KROGSTAD.
Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if I produce this paper in court.
NORA.
I don’t believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to spare her dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be allowed to save her husband’s life? I don’t know much about law; but I am certain that there must be laws permitting such things as that. Have you no knowledge of such laws—you who are a lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. Krogstad.
KROGSTAD.
Maybe. But matters of business—such business as you and I have had together—do you think I don’t understand that? Very well. Do as you please. But let me tell you this—if I lose my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me. [He bows, and goes out through the hall.]
NORA.
[appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her head]. Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!—I am not so silly as he thinks. [Begins to busy herself putting the children’s things in order.] And yet—? No, it’s impossible! I did it for love’s sake.
THE CHILDREN.
[in the doorway on the left]. Mother, the stranger man has gone out through the gate.
NORA.
Yes, dears, I know. But, don’t tell anyone about the stranger man. Do you hear? Not even papa.
CHILDREN.
No, mother; but will you come and play again?
NORA.
No, no,—not now.
CHILDREN.
But, mother, you promised us.
NORA.
Yes, but I can’t now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run away in, my sweet little darlings. [She gets them into the room by degrees and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes up a piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops.] No! [Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.] Helen! bring the Tree in. [Goes to the table on the left, opens a drawer, and stops again.] No, no! it is quite impossible!