Mrs. Linden.
Don't you? I do. I am a widow—a Norwegian widow. And it has occurred to me that there may be a nobler side to your nature somewhere—though you have not precisely the best of reputations.
Krogstad.
Right. I am a forger, and a money-lender; I am on the staff of the Norwegian Punch—a most scurrilous paper. More, I have been blackmailing Mrs. Helmer by trading on her fears, like a low cowardly cur. But, in spite of all that—[clasping his hands]—there are the makings of a fine man about me yet, Christina!
Mrs. Linden.
I believe you—at least, I'll chance it. I want some one to care for, and I'll marry you.
Krogstad.
[Suspiciously.] On condition, I suppose, that I suppress the letter denouncing Mrs. Helmer?
Mrs. Linden.
How can you think so? I am her dearest friend; but I can still see her faults, and it is my firm opinion that a sharp lesson will do her all the good in the world. She is much too comfortable. So leave the letter in the box, and come home with me.