Chapter III: Part 3

[_With decision._] That you shall never, never do!

HELMER.

Very well; then we’ll share it, Nora, as man and wife. That is how it should be. [_Petting her._] Are you satisfied now? Come, come, come, don’t look like a scared dove. It’s all nothing—foolish fancies.—Now you ought to play the tarantella through and practise with the tambourine. I shall sit in my inner room and shut both doors, so that I shall hear nothing. You can make as much noise as you please. [_Turns round in doorway._] And when Rank comes, just tell him where I’m to be found.

[_He nods to her, and goes with his papers into his room,
closing the door._

NORA.

[_Bewildered with terror, stands as though rooted to the ground, and whispers._] He would do it. Yes, he would do it. He would do it, in spite of all the world.—No, never that, never, never! Anything rather than that! Oh, for some way of escape! What shall I do——! [_Hall bell rings._] Doctor Rank——!—Anything, anything, rather than——!

[NORA _draws her hands over her face, pulls herself together,
goes to the door and opens it._ RANK _stands outside hanging
up his fur coat. During what follows it begins to grow
dark._

NORA.

Good afternoon, Doctor Rank. I knew you by your ring. But you mustn’t go to Torvald now. I believe he’s busy.

RANK.

And you?

[_Enters and closes the door._

NORA.

Oh, you know very well, I have always time for you.

RANK.

Thank you. I shall avail myself of your kindness as long as I can.

NORA.

What do you mean? As long as you can?

RANK.

Yes. Does _that_ frighten you?

NORA.

I think it’s an odd expression. Do you expect anything to happen?

RANK.

Something I have long been prepared for; but I didn’t think it would come so soon.

NORA.

[_Catching at his arm._] What have you discovered? Doctor Rank, you must tell me!

RANK.

[_Sitting down by the stove._] I am running down hill. There’s no help for it.

NORA.

[_Draws a long breath of relief._] It’s _you_——?

RANK.

Who else should it be?—Why lie to one’s self? I am the most wretched of all my patients, Mrs. Helmer. In these last days I have been auditing my life-account—bankrupt! Perhaps before a month is over, I shall lie rotting in the churchyard.

NORA.

Oh! What an ugly way to talk.

RANK.

The thing itself is so confoundedly ugly, you see. But the worst of it is, so many other ugly things have to be gone through first. There is only one last investigation to be made, and when that is over I shall know pretty certainly when the break-up will begin. There’s one thing I want to say to you: Helmer’s delicate nature shrinks so from all that is horrible: I will not have him in my sick-room——

NORA.

But, Doctor Rank——

RANK.

I won’t have him, I say—not on any account! I shall lock my door against him.—As soon as I am quite certain of the worst, I shall send you my visiting-card with a black cross on it; and then you will know that the final horror has begun.

NORA.

Why, you’re perfectly unreasonable to-day; and I did so want you to be in a really good humour.

RANK.

With death staring me in the face?—And to suffer thus for another’s sin! Where’s the justice of it? And in one way or another you can trace in every family some such inexorable retribution——

NORA.

[_Stopping her ears._] Nonsense, nonsense! Now cheer up!

RANK.

Well, after all, the whole thing’s only worth laughing at. My poor innocent spine must do penance for my father’s wild oats.

NORA.

[_At table, left._] I suppose he was too fond of asparagus and Strasbourg pâté, wasn’t he?

RANK.

Yes; and truffles.

NORA.

Yes, truffles, to be sure. And oysters, I believe?

RANK.

Yes, oysters; oysters, of course.

NORA.

And then all the port and champagne! It’s sad that all these good things should attack the spine.

RANK.

Especially when the luckless spine attacked never had any good of them.

NORA.

Ah, yes, that’s the worst of it.

RANK.

[_Looks at her searchingly._] H’m——

NORA.

[_A moment later._] Why did you smile?

RANK.

No; it was you that laughed.

NORA.

No; it was you that smiled, Dr. Rank.

RANK.

[_Standing up._] I see you’re deeper than I thought.

NORA.

I’m in such a crazy mood to-day.

RANK.

So it seems.

NORA.

[_With her hands on his shoulders._] Dear, dear Doctor Rank, death shall not take you away from Torvald and me.

RANK.

Oh, you’ll easily get over the loss. The absent are soon forgotten.

NORA.

[_Looks at him anxiously._] Do you think so?

RANK.

People make fresh ties, and then——

NORA.

Who make fresh ties?

RANK.

You and Helmer will, when I am gone. You yourself are taking time by the forelock, it seems to me. What was that Mrs. Linden doing here yesterday?

NORA.

Oh!—you’re surely not jealous of poor Christina?

RANK.

Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am out of the way, this woman will perhaps——

NORA.

Hush! Not so loud! She’s in there.

RANK.

To-day as well? You see!

NORA.

Only to put my costume in order—dear me, how unreasonable you are! [_Sits on sofa._] Now do be good, Doctor Rank! To-morrow you shall see how beautifully I shall dance; and then you may fancy that I’m doing it all to please you—and of course Torvald as well. [_Takes various things out of box._] Doctor Rank, sit down here, and I’ll show you something.

RANK.

[_Sitting._] What is it?

NORA.

Look here! Look!

RANK.

Silk stockings.

NORA.

Flesh-coloured. Aren’t they lovely? It’s so dark here now; but to-morrow——No, no, no; you must only look at the feet. Oh, well, I suppose you may look at the rest too.

RANK.

H’m——

NORA.

What are you looking so critical about? Do you think they won’t fit me?

RANK.

I can’t possibly give any competent opinion on that point.

NORA.

[_Looking at him a moment._] For shame! [_Hits him lightly on the ear with the stockings._] Take that.

[_Rolls them up again._

RANK.

And what other wonders am I to see?

NORA.

You sha’n’t see anything more; for you don’t behave nicely.

[_She hums a little and searches among the things._

RANK.

[_After a short silence._] When I sit here gossiping with you, I can’t imagine—I simply cannot conceive—what would have become of me if I had never entered this house.

NORA.

[_Smiling._] Yes, I think you do feel at home with us.

RANK.

[_More softly—looking straight before him._] And now to have to leave it all——

NORA.

Nonsense. You sha’n’t leave us.

RANK.

[_In the same tone._] And not to be able to leave behind the slightest token of gratitude; scarcely even a passing regret—nothing but an empty place, that can be filled by the first comer.

