Mrs. Linden.

I could not see you at my rooms. They have no separate entrance. Come in; we are quite alone. The servants are asleep, and the Helmers are at the ball upstairs.

Krogstad.

[Coming into the room.] Ah! So the Helmers are dancing this evening? Really?

Mrs. Linden.

Yes. Why not?

Krogstad.

Quite right. Why not?

Mrs. Linden.

And now let us talk a little.