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book7.txt
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book7.txt
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A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen
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<pre xml:space="preserve">
The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
Title: A Doll's House
Author: Henrik Ibsen
Release Date: December 13, 2008 [EBook #2542]
Language: English
Character set encoding: ASCII
*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DOLL'S HOUSE ***
Produced by Martin Adamson, and David Widger
</pre>
<p>
<br /> <br />
</p>
<h1 class="centered">
A DOLL'S HOUSE
</h1>
<h3 class="centered">
by Henrik Ibsen
</h3>
<p>
<br /> <br />
</p>
<hr />
<p>
<br /> <br />
</p>
<h3>
<a href="#act1">ACT I.</a>
</h3>
<h3>
<a href="#act2">ACT II.</a>
</h3>
<h3>
<a href="#act3">ACT III.</a>
</h3>
<p>
<br /> <br />
</p>
<hr />
<p>
<br /> <br />
</p>
<h3>
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
</h3>
<table summary="">
<tr>
<td>
<p>
<span class="character">Torvald Helmer</span>. <br /><span
class="character">Nora, his wife</span>. <br /><span class="character">Doctor
Rank</span>. <br /><span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. <br /><span
class="character">Nils Krogstad</span>. <br /><span class="character">Helmer's
three young children</span>. <br /><span class="character">Anne,
their nurse</span>. <br /><span class="character">A Housemaid</span>.
<br /><span class="character">A Porter</span>. <br /><span
class="stage-direction">[The action takes place in Helmer's house.]</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<hr />
<h1>
A DOLL'S HOUSE
</h1>
<p>
<br />
</p>
<hr />
<p>
<br /> <a name="act1" id="act1"></a>
</p>
<h3>
ACT I
</h3>
<p>
<span class="stage-direction">[SCENE.--A room furnished comfortably and
tastefully, but not extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads
to the entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. Between
the doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door,
and beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, arm-chairs and
a small sofa. In the right-hand wall, at the farther end, another door;
and on the same side, nearer the footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and
a rocking-chair; between the stove and the door, a small table. Engravings
on the walls; a cabinet with china and other small objects; a small
book-case with well-bound books. The floors are carpeted, and a fire burns
in the stove.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span class="stage-direction">It is winter. A bell rings in the hall;
shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. Enter NORA, humming a tune
and in high spirits. She is in outdoor dress and carries a number of
parcels; these she lays on the table to the right. She leaves the outer
door open after her, and through it is seen a PORTER who is carrying a
Christmas Tree and a basket, which he gives to the MAID who has opened the
door.]</span>
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Hide the Christmas Tree carefully,
Helen. Be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is
dressed. <span class="stage-direction">[To the PORTER, taking out her
purse.]</span> How much?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Porter</span>. Sixpence.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. There is a shilling. No, keep the
change. <span class="stage-direction">[The PORTER thanks her, and goes
out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as she takes off her
hat and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her pocket and eats one
or two; then goes cautiously to her husband's door and listens.]</span>
Yes, he is in. <span class="stage-direction">[Still humming, she goes to
the table on the right.]</span>
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer </span><span class="stage-direction">[calls
out from his room]</span>. Is that my little lark twittering out there?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[busy
opening some of the parcels]</span>. Yes, it is!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Is it my little squirrel bustling
about?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. When did my squirrel come home?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Just now. <span
class="stage-direction">[Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and
wipes her mouth.]</span> Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have
bought.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Don't disturb me. <span
class="stage-direction">[A little later, he opens the door and looks into
the room, pen in hand.]</span> Bought, did you say? All these things? Has
my little spendthrift been wasting money again?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes but, Torvald, this year we really
can let ourselves go a little. This is the first Christmas that we have
not needed to economise.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Still, you know, we can't spend
money recklessly.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes, Torvald, we may be a wee bit
more reckless now, mayn't we? Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a
big salary and earn lots and lots of money.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Yes, after the New Year; but then
it will be a whole quarter before the salary is due.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Pooh! we can borrow until then.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Nora! <span class="stage-direction">[Goes
up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.]</span> The same little
featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds today, and you
spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New Year's Eve a slate
fell on my head and killed me, and--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span> <span class="stage-direction">[putting
her hands over his mouth]</span>. Oh! don't say such horrid things.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Still, suppose that happened,--what
then?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. If that were to happen, I don't
suppose I should care whether I owed money or not.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Yes, but what about the people who
had lent it?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. They? Who would bother about them? I
should not know who they were.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. That is like a woman! But
seriously, Nora, you know what I think about that. No debt, no borrowing.
There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on
borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far,
and we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there need
be any struggle.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[moving
towards the stove]</span>. As you please, Torvald.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer </span><span class="stage-direction">[following
her]</span>. Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. What
is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? <span class="stage-direction">[Taking
out his purse.]</span> Nora, what do you think I have got here?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[turning
round quickly]</span>. Money!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. There you are. <span
class="stage-direction">[Gives her some money.]</span> Do you think I
don't know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[counting]</span>.
Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you, thank you, Torvald; that
will keep me going for a long time.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Indeed it must.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and
let me show you what I have bought. And all so cheap! Look, here is a new
suit for Ivar, and a sword; and a horse and a trumpet for Bob; and a doll
and dolly's bedstead for Emmy,--they are very plain, but anyway she will
soon break them in pieces. And here are dress-lengths and handkerchiefs
for the maids; old Anne ought really to have something better.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. And what is in this parcel?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[crying
out]</span>. No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Very well. But now tell me, you
extravagant little person, what would you like for yourself?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't
want anything.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Yes, but you must. Tell me
something reasonable that you would particularly like to have.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. No, I really can't think of
anything--unless, Torvald--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Well?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[playing
with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his]</span>. If you
really want to give me something, you might--you might--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Well, out with it!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[speaking
quickly]</span>. You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as much as
you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something with it.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. But, Nora--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please
do! Then I will wrap it up in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the
Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that be fun?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. What are little people called that
are always wasting money?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as
you suggest, Torvald, and then I shall have time to think what I am most
in want of. That is a very sensible plan, isn't it?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer </span><span class="stage-direction">[smiling]</span>.
Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were really to save out of the money
I give you, and then really buy something for yourself. But if you spend
it all on the housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I
merely have to pay up again.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Oh but, Torvald--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. You can't deny it, my dear little
Nora. <span class="stage-direction">[Puts his arm round her waist.]</span>
It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One
would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. It's a shame to say that. I do really
save all I can.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer </span><span class="stage-direction">[laughing]</span>.
That's very true,--all you can. But you can't save anything!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[smiling
quietly and happily]</span>. You haven't any idea how many expenses we
skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. You are an odd little soul. Very
like your father. You always find some new way of wheedling money out of
me, and, as soon as you have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You
never know where it has gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is
in the blood; for indeed it is true that you can inherit these things,
Nora.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Ah, I wish I had inherited many of
papa's qualities.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. And I would not wish you to be
anything but just what you are, my sweet little skylark. But, do you know,
it strikes me that you are looking rather--what shall I say--rather uneasy
today?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Do I?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. You do, really. Look straight at
me.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[looks
at him]</span>. Well?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer </span><span class="stage-direction">[wagging
his finger at her]</span>. Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in
town today?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. No; what makes you think that?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Hasn't she paid a visit to the
confectioner's?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. No, I assure you, Torvald--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Not been nibbling sweets?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. No, certainly not.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon
or two?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. No, Torvald, I assure you really--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. There, there, of course I was only
joking.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[going
to the table on the right]</span>. I should not think of going against
your wishes.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. No, I am sure of that; besides, you
gave me your word-- <span class="stage-direction">[Going up to her.]</span>
Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will all
be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Did you remember to invite Doctor
Rank?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. No. But there is no need; as a
matter of course he will come to dinner with us. However, I will ask him
when he comes in this morning. I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you
can't think how I am looking forward to this evening.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. So am I! And how the children will
enjoy themselves, Torvald!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. It is splendid to feel that one has
a perfectly safe appointment, and a big enough income. It's delightful to
think of, isn't it?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. It's wonderful!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Do you remember last Christmas? For
a full three weeks beforehand you shut yourself up every evening until
long after midnight, making ornaments for the Christmas Tree, and all the
other fine things that were to be a surprise to us. It was the dullest
three weeks I ever spent!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. I didn't find it dull.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer </span><span class="stage-direction">[smiling]</span>.
But there was precious little result, Nora.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that
again. How could I help the cat's going in and tearing everything to
pieces?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Of course you couldn't, poor little
girl. You had the best of intentions to please us all, and that's the main
thing. But it is a good thing that our hard times are over.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes, it is really wonderful.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. This time I needn't sit here and be
dull all alone, and you needn't ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little
hands--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[clapping
her hands]</span>. No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need I! It's
wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! <span class="stage-direction">[Taking
his arm.]</span> Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to
arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over--<span
class="stage-direction">[A bell rings in the hall.]</span> There's the
bell. <span class="stage-direction">[She tidies the room a little.]</span>
There's some one at the door. What a nuisance!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. If it is a caller, remember I am
not at home.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Maid </span><span class="stage-direction">[in the
doorway]</span>. A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Ask her to come in.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Maid </span><span class="stage-direction">[to
HELMER]</span>. The doctor came at the same time, sir.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Helmer</span>. Did he go straight into my room?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Maid</span>. Yes, sir.
</p>
<p>
<span class="stage-direction">[HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers
in Mrs Linde, who is in travelling dress, and shuts the door.]</span>
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span> <span class="stage-direction">[in
a dejected and timid voice]</span>. How do you do, Nora?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[doubtfully]</span>.
