Helmer.
What do they call the birds that are always making the money fly?
Nora.
Yes, I know—spendthrifts,[[6]] of course. But please do as I ask you, Torvald. Then I shall have time to think what I want most. Isn’t that very sensible, now?
Helmer.
[Smiling.] Certainly; that is to say, if you really kept the money I gave you, and really spent it on something for yourself. But it all goes in housekeeping, and for all manner of useless things, and then I have to pay up again.
Nora.
But, Torvald——
Helmer.
Can you deny it, Nora dear? [He puts his arm round her.] It’s a sweet little lark, but it gets through a lot of money. No one would believe how much it costs a man to keep such a little bird as you.