ACT SECOND
The same room. In the corner, beside the piano, stands the Christmas-tree, stripped, and with the candles burnt out. Nora’s outdoor things lie on the sofa.
Nora, alone, is walking about restlessly. At last she stops by the sofa, and takes up her cloak.
Nora.
[Dropping the cloak.] There’s somebody coming! [Goes to the hall door and listens.] Nobody; of course nobody will come to-day, Christmas-day; nor to-morrow either. But perhaps——[Opens the door and looks out.]—No, nothing in the letter-box; quite empty. [Comes forward.] Stuff and nonsense! Of course he won’t really do anything. Such a thing couldn’t happen. It’s impossible! Why, I have three little children.
Anna enters from the left, with a large cardboard box.
Anna.
I’ve found the box with the fancy dress at last.
Nora.
Thanks; put it down on the table.
Anna.
[Does so.] But I’m afraid it’s very much out of order.
Nora.
Oh, I wish I could tear it into a hundred thousand pieces!
Anna.
Oh, no. It can easily be put to rights—just a little patience.
Nora.
I shall go and get Mrs. Linden to help me.
Anna.
Going out again? In such weather as this! You’ll catch cold, ma’am, and be ill.
Nora.
Worse things might happen.—What are the children doing?
Anna.
They’re playing with their Christmas presents, poor little dears; but——
Nora.
Do they often ask for me?
Anna.
You see they’ve been so used to having their mamma with them.
Nora.
Yes; but, Anna, I can’t have them so much with me in future.
Anna.
Well, little children get used to anything.
Nora.
Do you think they do? Do you believe they would forget their mother if she went quite away?
Anna.
Gracious me! Quite away?
Nora.
Tell me, Anna—I’ve so often wondered about it—how could you bring yourself to give your child up to strangers?
Anna.
I had to when I came to nurse my little Miss Nora.
Nora.
But how could you make up your mind to it?
Anna.
When I had the chance of such a good place? A poor girl who’s been in trouble must take what comes. That wicked man did nothing for me.
Nora.
But your daughter must have forgotten you.
Anna.
Oh, no, ma’am, that she hasn’t. She wrote to me both when she was confirmed and when she was married.
Nora.
[Embracing her.] Dear old Anna—you were a good mother to me when I was little.
Anna.
My poor little Nora had no mother but me.
Nora.
And if my little ones had nobody else, I’m sure you would——Nonsense, nonsense! [Opens the box.] Go in to the children. Now I must——You’ll see how lovely I shall be to-morrow.
Anna.
I’m sure there will be no one at the ball so lovely as my Miss Nora.
[She goes into the room on the left.
Nora.
[Takes the costume out of the box, but soon throws it down again.] Oh, if I dared go out. If only nobody would come. If only nothing would happen here in the meantime. Rubbish; nobody is coming. Only not to think. What a delicious muff! Beautiful gloves, beautiful gloves! To forget—to forget! One, two, three, four, five, six——[With a scream.] Ah, there they come.
[Goes towards the door, then stands irresolute.
Mrs. Linden enters from the hall, where she has taken off her things.
Nora.
Oh, it’s you, Christina. There’s nobody else there? I’m so glad you have come.
Mrs. Linden.
I hear you called at my lodgings.
Nora.
Yes, I was just passing. There’s something you must help me with. Let us sit here on the sofa—so. To-morrow evening there’s to be a fancy ball at Consul Stenborg’s overhead, and Torvald wants me to appear as a Neapolitan fisher-girl, and dance the tarantella; I learned it at Capri.
Mrs. Linden.
I see—quite a performance.
Nora.
Yes, Torvald wishes it. Look, this is the costume; Torvald had it made for me in Italy. But now it’s all so torn, I don’t know——
Mrs. Linden.
Oh, we shall soon set that to rights. It’s only the trimming that has come loose here and there. Have you a needle and thread? Ah, here’s the very thing.
Nora.
Oh, how kind of you.
Mrs. Linden.
[Sewing.] So you’re to be in costume to-morrow, Nora? I’ll tell you what—I shall come in for a moment to see you in all your glory. But I’ve quite forgotten to thank you for the pleasant evening yesterday.
Nora.
[Rises and walks across the room.] Oh, yesterday, it didn’t seem so pleasant as usual.—You should have come to town a little sooner, Christina.—Torvald has certainly the art of making home bright and beautiful.
Mrs. Linden.
You too, I should think, or you wouldn’t be your father’s daughter. But tell me—is Doctor Rank always so depressed as he was last evening?
Nora.
No, yesterday it was particularly noticeable. You see, he suffers from a dreadful illness. He has spinal consumption, poor fellow. They say his father was a horrible man, who kept mistresses and all sorts of things—so the son has been sickly from his childhood, you understand.