NORA.

And if I were to ask you for——? No——

RANK.

For what?

NORA.

For a great proof of your friendship.

RANK.

Yes—yes?

NORA.

I mean—for a very, very great service——

RANK.

Would you really, for once, make me so happy?

NORA.

Oh, you don’t know what it is.

RANK.

Then tell me.

NORA.

No, I really can’t, Doctor Rank. It’s far, far too much—not only a service, but help and advice besides——

RANK.

So much the better. I can’t think what you can mean. But go on. Don’t you trust me?

NORA.

As I trust no one else. I know you are my best and truest friend. So I will tell you. Well then, Doctor Rank, there is something you must help me to prevent. You know how deeply, how wonderfully Torvald loves me; he wouldn’t hesitate a moment to give his very life for my sake.

RANK.

[_Bending towards her._] Nora—do you think he is the only one who——?

NORA.

[_With a slight start._] Who——?

RANK.

Who would gladly give his life for you?

NORA.

[_Sadly._] Oh!

RANK.

I have sworn that you shall know it before I—go. I shall never find a better opportunity.—Yes, Nora, now I have told you; and now you know that you can trust me as you can no one else.

NORA.

[_Standing up; simply and calmly._] Let me pass, please.

RANK.

[_Makes way for her, but remains sitting._] Nora——

NORA.

[_In the doorway._] Ellen, bring the lamp. [_Crosses to the stove._] Oh dear, Doctor Rank, that was too bad of you.

RANK.

[_Rising._] That I have loved you as deeply as—any one else? Was that too bad of me?

NORA.

No, but that you should have told me so. It was so unnecessary——

RANK.

What do you mean? Did you know——?

[ELLEN _enters with the lamp; sets it on the table and goes out
again._

RANK.

Nora—Mrs. Helmer—I ask you, did you know?

NORA.

Oh, how can I tell what I knew or didn’t know? I really can’t say——How could you be so clumsy, Doctor Rank? It was all so nice!

RANK.

Well, at any rate, you know now that I am at your service, body and soul. And now, go on.

NORA.

[_Looking at him._] Go on—now?

RANK.

I beg you to tell me what you want.

NORA.

I can tell you nothing now.

RANK.

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

NORA.

You can do nothing for me now.—Besides, I really want no help. You shall see it was only my fancy. Yes, it must be so. Of course! [_Sits in the rocking-chair, looks at him and smiles._] You are a nice person, Doctor Rank! Aren’t you ashamed of yourself, now that the lamp is on the table?

RANK.

No; not exactly. But perhaps I ought to go—for ever.

NORA.

No, indeed you mustn’t. Of course you must come and go as you’ve always done. You know very well that Torvald can’t do without you.

RANK.

Yes, but you?

NORA.

Oh, you know I always like to have you here.

RANK.

That is just what led me astray. You are a riddle to me. It has often seemed to me as if you liked being with me almost as much as being with Helmer.

NORA.

Yes; don’t you see? There are people one loves, and others one likes to talk to.

RANK.

Yes—there’s something in that.

NORA.

When I was a girl, of course I loved papa best. But it always delighted me to steal into the servants’ room. In the first place they never lectured me, and in the second it was such fun to hear them talk.

RANK.

Ah, I see; then it’s their place I have taken?

NORA.

[_Jumps up and hurries towards him._] Oh, my dear Doctor Rank, I don’t mean that. But you understand, with Torvald it’s the same as with papa——

_ELLEN enters from the hall._

ELLEN.

Please, ma’am—— [_Whispers to_ NORA, _and gives her a card._]

NORA.

[_Glancing at card._] Ah! [_Puts it in her pocket._

RANK.

Anything wrong?

NORA.

No, no, not in the least. It’s only—it’s my new costume——

RANK.

Your costume. Why, it’s there.

NORA.

Oh, that one, yes. But this is another that—I have ordered it—Torvald mustn’t know——

RANK.

Aha! So that’s the great secret.

NORA.

Yes, of course. Please go to him; he’s in the inner room. Do keep him while I——

RANK.

Don’t be alarmed; he sha’n’t escape.

[_Goes into_ HELMER’S _room._

NORA.

[_To_ ELLEN.] Is he waiting in the kitchen?

ELLEN.

Yes, he came up the back stair——

NORA.

Didn’t you tell him I was engaged?

ELLEN.

Yes, but it was no use.

NORA.

He won’t go away?

ELLEN.

No, ma’am, not until he has spoken to you.

NORA.

Then let him come in; but quietly. And, Ellen—say nothing about it; it’s a surprise for my husband.

ELLEN.

Oh, yes, ma’am, I understand. [_She goes out._

NORA.

It is coming! The dreadful thing is coming, after all. No, no, no, it can never be; it shall not!

[_She goes to_ HELMER’S _door and slips the bolt._ ELLEN _opens
the hall door for_ KROGSTAD, _and shuts it after him. He
wears a travelling-coat, high boots, and a fur cap._

NORA.

[_Goes towards him._] Speak softly; my husband is at home.

KROGSTAD.

All right. That’s nothing to me.

NORA.

What do you want?

KROGSTAD.

A little information.

NORA.

Be quick, then. What is it?

KROGSTAD.

You know I have got my dismissal.

NORA.

I couldn’t prevent it, Mr. Krogstad. I fought for you to the last, but it was of no use.

KROGSTAD.

Does your husband care for you so little? He knows what I can bring upon you, and yet he dares——

NORA.

How could you think I should tell him?

KROGSTAD.

Well, as a matter of fact, I didn’t think it. It wasn’t like my friend Torvald Helmer to show so much courage——

NORA.

Mr. Krogstad, be good enough to speak respectfully of my husband.

KROGSTAD.

Certainly, with all due respect. But since you are so anxious to keep the matter secret, I suppose you are a little clearer than yesterday as to what you have done.

NORA.

Clearer than you could ever make me.

KROGSTAD.

Yes, such a bad lawyer as I——

NORA.

What is it you want?

KROGSTAD.

Only to see how you are getting on, Mrs. Helmer. I’ve been thinking about you all day. Even a mere money-lender, a gutter-journalist, a—in short, a creature like me—has a little bit of what people call feeling.

NORA.

Then show it; think of my little children.

