NORA.
You can’t frighten me.
KROGSTAD.
Nor you me. People don’t do such things, Mrs Helmer. Besides, what use would it be? I should have him completely in my power all the same.
NORA.
Afterwards? When I am no longer—
KROGSTAD.
Have you forgotten that it is I who have the keeping of your reputation? [NORA stands speechlessly looking at him.] Well, now, I have warned you. Do not do anything foolish. When Helmer has had my letter, I shall expect a message from him. And be sure you remember that it is your husband himself who has forced me into such ways as this again. I will never forgive him for that. Goodbye, Mrs Helmer. [Exit through the hall.]
NORA.
[goes to the hall door, opens it slightly and listens.] He is going. He is not putting the letter in the box. Oh no, no! that’s impossible! [Opens the door by degrees.] What is that? He is standing outside. He is not going downstairs. Is he hesitating? Can he—? [A letter drops into the box; then KROGSTAD’S footsteps are heard, until they die away as he goes downstairs. NORA utters a stifled cry, and runs across the room to the table by the sofa. A short pause.]
NORA.
In the letter-box. [Steals across to the hall door.] There it lies—Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now!
[Mrs Linde comes in from the room on the left, carrying the dress.]
MRS LINDE.
There, I can’t see anything more to mend now. Would you like to try it on—?
NORA.
[in a hoarse whisper]. Christine, come here.
MRS LINDE.
[throwing the dress down on the sofa]. What is the matter with you? You look so agitated!