Mrs. Linden.
[Lets her sewing fall into her lap.] Why, my darling Nora, how do you come to know such things?
Nora.
[Moving about the room.] Oh, when one has three children, one sometimes has visits from women who are half—half doctors—and they talk of one thing and another.
Mrs. Linden.
[Goes on sewing; a short pause.] Does Doctor Rank come here every day?
Nora.
Every day of his life. He has been Torvald’s most intimate friend from boyhood, and he’s a good friend of mine too. Doctor Rank is quite one of the family.
Mrs. Linden.
But tell me—is he quite sincere? I mean, isn’t he rather given to flattering people?
Nora.
No, quite the contrary. Why should you think so?
Mrs. Linden.
When you introduced us yesterday he said he had often heard my name; but I noticed afterwards that your husband had no notion who I was. How could Doctor Rank——?
Nora.
He was quite right, Christina. You see, Torvald loves me so indescribably, he wants to have me all to himself, as he says. When we were first married he was almost jealous if I even mentioned any of my old friends at home; so naturally I gave up doing it. But I often talk of the old times to Doctor Rank, for he likes to hear about them.
Mrs. Linden.
Listen to me, Nora! You are still a child in many ways. I am older than you, and have had more experience. I’ll tell you something.[something.] You ought to get clear of all this with Dr. Rank.
Nora.
Get clear of what?
Mrs. Linden.
The whole affair, I should say. You were talking yesterday of a rich admirer who was to find you money——
Nora.
Yes, one who never existed, worse luck. What then?
Mrs. Linden.
Has Doctor Rank money?
Nora.
Yes, he has.
Mrs. Linden.
And nobody to provide for?
Nora.
Nobody. But——?
Mrs. Linden.
And he comes here every day?
Nora.
Yes, I told you so.
Mrs. Linden.
I should have thought he would have had better taste.
Nora.
I don’t understand you a bit.
Mrs. Linden.
Don’t pretend, Nora. Do you suppose I can’t guess who lent you the twelve hundred dollars?
Nora.
Are you out of your senses? How can you think such a thing? A friend who comes here every day! Why, the position would be unbearable!
Mrs. Linden.
Then it really is not he?
Nora.
No, I assure you. It never for a moment occurred to me——Besides, at that time he had nothing to lend; he came into his property afterwards.
Mrs. Linden.
Well, I believe that was lucky for you, Nora dear.
Nora.
No, really, it would never have struck me to ask Dr. Rank——And yet, I’m certain that if I did——
Mrs. Linden.
But of course you never would.
Nora.
Of course not. It’s inconceivable that it should ever be necessary. But I’m quite sure that if I spoke to Doctor Rank——
Mrs. Linden.
Behind your husband’s back?
Nora.
I must get clear of the other thing; that’s behind his back too. I must get clear of that.
Mrs. Linden.
Yes, yes, I told you so yesterday; but——
Nora.
[Walking up and down.] A man can manage these things much better than a woman.
Mrs. Linden.
One’s own husband, yes.
Nora.
Nonsense. [Stands still.] When everything is paid, one gets back the paper.
Mrs. Linden.
Of course.
Nora.
And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up, the nasty, filthy thing!
Mrs. Linden.
[Looks at her fixedly, lays down her work, and rises slowly.] Nora, you are hiding something from me.
Nora.
Can you see it in my face?
Mrs. Linden.
Something has happened since yesterday morning. Nora, what is it?
Nora.
[Going towards her.] Christina——! [Listens.] Hush! There’s Torvald coming home. Do you mind going into the nursery for the present? Torvald can’t bear to see dressmaking going on. Get Anna to help you.
Mrs. Linden.
[Gathers some of the things together.] Very well; but I shan’t go away until you have told me all about it.
[She goes out to the left, as Helmer enters from the hall.
Nora.
[Runs to meet him.] Oh, how I’ve been longing for you to come, Torvald dear!
Helmer.
Was that the dressmaker——?
Nora.
No, Christina. She’s helping me with my costume. You’ll see how nice I shall look.
Helmer.
Yes, wasn’t that a happy thought of mine?
Nora.
Splendid! But isn’t it good of me, too, to have given in to you about the tarantella?
Helmer.
[Takes her under the chin.] Good of you! To give in to your own husband? Well well, you little madcap, I know you don’t mean it. But I won’t disturb you. I daresay you want to be “trying on.”[on.”]
Nora.
And you are going to work, I suppose?
Helmer.
Yes. [Shows her a bundle of papers.] Look here. I’ve just come from the Bank——
[Goes towards his room.
Nora.
Torvald.
Helmer.
[Stopping.] Yes?
Nora.