KROGSTAD.

Did you and your husband think of mine? But enough of that. I only wanted to tell you that you needn’t take this matter too seriously. I shall not lodge any information, for the present.

NORA.

No, surely not. I knew you wouldn’t.

KROGSTAD.

The whole thing can be settled quite amicably. Nobody need know. It can remain among us three.

NORA.

My husband must never know.

KROGSTAD.

How can you prevent it? Can you pay off the balance?

NORA.

No, not at once.

KROGSTAD.

Or have you any means of raising the money in the next few days?

NORA.

None—that I will make use of.

KROGSTAD.

And if you had, it would not help you now. If you offered me ever so much money down, you should not get back your I.O.U.

NORA.

Tell me what you want to do with it.

KROGSTAD.

I only want to keep it—to have it in my possession. No outsider shall hear anything of it. So, if you have any desperate scheme in your head——

NORA.

What if I have?

KROGSTAD.

If you should think of leaving your husband and children——

NORA.

What if I do?

KROGSTAD.

Or if you should think of—something worse——

NORA.

How do you know that?

KROGSTAD.

Put all that out of your head.

NORA.

How did you know what I had in my mind?

KROGSTAD.

Most of us think of _that_ at first. I thought of it, too; but I hadn’t the courage——

NORA.

[_Tonelessly._] Nor I.

KROGSTAD.

[_Relieved._] No, one hasn’t. You haven’t the courage either, have you?

NORA.

I haven’t, I haven’t.

KROGSTAD.

Besides, it would be very foolish.—Just one domestic storm, and it’s all over. I have a letter in my pocket for your husband——

NORA.

Telling him everything?

KROGSTAD.

Sparing you as much as possible.

NORA.

[_Quickly._] He must never read that letter. Tear it up. I will manage to get the money somehow——

KROGSTAD.

Pardon me, Mrs. Helmer, but I believe I told you——

NORA.

Oh, I’m not talking about the money I owe you. Tell me how much you demand from my husband—I will get it.

KROGSTAD.

I demand no money from your husband.

NORA.

What do you demand then?

KROGSTAD.

I will tell you. I want to regain my footing in the world. I want to rise; and your husband shall help me to do it. For the last eighteen months my record has been spotless; I have been in bitter need all the time; but I was content to fight my way up, step by step. Now, I’ve been thrust down again, and I will not be satisfied with merely being reinstated as a matter of grace. I want to rise, I tell you. I must get into the Bank again, in a higher position than before. Your husband shall create a place on purpose for me——

NORA.

He will never do that!

KROGSTAD.

He will do it; I know him—he won’t dare to show fight! And when he and I are together there, you shall soon see! Before a year is out I shall be the manager’s right hand. It won’t be Torvald Helmer, but Nils Krogstad, that manages the Joint Stock Bank.

NORA.

That shall never be.

KROGSTAD.

Perhaps you will——?

NORA.

Now I have the courage for it.

KROGSTAD.

Oh, you don’t frighten me! A sensitive, petted creature like you——

NORA.

You shall see, you shall see!

KROGSTAD.

Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, black water? And next spring to come up again, ugly, hairless, unrecognisable——

NORA.

You can’t terrify me.

KROGSTAD.

Nor you me. People don’t do that sort of thing, Mrs. Helmer. And, after all, what would be the use of it? I have your husband in my pocket, all the same.

NORA.

Afterwards? When I am no longer——?

KROGSTAD.

You forget, your reputation remains in my hands! [NORA _stands speechless and looks at him._] Well, now you are prepared. Do nothing foolish. As soon as Helmer has received my letter, I shall expect to hear from him. And remember that it is your husband himself who has forced me back again into such paths. That I will never forgive him. Good-bye, Mrs. Helmer.

[_Goes out through the hall._ NORA _hurries to the door, opens
it a little, and listens._

NORA.

He’s going. He’s not putting the letter into the box. No, no, it would be impossible! [_Opens the door further and further._] What’s that. He’s standing still; not going down stairs. Has he changed his mind? Is he——? [_A letter falls into the box._ KROGSTAD’S _footsteps are heard gradually receding down the stair._ NORA _utters a suppressed shriek, and rushes forward towards the sofa-table; pause._] In the letter-box! [_Slips shrinkingly up to the hall door._] There it lies.—Torvald, Torvald—now we are lost!

_MRS. LINDEN enters from the left with the costume._

MRS. LINDEN.

There, I think it’s all right now. Shall we just try it on?

NORA.

[_Hoarsely and softly._] Christina, come here.

MRS. LINDEN.

[_Throws down the dress on the sofa._] What’s the matter? You look quite distracted.

NORA.

Come here. Do you see that letter? There, see—through the glass of the letter-box.

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes, yes, I see it.

NORA.

That letter is from Krogstad——

MRS. LINDEN.

Nora—it was Krogstad who lent you the money?

NORA.

Yes; and now Torvald will know everything.

MRS. LINDEN.

Believe me, Nora, it’s the best thing for both of you.

NORA.

You don’t know all yet. I have forged a name——

MRS. LINDEN.

Good heavens!

NORA.

Now, listen to me, Christina; you shall bear me witness——

MRS. LINDEN.

How “witness”? What am I to——?

NORA.

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

MRS. LINDEN.

Nora!

NORA.

Or if anything else should happen to me—so that I couldn’t be here——!

MRS. LINDEN.

Nora, Nora, you’re quite beside yourself!

NORA.

In case any one wanted to take it all upon himself—the whole blame—you understand——

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes, yes; but how can you think——?

NORA.

You shall bear witness that it’s not true, Christina. I’m not out of my mind at all; I know quite well what I’m saying; and I tell you nobody else knew anything about it; I did the whole thing, I myself. Remember that.

MRS. LINDEN.

I shall remember. But I don’t understand what you mean——

NORA.

Oh, how should you? It’s the miracle coming to pass.

MRS. LINDEN.

The miracle?

NORA.

Yes, the miracle. But it’s so terrible, Christina; it mustn’t happen for all the world.

MRS. LINDEN.

I shall go straight to Krogstad and talk to him.

NORA.

Don’t; he’ll do you some harm.

MRS. LINDEN.

Once he would have done anything for me.

NORA.

He?

MRS. LINDEN.

Where does he live?

NORA.

