HELMER.
This time I needn’t sit here and be dull all alone, and you needn’t ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands—
NORA.
[clapping her hands]. No, Torvald, I needn’t any longer, need I! It’s wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! [Taking his arm.] Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over—[A bell rings in the hall.] There’s the bell. [She tidies the room a little.] There’s some one at the door. What a nuisance!
HELMER.
If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.
MAID.
[in the doorway]. A lady to see you, ma’am,—a stranger.
NORA.
Ask her to come in.
MAID.
[to HELMER]. The doctor came at the same time, sir.
HELMER.
Did he go straight into my room?
MAID.
Yes, sir.
[HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs Linde, who is in travelling dress, and shuts the door.]
MRS LINDE.
[in a dejected and timid voice]. How do you do, Nora?