Helmer. Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging you to say a good word for him.
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 song-bird must never do that again. A song-bird 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.