Oh, how can I tell——? Yes—— [_Feels in_ _her pocket._] Here’s his card. But the letter, the letter——!

HELMER.

[_Knocking outside._] Nora!

NORA.

[_Shrieks in terror._] Oh, what is it? What do you want?

HELMER.

Well, well, don’t be frightened. We’re not coming in; you’ve bolted the door. Are you trying on your dress?

NORA.

Yes, yes, I’m trying it on. It suits me so well, Torvald.

MRS. LINDEN.

[_Who has read the card._] Why, he lives close by here.

NORA.

Yes, but it’s no use now. We are lost. The letter is there in the box.

MRS. LINDEN.

And your husband has the key?

NORA.

Always.

MRS. LINDEN

Krogstad must demand his letter back, unread. He must find some pretext——

NORA.

But this is the very time when Torvald generally——

MRS. LINDEN.

Prevent him. Keep him occupied. I shall come back as quickly as I can.

[_She goes out hastily by the hall door._

NORA.

[_Opens_ HELMER’S _door and peeps in._] Torvald!

HELMER.

Well, may one come into one’s own room again at last? Come, Rank, we’ll have a look—— [_In the doorway._] But how’s this?

NORA.

What, Torvald dear?

HELMER.

Rank led me to expect a grand transformation.

RANK.

[_In the doorway._] So I understood. I suppose I was mistaken.

NORA.

No, no one shall see me in my glory till to-morrow evening.

HELMER.

Why, Nora dear, you look so tired. Have you been practising too hard?

NORA.

No, I haven’t practised at all yet.

HELMER.

But you’ll have to——

NORA.

Oh yes, I must, I must! But, Torvald, I can’t get on at all without your help. I’ve forgotten everything.

HELMER.

Oh, we shall soon freshen it up again.

NORA.

Yes, do help me, Torvald. You must promise me——Oh, I’m so nervous about it. Before so many people——This evening you must give yourself up entirely to me. You mustn’t do a stroke of work; you mustn’t even touch a pen. Do promise, Torvald dear!

HELMER.

I promise. All this evening I shall be your slave. Little helpless thing——! But, by-the-bye, I must just—— [_Going to hall door._

NORA.

What do you want there?

HELMER.

Only to see if there are any letters.

NORA.

No, no, don’t do that, Torvald.

HELMER.

Why not?

NORA.

Torvald, I beg you not to. There are none there.

HELMER.

Let me just see. [_Is going._

[NORA, _at the piano, plays the first bars of the tarantella._

HELMER.

[_At the door, stops._] Aha!

NORA.

I can’t dance to-morrow if I don’t rehearse with you first.

HELMER.

[_Going to her._] Are you really so nervous, dear Nora?

NORA.

Yes, dreadfully! Let me rehearse at once. We have time before dinner. Oh, do sit down and play for me, Torvald dear; direct me and put me right, as you used to do.

HELMER.

With all the pleasure in life, since you wish it.

[_Sits at piano._

[NORA _matches the tambourine out of the box, and hurriedly
drapes herself in a long parti-coloured shawl; then, with a
bound, stands in the middle of the floor._

NORA.

Now play for me! Now I’ll dance!

[HELMER _plays and_ NORA _dances._ RANK _stands at the piano
behind_ HELMER _and looks on._

HELMER.

[_Playing._] Slower! Slower!

NORA.

Can’t do it slower!

HELMER.

Not so violently, Nora.

NORA.

I must! I must!

HELMER.

[_Stops._] No, no, Nora—that will never do.

NORA.

[_Laughs and swings her tambourine._] Didn’t I tell you so!

RANK.

Let me play for her.

HELMER.

[_Rising._] Yes, do—then I can direct her better.

[RANK _sits down to the piano and plays;_ NORA _dances more and
more wildly._ HELMER _stands by the stove and addresses
frequent corrections to her; she seems not to hear. Her hair
breaks loose, and falls over her shoulders. She does not
notice it, but goes on dancing._ MRS. LINDEN _enters and
stands spellbound in the doorway._

MRS. LINDEN.

Ah——!

NORA.

[_Dancing._] We’re having such fun here, Christina!

HELMER.

Why, Nora dear, you’re dancing as if it were a matter of life and death.

NORA.

So it is.

HELMER.

Rank, stop! This is the merest madness. Stop, I say!

[RANK _stops playing, and_ NORA _comes to a sudden standstill._

HELMER.

[_Going towards her._] I couldn’t have believed it. You’ve positively forgotten all I taught you.

NORA.

[_Throws the tambourine away._] You see for yourself.

HELMER.

You really do want teaching.

NORA.

Yes, you see how much I need it. You must practise with me up to the last moment. Will you promise me, Torvald?

HELMER.

Certainly, certainly.

NORA.

Neither to-day nor to morrow must you think of anything but me. You mustn’t open a single letter—mustn’t look at the letter-box.

HELMER.

Ah, you’re still afraid of that man——

NORA.

Oh yes, yes, I am.

HELMER.

Nora, I can see it in your face—there’s a letter from him in the box.

NORA.

I don’t know, I believe so. But you’re not to read anything now; nothing ugly must come between us until all is over.

RANK.

[_Softly, to_ HELMER.] You mustn’t contradict her.

HELMER.

[_Putting his arm around her._] The child shall have her own way. But to-morrow night, when the dance is over——

NORA.

Then you shall be free.

ELLEN _appears in the doorway, right._

ELLEN.

Dinner is on the table, ma’am.

NORA.

We’ll have some champagne, Ellen.

ELLEN.

Yes, ma’am. [_Goes out._

HELMER.

Dear me! Quite a banquet.

NORA.

Yes, and we’ll keep it up till morning. [_Calling out._] And macaroons, Ellen—plenty—just this once.

HELMER.

[_Seizing her hand._] Come, come, don’t let us have this wild excitement! Be my own little lark again.

NORA.

Oh yes, I will. But now go into the dining-room; and you too, Doctor Rank. Christina, you must help me to do up my hair.

RANK.

[_Softly, as they go._] There’s nothing in the wind? Nothing—I mean——?

HELMER.

Oh no, nothing of the kind. It’s merely this babyish anxiety I was telling you about.

[_They go out to the right._

NORA.

Well?

MRS. LINDEN.

He’s gone out of town.

NORA.

I saw it in your face.

MRS. LINDEN.