If your little squirrel were to beg you for something so prettily——
Helmer.
Well?
Nora.
Would you do it?
Helmer.
I must know first what it is.
Nora.
The squirrel would skip about and play all sorts of tricks if you would only be nice and kind.
Helmer.
Come, then, out with it.
Nora.
Your lark would twitter from morning till night——
Helmer
Oh, that she does in any case.
Nora.
I’ll be an elf and dance in the moonlight for you, Torvald.
Helmer.
Nora—you can’t mean what you were hinting at this morning?
Nora.
[Coming nearer.] Yes, Torvald, I beg and implore you!
Helmer.
Have you really the courage to begin that again?
Nora.
Yes, yes; for my sake, you must let Krogstad keep his place in the Bank.
Helmer.
My dear Nora, it’s his place I intend for Mrs. Linden.
Nora.
Yes, that’s so good of you. But instead of Krogstad, you could dismiss some other clerk.
Helmer.
Why, this is incredible obstinacy! Because you have thoughtlessly promised to put in a word for him, I am to——!
Nora.
It’s not that, Torvald. It’s for your own sake. This man writes for the most scurrilous newspapers; you said so yourself. He can do you no end of harm. I’m so terribly afraid of him——
Helmer.
Ah, I understand; it’s old recollections that are frightening you.
Nora.
What do you mean?
Helmer.
Of course you’re thinking of your father.
Nora.
Yes—yes, of course. Only think of the shameful slanders wicked people used to write about father. I believe they would have got him dismissed if you hadn’t been sent to look into the thing, and been kind to him, and helped him.
Helmer.
My little Nora, between your father and me there is all the difference in the world. Your father was not altogether unimpeachable. I am; and I hope to remain so.
Nora.
Oh, no one knows what wicked men may hit upon. We could live so quietly and happily now, in our cosy, peaceful home, you and I and the children, Torvald! That’s why I beg and implore you——
Helmer.
And it is just by pleading his cause that you make it impossible for me to keep him. It’s already known at the Bank that I intend to dismiss Krogstad. If it were now reported that the new manager let himself be turned round his wife’s little finger——
Nora.
What then?
Helmer.
Oh, nothing, so long as a wilful woman can have her way——! I am to make myself a laughing-stock to the whole staff, and set people saying that I am open to all sorts of outside influence? Take my word for it, I should soon feel the consequences. And besides—there is one thing that makes Krogstad impossible for me to work with——
Nora.
What thing?
Helmer.
I could perhaps have overlooked his moral failings at a pinch——
Nora.
Yes, couldn’t you, Torvald?
Helmer.
And I hear he is good at his work. But the fact is, he was a college chum of mine—there was one of those rash friendships between us that one so often repents of later. I may as well confess it at once—he calls me by my Christian name;[[9]] and he is tactless enough to do it even when others are present. He delights in putting on airs of familiarity—Torvald here, Torvald there! I assure you it’s most painful to me. He would make my position at the Bank perfectly unendurable.
Nora.
Torvald, surely you’re not serious?
Helmer.
No? Why not?
Nora.
That’s such a petty reason.
Helmer.
What! Petty! Do you consider me petty!
Nora.
No, on the contrary, Torvald dear; and that’s just why——
Helmer.
Never mind; you call my motives petty; then I must be petty too. Petty! Very well!—Now we’ll put an end to this, once for all. [Goes to the door into the hall and calls.] Ellen!
Nora.
What do you want?
Helmer.
[Searching among his papers.] To settle the thing. [Ellen enters.] Here; take this letter; give it to a messenger. See that he takes it at once. The address is on it. Here’s the money.
Ellen.
Very well, sir.
[Goes with the letter.
Helmer.
[Putting his papers together.] There, Madam Obstinacy.
Nora.
[Breathless.] Torvald—what was in the letter?
Helmer.
Krogstad’s dismissal.
Nora.
Call it back again, Torvald! There’s still time. Oh, Torvald, call it back again! For my sake, for your own, for the children’s sake! Do you hear, Torvald? Do it! You don’t know what that letter may bring upon us all.
Helmer.
Too late.
Nora.
Yes, too late.
Helmer.
My dear Nora, I forgive your anxiety, though it’s anything but flattering to me. Why should you suppose that I would be afraid of a wretched scribbler’s spite? But I forgive you all the same, for it’s a proof of your great love for me. [Takes her in his arms.] That’s as it should be, my own dear Nora. Let what will happen—when it comes to the pinch, I shall have strength and courage enough. You shall see: my shoulders are broad enough to bear the whole burden.
Nora.
[Terror-struck.] What do you mean by that?
Helmer.
The whole burden, I say——
Nora.
[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![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.[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[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[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.[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!