Perhaps not—but it was really too clumsy of you to mention it just as I was about to ask a favour of you! It was in the worst taste! [With dignity.] You must not imagine because I joke with you about silk stockings, and tell you things I never tell Torvald, that I am therefore without the most delicate and scrupulous self-respect! I am really quite a good little doll, Dr. Rank, and now—[sits in rocking chair and smiles]—now I shan't ask you what I was going to!
[Ellen comes in with a card.
Nora.
[Terrified.] Oh, my goodness!
[Puts it in her pocket.
Dr. Rank.
Excuse my easy Norwegian pleasantry—but—h'm—anything disagreeable up?
Nora.
[To herself.] Krogstad's card! I must tell another whopper! [To Rank.] No, nothing—only—only my new costume. I want to try it on here. I always do try on my dresses in the drawing-room—it's cosier, you know. So go in to Torvald and amuse him till I'm ready.
[Rank goes into Helmer's room, and Nora bolts the door upon him, as Krogstad enters from hall in a fur cap.