He comes back to-morrow evening. I left a note for him.

NORA.

You shouldn’t have done that. Things must take their course. After all, there’s something glorious in waiting for the miracle.

MRS. LINDEN.

What is it you’re waiting for?

NORA.

Oh, you can’t understand. Go to them in the dining-room; I shall come in a moment.

[MRS. LINDEN _goes into the dining-room._ NORA _stands for a
moment as though collecting her thoughts; then looks at her
watch._

NORA.

Five. Seven hours till midnight. Then twenty-four hours till the next midnight. Then the tarantella will be over. Twenty-four and seven? Thirty-one hours to live.

HELMER _appears at the door, right._

HELMER.

What has become of my little lark?

NORA.

[_Runs to him with open arms._] Here she is!

-----

Footnote 9:

In the original, “We say ‘thou’ to each other.”

ACT THIRD

_The same room. The table, with the chairs around it, in the middle. A
lighted lamp on the table. The door to the hall stands open. Dance
music is heard from the floor above._

_MRS. LINDEN sits by the table and absently turns the pages of a book.
She tries to read, but seems unable to fix her attention; she
frequently listens and looks anxiously towards the hall door._

MRS. LINDEN.

[_Looks at her watch._] Not here yet; and the time is nearly up. If only he hasn’t—— [_Listens again._] Ah, there he is. [_She goes into the hall and cautiously opens the outer door; soft footsteps are heard on the stairs; she whispers._] Come in; there is no one here.

KROGSTAD.

[_In the doorway!_] I found a note from you at my house. What does it mean?

MRS. LINDEN.

I must speak to you.

KROGSTAD.

Indeed? And in this house?

MRS. LINDEN.

I could not see you at my rooms. They have no separate entrance. Come in; we are quite alone. The servants are asleep, and the Helmers are at the ball upstairs.

KROGSTAD.

[_Coming into the room._] Ah! So the Helmers are dancing this evening? Really?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes. Why not?

KROGSTAD.

Quite right. Why not?

MRS. LINDEN.

And now let us talk a little.

KROGSTAD.

Have we two anything to say to each other?

MRS. LINDEN.

A great deal.

KROGSTAD.

I should not have thought so.

MRS. LINDEN.

Because you have never really understood me.

KROGSTAD.

What was there to understand? The most natural thing in the world—a heartless woman throws a man over when a better match offers.

MRS. LINDEN.

Do you really think me so heartless? Do you think I broke with you lightly?

KROGSTAD.

Did you not?

MRS. LINDEN.

Do you really think so?

KROGSTAD.

If not, why did you write me that letter?

MRS. LINDEN.

Was it not best? Since I had to break with you, was it not right that I should try to put an end to all that you felt for me?

KROGSTAD.

[_Clenching his hands together._] So that was it? And all this—for the sake of money!

MRS. LINDEN.

You ought not to forget that I had a helpless mother and two little brothers. We could not wait for you, Nils, as your prospects then stood.

KROGSTAD.

Perhaps not; but you had no right to cast me off for the sake of others, whoever the others might be.

MRS. LINDEN.

I don’t know. I have often asked myself whether I had the right.

KROGSTAD.

[_More softly._] When I had lost you, I seemed to have no firm ground left under my feet. Look at me now. I am a shipwrecked man clinging to a spar.

MRS. LINDEN.

Rescue may be at hand.

KROGSTAD.

It _was_ at hand; but then you came and stood in the way.

MRS. LINDEN.

Without my knowledge, Nils. I did not know till to-day that it was you I was to replace in the Bank.

KROGSTAD.

Well, I take your word for it. But now that you do know, do you mean to give way?

MRS. LINDEN.

No, for that would not help you in the least.

KROGSTAD.

Oh, help, help——! I should do it whether or no.

MRS. LINDEN.

I have learnt prudence. Life and bitter necessity have schooled me.

KROGSTAD.

And life has taught me not to trust fine speeches.

MRS. LINDEN.

Then life has taught you a very sensible thing. But deeds you _will_ trust?

KROGSTAD.

What do you mean?

MRS. LINDEN.

You said you were a shipwrecked man, clinging to a spar.

KROGSTAD.

I have good reason to say so.

MRS. LINDEN.

I too am shipwrecked, and clinging to a spar. I have no one to mourn for, no one to care for.

KROGSTAD.

You made your own choice.

MRS. LINDEN.

No choice was left me.

KROGSTAD.

Well, what then?

MRS. LINDEN.

Nils, how if we two shipwrecked people could join hands?

KROGSTAD.

What!

MRS. LINDEN.

Two on a raft have a better chance than if each clings to a separate spar.

KROGSTAD.

Christina!

MRS. LINDEN.

What do you think brought me to town?

KROGSTAD.

Had you any thought of me?

MRS. LINDEN.

I must have work or I can’t bear to live. All my life, as long as I can remember, I have worked; work has been my one great joy. Now I stand quite alone in the world, aimless and forlorn. There is no happiness in working for one’s self. Nils, give me somebody and something to work for.

KROGSTAD.

I cannot believe in all this. It is simply a woman’s romantic craving for self-sacrifice.

MRS. LINDEN.

Have you ever found me romantic?

KROGSTAD.

Would you really——? Tell me: do you know all my past?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes.

KROGSTAD.

And do you know what people say of me?

MRS. LINDEN.

Did you not say just now that with me you could have been another man?

KROGSTAD.

I am sure of it.

MRS. LINDEN.

Is it too late?

KROGSTAD.

Christina, do you know what you are doing? Yes, you do; I see it in your face. Have you the courage then——?

MRS. LINDEN.

I need some one to be a mother to, and your children need a mother. You need me, and I—I need you. Nils, I believe in your better self. With you I fear nothing.

KROGSTAD.

[_Seizing her hands._] Thank you—thank you, Christina. Now I shall make others see me as you do.—Ah, I forgot——

MRS. LINDEN.

[_Listening._] Hush! The tarantella! Go! go!

KROGSTAD.

Why? What is it?

MRS. LINDEN.

Don’t you hear the dancing overhead? As soon as that is over they will be here.

KROGSTAD.

Oh yes, I shall go. Nothing will come of this, after all. Of course, you don’t know the step I have taken against the Helmers.

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes, Nils, I do know.

KROGSTAD.

And yet you have the courage to——?

