shall hidefirst. Must I hide? Very well, I'll hide first. (She and the childrenlaugh and shout, and romp in and out of the room; at last Nora hidesunder the table the children rush in and look for her, but do not seeher; they hear her smothered laughter run to the table, lift up thecloth and find her. Shouts of laughter. She crawls forward and pretendsto frighten them. Fresh laughter. Meanwhile there has been a knock atthe 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 herknees). Ah! what do you want?
Krogstad. Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someoneforgot 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. Whenhe has gone we will have another game. (She takes the children intothe room on the left, and shuts the door after them.) You want tospeak 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 yourselfwhat sort of a Christmas you will spend.
Nora. What do you want? Today it is absolutely impossible for me—
Krogstad. We won't talk about that till later on. This issomething 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 husbandgoing 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 tohave an appointment in the Bank?
Nora. What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?—You, oneof my husband's subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes,Mrs. Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleadedher 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 atiny little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, itdoes not necessarily follow that—. When anyone is in a subordinateposition, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offendinganyone who—who—
Krogstad. Who has influence?
Nora. Exactly.
Krogstad (changing his tone). Mrs. Helmer, you will be sogood 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 keepmy subordinate position in the Bank.
Nora. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your postaway from you?
Krogstad. Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence ofignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxiousto expose herself to the chance of rubbingshoulders with me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank forbeing turned off.
Nora. But I assure you—
Krogstad. Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time hascome 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 onit. I! What should make you think I have any influence of that kind withmy husband?
Krogstad. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. Idon't suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands.
Nora. If you speak slightly of my husband, I shall turn you outof the house.
Krogstad. You are bold, Mrs. Helmer.
Nora. I am not afraid of you any longer, As soon as the New Yearcomes, 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 ifI were fighting for my life.
Nora. So it seems.
Krogstad. It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, thatweighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason—well, I mayas well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, likeeverybody else, thatonce, 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 seemedto be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you knowof. I had to do something; and, honestly, don't think I've been one ofthe worst. But now I must cut myself free from all that. My sons aregrowing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as Ican in the town. This post in the Bank was like the first step up forme—and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into themud.
Nora. But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in mypower to help you at all.
Krogstad. Then it is because you haven't the will; but I havemeans to compel you.
Nora. You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe youmoney?
Krogstad. Hm!—suppose I were to tell him?
Nora. It would be perfectly infamous of you. (Sobbing.) Tothink of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, insuch an ugly, clumsy way—that he should learn it from you! And it wouldput me in a horribly disagreeable position—
Krogstad. Only disagreeable?
Nora (impetuously). Well, do it, then!—and it will be theworse for you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard youare, and you certainly won't keep your post then.
Krogstad. I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at homethat you were afraid of?
Nora. If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will atonce pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to dowith you.
Krogstad (coming a step nearer). Listen to me, Mrs.Helmer. Either you have a very bad memory or you know very little ofbusiness. 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 twohundred and fifty pounds.
Nora. I didn't know any one else to go to.
Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount—
Nora. Yes, and you did so.
Krogstad. I promised to get you that amount, on certainconditions. Your mind was so taken up with your husband's illness, andyou were so anxious to get the money for your journey, that you seem tohave paid no attention to the conditions of our bargain. Therefore itwill not be amiss if I remind you of them. Now, I promised to get themoney 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 linesconstituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your fathershould have signed.
Nora. Should? He did sign them.
Krogstad. I had left the date blank; that is to say your fathershould himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. Doyou remember that?
Nora. Yes, I think I remember—
Krogstad. Then I gave you the bond to send by post to yourfather. Is that not so?
Nora. Yes.
Krogstad. And you naturally did so at once, because five or sixdays 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 inhand—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 rememberwhat 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 hispocket) 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 afterhis death.
Nora. What do you mean? I don't understand—
Krogstad. Your father died on the 29th of September. But, lookhere; your father dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is adiscrepancy, isn't it? (NORA is silent.) Can you explain it tome? (NORA is still silent.) It is a remarkable thing, too, thatthe words "2nd of October," as well as the year, are not written in yourfather's handwriting but in one that I think I know. Well, of course itcan be explained; your father may have forgotten to date his signature,and someone else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of hisdeath. There is no harm in that. It all depends on the signature of thename; and that is genuine, I suppose, Mrs. Helmer? It was yourfather himself who signed his name here?
Nora (after a short pause, throws her head up and looksdefiantly 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 thepaper to your father?
Nora. It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him forhis signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was to beused for; and when he was so ill himselfI couldn't tell him that my husband's life was in danger—it wasimpossible.
Krogstad. It would have been better for you if you had given upyour trip abroad.
Nora. No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband'slife; I couldn't give that up.
Krogstad. But did it never occur to you that you were committinga fraud on me?
