NORA.
Yes.
HELMER.
And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn’t he beg that of you too?
NORA.
Yes, Torvald, but—
HELMER.
Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain?
NORA.
A lie—?
HELMER.
Didn’t you tell me no one had been here? [Shakes his finger at her.] My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with—no false notes! [Puts his arm round her waist.] That is so, isn’t it? Yes, I am sure it is. [Lets her go.] We will say no more about it. [Sits down by the stove.] How warm and snug it is here! [Turns over his papers.]
NORA.
[after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the Christmas Tree.] Torvald!
HELMER.
Yes.
NORA.
I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs’ the day after tomorrow.
HELMER.
And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with.