MRS. LINDEN.

I know to what lengths despair can drive a man.

KROGSTAD.

Oh, if I could only undo it!

MRS. LINDEN.

You could. Your letter is still in the box.

KROGSTAD.

Are you sure?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes; but——

KROGSTAD.

[_Looking to her searchingly._] Is that what it all means? You want to save your friend at any price. Say it out—is that your idea?

MRS. LINDEN.

Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for the sake of others, does not do so again.

KROGSTAD.

I shall demand my letter back again.

MRS. LINDEN.

No, no.

KROGSTAD.

Yes, of course. I shall wait till Helmer comes; I shall tell him to give it back to me—that it’s only about my dismissal—that I don’t want it read——

MRS. LINDEN.

No, Nils, you must not recall the letter.

KROGSTAD.

But tell me, wasn’t that just why you got me to come here?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes, in my first alarm. But a day has passed since then, and in that day I have seen incredible things in this house. Helmer must know everything; there must be an end to this unhappy secret. These two must come to a full understanding. They must have done with all these shifts and subterfuges.

KROGSTAD.

Very well, if you like to risk it. But _one_ thing I can do, and at once——

MRS. LINDEN.

[_Listening._] Make haste! Go, go! The dance is over; we’re not safe another moment.

KROGSTAD.

I shall wait for you in the street.

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes, do; you must see me home.

KROGSTAD.

I never was so happy in all my life!

[KROGSTAD _goes out by the outer door. The door between the room
and the hall remains open._

MRS. LINDEN.

[_Arranging the room and getting her outdoor things together._] What a change! What a change! To have some one to work for, to live for; a home to make happy! Well, it shall not be my fault if I fail.—I wish they would come.—[_Listens._] Ah, here they are! I must get my things on.

[_Takes bonnet and cloak._ HELMER’S _and_ NORA’S _voices are
heard outside, a key is turned in the lock, and_ HELMER
_drags_ NORA _almost by force into the hall. She wears the
Italian costume with a large black shawl over it. He is in
evening dress and wears a black domino, open._

NORA.

[_Struggling with him in the doorway._] No, no, no! I won’t go in! I want to go upstairs again; I don’t want to leave so early!

HELMER.

But, my dearest girl——!

NORA.

Oh, please, please, Torvald, I beseech you—only one hour more!

HELMER.

Not one minute more, Nora dear; you know what we agreed. Come, come in; you’re catching cold here.

[_He leads her gently into the room in spite of her resistance._

MRS. LINDEN.

Good-evening.

NORA.

Christina!

HELMER.

What, Mrs. Linden! You here so late?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes, I ought to apologise. I did so want to see Nora in her costume.

NORA.

Have you been sitting here waiting for me?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes; unfortunately I came too late. You had gone upstairs already, and I felt I couldn’t go away without seeing you.

HELMER.

[_Taking_ NORA’S _shawl off._] Well then, just look at her! I assure you she’s worth it. Isn’t she lovely, Mrs. Linden?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes, I must say——

HELMER.

Isn’t she exquisite? Every one said so. But she’s dreadfully obstinate, dear little creature. What’s to be done with her? Just think, I had almost to force her away.

NORA.

Oh, Torvald, you’ll be sorry some day that you didn’t let me stay, if only for one half-hour more.

HELMER.

There! You hear her, Mrs. Linden? She dances her tarantella with wild applause, and well she deserved it, I must say—though there was, perhaps, a little too much nature in her rendering of the idea—more than was, strictly speaking, artistic. But never mind—the point is, she made a great success, a tremendous success. Was I to let her remain after that—to weaken the impression? Not if I know it. I took my sweet little Capri girl—my capricious little Capri girl, I might say—under my arm; a rapid turn round the room, a curtsey to all sides, and—as they say in novels—the lovely apparition vanished! An exit should always be effective, Mrs. Linden; but I can’t get Nora to see it. By Jove! it’s warm here. [_Throws his domino on a chair and opens the door to his room._] What! No light there? Oh, of course. Excuse me——

[_Goes in and lights candles._

NORA.

[_Whispers breathlessly._] Well?

MRS. LINDEN.

[_Softly._] I’ve spoken to him.

NORA.

And——?

MRS. LINDEN.

Nora—you must tell your husband everything——

Nora.

[_Tonelessly._] I knew it!

MRS. LINDEN.

You have nothing to fear from Krogstad; but you must speak out.

NORA.

I shall not speak.

MRS. LINDEN.

Then the letter will.

NORA.

Thank you, Christina. Now I know what I have to do. Hush——!

HELMER.

[_Coming back._] Well, Mrs. Linden, have you admired her?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes; and now I must say good-night.

HELMER.

What, already? Does this knitting belong to you?

MRS. LINDEN.

[_Takes it._] Yes, thanks; I was nearly forgetting it.

HELMER.

Then you do knit?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes.

HELMER.

Do you know, you ought to embroider instead?

MRS. LINDEN.

Indeed! Why?

HELMER.

Because it’s so much prettier. Look now! You hold the embroidery in the left hand, so, and then work the needle with the right hand, in a long, graceful curve—don’t you?

MRS. LINDEN.

Yes, I suppose so.

HELMER.

But knitting is always ugly. Just look—your arms close to your sides, and the needles going up and down—there’s something Chinese about it.—They really gave us splendid champagne to-night.

MRS. LINDEN.

Well, good-night, Nora, and don’t be obstinate any more.

HELMER.

Well said, Mrs. Linden!

MRS. LINDEN.

Good-night, Mr. Helmer.

HELMER.

[_Accompanying her to the door._] Good-night, good-night; I hope you’ll get safely home. I should be glad to—but you have such a short way to go. Good-night, good-night. [_She goes;_ HELMER _shuts the door after her and comes forward again._] At last we’ve got rid of her: she’s a terrible bore.

NORA.

Aren’t you very tired, Torvald?

HELMER.

No, not in the least.

NORA.

Nor sleepy?

HELMER.

Not a bit. I feel particularly lively. But you? You do look tired and sleepy.

NORA.

Yes, very tired. I shall soon sleep now.

HELMER.

There, you see. I was right after all not to let you stay longer.

NORA.

Oh, everything you do is right.

HELMER.

[_Kissing her forehead._] Now my lark is speaking like a reasonable being. Did you notice how jolly Rank was this evening?