Nora. I couldn't take that into account; I didn't trouble myselfabout you at all. I couldn't bear you, because you put so many heartlessdifficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous condition myhusband was in.
Krogstad. Mrs. Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly whatit is that you have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my onefalse step, which lost me all my reputation, was nothing more or nothingworse than what you have done.
Nora. You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough torun 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 bejudged, if I produce this paper in court.
Nora. I don't believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed tospare her dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be allowed tosave her husband's life? I don't know much aboutlaw; but I am certain that there must be laws permitting such things asthat. Have you no knowledge of such laws—you who are a lawyer? You mustbe a very poor lawyer, Mr. Krogstad.
Krogstad. Maybe. But matters of business—such business as youand I have had together—do you think I don't understand that? Verywell. Do as you please. But let me tell you this—if I lose my positiona second time, you shall lose yours with me. (He bows, and goes outthrough the hall.)
Nora (appears buried in thought for a short time, then tossesher head). Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!—I am not sosilly as he thinks. (Begins to busy herself putting the children'sthings in order.) And yet—? No, it's impossible! I did it forlove's sake.
The Children (in the doorway on the left.) Mother, thestranger man has gone out through the gate.
Nora. Yes, dears, I know. But, don't tell anyone about thestranger man. Do you hear? Not even papa.
Children. No, mother; but will you come and play again?
Nora. No no,—not now.
Children. But, mother, you promised us.
Nora. Yes, but I can't now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do.Run away in, sweet little darlings. (She gets them into the room bydegrees and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes upa piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops.)No! (Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and callsout.) 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—andflowers here—. The horrible man! It's all nonsense—there's nothingwrong. The Tree shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think ofto please you, Torvald!—I will sing for you, dance for you—(HELMERcomes in with some papers under his arm.) Oh! are you backalready?
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 herebegging you to say a good word for him.
Nora. Yes.
Helmer. And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; youwere to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn't he begthat of you too?
Nora. Yes, Torvald, but—
Helmer. Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort ofthing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort ofpromise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain?
Nora. A lie—?
Helmer. Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (Shakes hisfinger at her.) My little song-bird must never do that again. Asong-bird must have a clean beak to chirp with—no false notes! (Putshis arm round her waist.) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure itis. (Lets her go.) We will say no more about it. (Sits down bythe stove.) How warm and snug it is here! (Turns over hispapers.)
Nora (after a short pause, during which she busies herselfwith the Christmas Tree). Torvald!
Helmer. Yes.
Nora: I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy dress ballat the Stensborgs' the day after tomorrow.
Helmer. And I am tremendously curious to see what you are goingto 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 thinkof seems so silly and insignificant.
Helmer. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last?
Nora (standing behind his chair with herarms 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 toundertake the necessary changes in the staff and in the rearrangement ofthe work; and I must make use of the Christmas week for that, so as tohave 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 hishair). If you hadn't been so busy I should have asked you atremendously big favour, Torvald.
Helmer. What is that? Tell me.
Nora. There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do sowant to look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn't you take mein hand and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shallwear?
Helmer. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to getsomeone 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 hitupon something.
Nora. That is nice of you. (Goes to the Christmas Tree.A short pause.) How pretty the red flowers look—. But, tell me, wasitreally something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of?
Helmer. He forged someone's name. Have you any idea what thatmeans?
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 soheartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false stepof that kind.
Nora. No you wouldn't, would you, Torvald?
Helmer. Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if hehas openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment.
Nora. Punishment—?
Helmer. But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself outof 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 playthe hypocrite with everyone, how he has to wear a mask in the presenceof 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 poisonsthe whole life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a houseis 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 asa lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has hada 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 lawyeris familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been persistentlypoisoning his own children with lies and dissimulation; that is why Isay he has lost all moral character. (Holds out his hands toher.) That is why my sweet little Nora must promise me not to pleadhis cause. Give me your hand on it. Come, come, what is this? Give meyour hand. There now, that's settled. I assure you it would be quiteimpossible for me to work with him; I literally feel physically ill whenI am in the company of such people.
Nora (takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite sideof the Christmas Tree). How hot it is in here; and I have such a lotto 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 mustthink about your costume, too. And it is just possible I may havesomething ready in gold paper to hang up on the Tree. (Puts his handon her head.) My precious little singing-bird! (He goes into hisroom and shuts the door after him.)
Nora (after a pause, whispers). No, no—itisn'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 comein to mamma.
Nora. No, no, no! Don't let them come in to me! You stay withthem, 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'snot true. It can't possibly be true.
zpostcode
Recruit
weather
mreligion
Yellowpages
sport
constellation
shopping
name
game
directory
literature
Word
tour
furnish
Lottery
tftnews
lyrics
News
digital
car
dir
Edu
Finance
