KROGSTAD.
I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life! [Goes out through the outer door. The door between the room and the hall remains open.]
MRS LINDE.
[tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak ready]. What a difference! what a difference! Someone to work for and live for—a home to bring comfort into. That I will do, indeed. I wish they would be quick and come—[Listens.] Ah, there they are now. I must put on my things. [Takes up her hat and cloak. HELMER’S and NORA’S voices are heard outside; a key is turned, and HELMER brings NORA almost by force into the hall. She is in an Italian costume with a large black shawl around her; he is in evening dress, and a black domino which is flying open.]
NORA.
[hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him]. No, no, no!—don’t take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don’t want to leave so early.
HELMER.
But, my dearest Nora—
NORA.
Please, Torvald dear—please, please—only an hour more.
HELMER.
Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our agreement. Come along into the room; you are catching cold standing there. [He brings her gently into the room, in spite of her resistance.]
MRS LINDE.
Good evening.
NORA.
Christine!
HELMER.
You here, so late, Mrs Linde?
MRS LINDE.
Yes, you must excuse me; I was so anxious to see Nora in her dress.