NORA.

Indeed? Was he? I had no chance of speaking to him.

HELMER.

Nor I, much; but I haven’t seen him in such good spirits for a long time. [_Looks at_ NORA _a little, then comes nearer her._] It’s splendid to be back in our own home, to be quite alone together!—Oh, you enchanting creature!

NORA.

Don’t look at me in that way, Torvald.

HELMER.

I am not to look at my dearest treasure?—at all the loveliness that is mine, mine only, wholly and entirely mine?

NORA.

[_Goes to the other side of the table._] You mustn’t say these things to me this evening.

HELMER.

[_Following._] I see you have the tarantella still in your blood—-and that makes you all the more enticing. Listen! the other people are going now. [_More softly._] Nora—soon the whole house will be still.

NORA.

Yes, I hope so.

HELMER.

Yes, don’t you, Nora darling? When we are among strangers, do you know why I speak so little to you, and keep so far away, and only steal a glance at you now and then—do you know _why_ I do it? Because I am fancying that we love each other in secret, that I am secretly betrothed to you, and that no one dreams that there is anything between us.

NORA.

Yes, yes, yes. I know all your thoughts are with me.

HELMER.

And then, when the time comes to go, and I put the shawl about your smooth, soft shoulders, and this glorious neck of yours, I imagine you are my bride, that our marriage is just over, that I am bringing you for the first time to my home—that I am alone with you for the first time—quite alone with you, in your trembling loveliness! All this evening I have been longing for you, and you only. When I watched you swaying and whirling in the tarantella—my blood boiled—I could endure it no longer; and that’s why I made you come home with me so early——

NORA.

Go now, Torvald! Go away from me. I won’t have all this.

HELMER.

What do you mean? Ah, I see you’re teasing me, little Nora! Won’t—won’t! Am I not your husband——?

[_A knock at the outer door._

NORA

[_Starts._] Did you hear——?

HELMER.

[_Going towards the hall._] Who’s there?

RANK.

[_Outside._] It is I; may I come in for a moment?

HELMER.

[_In a low tone, annoyed._] Oh! what can he want just now? [_Aloud._] Wait a moment. [_Opens door._] Come, it’s nice of you to look in.

RANK.

I thought I heard your voice, and that put it into my head. [_Looks round._] Ah, this dear old place! How cosy you two are here!

HELMER.

You seemed to find it pleasant enough upstairs, too.

RANK.

Exceedingly. Why not? Why shouldn’t one take one’s share of everything in this world? All one can, at least, and as long as one can. The wine was splendid——

HELMER.

Especially the champagne.

RANK.

Did you notice it? It’s incredible the quantity I contrived to get down.

NORA.

Torvald drank plenty of champagne, too.

RANK.

Did he?

NORA.

Yes, and it always puts him in such spirits.

RANK.

Well, why shouldn’t one have a jolly evening after a well-spent day?

HELMER.

Well-spent! Well, I haven’t much to boast of in that respect.

RANK.

[_Slapping him on the shoulder._] But I _have_, don’t you see?

NORA.

I suppose you have been engaged in a scientific investigation, Doctor Rank?

RANK.

Quite right.

HELMER.

Bless me! Little Nora talking about scientific investigations!

NORA.

Am I to congratulate you on the result?

RANK.

By all means.

NORA.

It was good then?

RANK.

The best possible, both for doctor and patient—certainty.

NORA.

[_Quickly and searchingly._] Certainty?

RANK.

Absolute certainty. Wasn’t I right to enjoy myself after that?

NORA.

Yes, quite right, Doctor Rank.

HELMER.

And so say I, provided you don’t have to pay for it to-morrow.

RANK.

Well, in this life nothing is to be had for nothing.

NORA.

Doctor Rank—I’m sure you are very fond of masquerades?

RANK.

Yes, when there are plenty of amusing disguises——

NORA.

Tell me, what shall we two be at our next masquerade?

HELMER.

Little featherbrain! Thinking of your next already!

RANK.

We two? I’ll tell you. You must go as a good fairy.

HELMER.

Ah, but what costume would indicate _that_?

RANK.

She has simply to wear her everyday dress.

HELMER.

Capital! But don’t you know what you will be yourself?

RANK.

Yes, my dear friend, I am perfectly clear upon that point.

HELMER.

Well?

RANK.

At the next masquerade I shall be invisible.

HELMER.

What a comical idea!

RANK.

There’s a big black hat—haven’t you heard of the invisible hat? It comes down all over you, and then no one can see you.

HELMER.

[_With a suppressed smile._] No, you’re right there.

RANK.

But I’m quite forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me a cigar—one of the dark Havanas.

HELMER.

With the greatest pleasure. [_Hands cigar-case._

RANK.

[_Takes one and cuts the end off._] Thank you.

NORA.

[_Striking a wax match._] Let me give you a light.

RANK.

A thousand thanks.

[_She holds the match. He lights his cigar at it._

RANK.

And now, good-bye!

HELMER.

Good-bye, good-bye, my dear fellow.

NORA.

Sleep well, Doctor Rank.

RANK.

Thanks for the wish.

NORA.

Wish me the same.

RANK.

You? Very well, since you ask me—Sleep well. And thanks for the light.

[_He nods to them both and goes out._

HELMER.

[_In an undertone._] He’s been drinking a good deal.

NORA.

[_Absently._] I daresay. [HELMER _takes his bunch of keys from his pocket and goes into the hall._] Torvald, what are you doing there?

HELMER.

I must empty the letter-box; it’s quite full; there will be no room for the newspapers to-morrow morning.

NORA.

Are you going to work to-night?

HELMER.

You know very well I am not.—Why, how is this? Some one has been at the lock.

NORA.

The lock——?

HELMER.

I’m sure of it. What does it mean? I can’t think that the servants——? Here’s a broken hair-pin. Nora, it’s one of yours.

NORA.

[_Quickly._] It must have been the children——

HELMER.

Then you must break them of such tricks.—There! At last I’ve got it open. [_Takes contents out and calls into the kitchen._] Ellen!—Ellen, just put the hall door lamp out.

[_He returns with letters in his hand, and shuts the inner
door._

HELMER.

Just see how they’ve accumulated. [_Turning them over._] Why, what’s this?

NORA.

[_At the window._] The letter! Oh no, no, Torvald!

