A Doll's House : a play

A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. Enter NORA, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in outdoor dress and carries a number of parcels; these she lays on the table to the right. She leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is seen a PORTER who is carrying a Christmas Tree and a basket, which he gives to the MAID who has opened the door.]
PORTER. Sixpence.
HELMER. Is it my little squirrel bustling about?
NORA. Yes!
HELMER. When did my squirrel come home?
NORA. Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to economise.
HELMER. Still, you know, we can’t spend money recklessly.
NORA. Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn’t we? Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of money.
HELMER. Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary is due.
NORA. Pooh! we can borrow until then.
HELMER. Still, suppose that happened,—what then?
NORA. If that were to happen, I don’t suppose I should care whether I owed money or not.