HELMER.

Two visiting-cards—from Rank.

NORA.

From Doctor Rank?

HELMER.

[_Looking at them._] Doctor Rank. They were on the top. He must just have put them in.

NORA.

Is there anything on them?

HELMER.

There’s a black cross over the name. Look at it. What an unpleasant idea! It looks just as if he were announcing his own death.

NORA.

So he is.

HELMER.

What! Do you know anything? Has he told you anything?

NORA.

Yes. These cards mean that he has taken his last leave of us. He is going to shut himself up and die.

HELMER.

Poor fellow! Of course I knew we couldn’t hope to keep him long. But so soon——! And to go and creep into his lair like a wounded animal——

NORA.

When we _must_ go, it is best to go silently. Don’t you think so, Torvald?

HELMER.

[_Walking up and down._] He had so grown into our lives, I can’t realise that he is gone. He and his sufferings and his loneliness formed a sort of cloudy background to the sunshine of our happiness.—Well, perhaps it’s best as it is—at any rate for him. [_Stands still._] And perhaps for us too, Nora. Now we two are thrown entirely upon each other. [_Takes her in his arms._] My darling wife! I feel as if I could never hold you close enough. Do you know, Nora, I often wish some danger might threaten you, that I might risk body and soul, and everything, everything, for your dear sake.

NORA.

[_Tears herself from him and says firmly._] Now you shall read your letters, Torvald.

HELMER.

No, no; not to-night. I want to be with you, my sweet wife.

NORA.

With the thought of your dying friend——?

HELMER.

You are right. This has shaken us both. Unloveliness has come between us—thoughts of death and decay. We must seek to cast them off. Till then—we will remain apart.

NORA.

[_Her arms round his neck._] Torvald! Goodnight! good-night!

HELMER.

[_Kissing her forehead!_] Good-night, my little song-bird. Sleep well, Nora. Now I shall go and read my letters.

[_He goes with the letters in his hand into his room and shuts
the door._

NORA.

[_With wild eyes, gropes about her, seizes_ HELMER’S _domino, throws it round her, and whispers quickly, hoarsely, and brokenly._] Never to see him again. Never, never, never. [_Throws her shawl over her head._] Never to see the children again. Never, never.—Oh that black, icy water! Oh that bottomless——! If it were only over! Now he has it; he’s reading it. Oh, no, no, no, not yet. Torvald, good-bye——! Good-bye, my little ones——!

[_She is rushing out by the hall; at the same moment_ HELMER
_flings his door open, and stands there with an open letter
in his hand._

HELMER.

Nora!

NORA.

[_Shrieks._] Ah——!

HELMER.

What is this? Do you know what is in this letter?

NORA.

Yes, I know. Let me go! Let me pass!

HELMER.

[_Holds her back._] Where do you want to go?

NORA.

[_Tries to break away from him._] You shall not save me, Torvald.

HELMER.

[_Falling back._] True! Is what he writes true? No, no, it is impossible that this can be true.

NORA.

It is true. I have loved you beyond all else in the world.

HELMER.

Pshaw—no silly evasions!

NORA.

[_A step nearer him._] Torvald——!

HELMER.

Wretched woman—what have you done!

NORA.

Let me go—you shall not save me! You shall not take my guilt upon yourself!

HELMER.

I don’t want any melodramatic airs. [_Locks the outer door._] Here you shall stay and give an account of yourself. Do you understand what you have done? Answer! Do you understand it?

NORA.

[_Looks at him fixedly, and says with a stiffening expression._] Yes; now I begin fully to understand it.

HELMER.

[_Walking up and down._] Oh! what an awful awakening! During all these eight years—she who was my pride and my joy—a hypocrite, a liar—worse, worse—a criminal. Oh, the unfathomable hideousness of it all! Ugh! Ugh!

[NORA _says nothing, and continues to look fixedly at him._

HELMER.

I ought to have known how it would be. I ought to have foreseen it. All your father’s want of principle—be silent!—all your father’s want of principle you have inherited—no religion, no morality, no sense of duty. How I am punished for screening him! I did it for your sake; and you reward me like this.

NORA.

Yes—like this.

HELMER.

You have destroyed my whole happiness. You have ruined my future. Oh, it’s frightful to think of! I am in the power of a scoundrel; he can do whatever he pleases with me, demand whatever he chooses; he can domineer over me as much as he likes, and I must submit. And all this disaster and ruin is brought upon me by an unprincipled woman!

NORA.

When I am out of the world, you will be free.

HELMER.

Oh, no fine phrases. Your father, too, was always ready with them. What good would it do me, if you were “out of the world,” as you say? No good whatever! He can publish the story all the same; I might even be suspected of collusion. People will think I was at the bottom of it all and egged you on. And for all this I have you to thank—you whom I have done nothing but pet and spoil during our whole married life. Do you understand now what you have done to me?

NORA.

[_With cold calmness._] Yes.

HELMER.

The thing is so incredible, I can’t grasp it. But we must come to an understanding. Take that shawl off. Take it off, I say! I must try to pacify him in one way or another—the matter must be hushed up, cost what it may.—As for you and me, we must make no outward change in our way of life—no _outward_ change, you understand. Of course, you will continue to live here. But the children cannot be left in your care. I dare not trust them to you.—Oh, to have to say this to one I have loved so tenderly—whom I still——! But that must be a thing of the past. Henceforward there can be no question of happiness, but merely of saving the ruins, the shreds, the show—— [_A ring;_ HELMER _starts._] What’s that? So late! Can it be the worst? Can he——? Hide yourself, Nora; say you are ill.

[NORA _stands motionless._ HELMER _goes to the door and opens
it._

ELLEN.

[_Half dressed, in the hall._] Here is a letter for you, ma’am.

HELMER.

Give it to me. [_Seizes the letter and shuts the door._] Yes, from him. You shall not have it. I shall read it.

NORA.

Read it!

HELMER.

[_By the lamp._] I have hardly the courage to. We may both be lost, both you and I. Ah! I _must_ know. [_Hastily tears the letter open; reads a few lines, looks at an enclosure; with a cry of joy._] Nora!

[NORA _looks inquiringly at him._

HELMER.

Nora!—Oh! I must read it again.—Yes, yes, it is so. I am saved! Nora, I am saved!

NORA.

And I?

HELMER.