How do you do--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. You don't recognise me, I
suppose.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I
seem to--<span class="stage-direction">[Suddenly.]</span> Yes! Christine!
Is it really you?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Yes, it is I.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Christine! To think of my not
recognising you! And yet how could I--<span class="stage-direction">[In a
gentle voice.]</span> How you have altered, Christine!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten
long years--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Is it so long since we met? I suppose
it is. The last eight years have been a happy time for me, I can tell you.
And so now you have come into the town, and have taken this long journey
in winter--that was plucky of you.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. I arrived by steamer this
morning.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. To have some fun at Christmas-time,
of course. How delightful! We will have such fun together! But take off
your things. You are not cold, I hope. <span class="stage-direction">[Helps
her.]</span> Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this
armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. <span
class="stage-direction">[Takes her hands.]</span> Now you look like your
old self again; it was only the first moment--You are a little paler,
Christine, and perhaps a little thinner.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. And much, much older, Nora.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Perhaps a little older; very, very
little; certainly not much. <span class="stage-direction">[Stops suddenly
and speaks seriously.]</span> What a thoughtless creature I am, chattering
away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. What do you mean, Nora?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[gently]</span>.
Poor Christine, you are a widow.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Yes; it is three years ago now.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers.
I assure you, Christine, I meant ever so often to write to you at the
time, but I always put it off and something always prevented me.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. I quite understand, dear.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. It was very bad of me, Christine.
Poor thing, how you must have suffered. And he left you nothing?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. No.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. And no children?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. No.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Nothing at all, then.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Not even any sorrow or grief to
live upon.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[looking
incredulously at her]</span>. But, Christine, is that possible?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span> <span class="stage-direction">[smiles
sadly and strokes her hair]</span>. It sometimes happens, Nora.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. So you are quite alone. How
dreadfully sad that must be. I have three lovely children. You can't see
them just now, for they are out with their nurse. But now you must tell me
all about it.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. No, no; I want to hear about
you.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. No, you must begin. I mustn't be
selfish today; today I must only think of your affairs. But there is one
thing I must tell you. Do you know we have just had a great piece of good
luck?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. No, what is it?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Just fancy, my husband has been made
manager of the Bank!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Your husband? What good luck!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes, tremendous! A barrister's
profession is such an uncertain thing, especially if he won't undertake
unsavoury cases; and naturally Torvald has never been willing to do that,
and I quite agree with him. You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to
take up his work in the Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big
salary and lots of commissions. For the future we can live quite
differently--we can do just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy,
Christine! It will be splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have
any anxiety, won't it?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Yes, anyhow I think it would be
delightful to have what one needs.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. No, not only what one needs, but
heaps and heaps of money.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span> <span class="stage-direction">[smiling]</span>.
Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you were a
great spendthrift.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[laughing]</span>.
Yes, that is what Torvald says now. <span class="stage-direction">[Wags
her finger at her.]</span> But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think.
We have not been in a position for me to waste money. We have both had to
work.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. You too?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes; odds and ends, needlework,
crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing. <span
class="stage-direction">[Dropping her voice.]</span> And other things as
well. You know Torvald left his office when we were married? There was no
prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than before.
But during the first year he over-worked himself dreadfully. You see, he
had to make money every way he could, and he worked early and late; but he
couldn't stand it, and fell dreadfully ill, and the doctors said it was
necessary for him to go south.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. You spent a whole year in Italy,
didn't you?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes. It was no easy matter to get
away, I can tell you. It was just after Ivar was born; but naturally we
had to go. It was a wonderfully beautiful journey, and it saved Torvald's
life. But it cost a tremendous lot of money, Christine.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. So I should think.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. It cost about two hundred and fifty
pounds. That's a lot, isn't it?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Yes, and in emergencies like
that it is lucky to have the money.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. I ought to tell you that we had it
from papa.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Oh, I see. It was just about
that time that he died, wasn't it?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes; and, just think of it, I
couldn't go and nurse him. I was expecting little Ivar's birth every day
and I had my poor sick Torvald to look after. My dear, kind father--I
never saw him again, Christine. That was the saddest time I have known
since our marriage.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. I know how fond you were of him.
And then you went off to Italy?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes; you see we had money then, and
the doctors insisted on our going, so we started a month later.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. And your husband came back quite
well?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. As sound as a bell!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. But--the doctor?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. What doctor?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. I thought your maid said the
gentleman who arrived here just as I did, was the doctor?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he
doesn't come here professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in
at least once every day. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since
then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. <span
class="stage-direction">[Jumps up and claps her hands.]</span> Christine!
Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!--But how horrid of me; I am
talking of nothing but my own affairs. <span class="stage-direction">[Sits
on a stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.]</span> You mustn't
be angry with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your
husband? Why did you marry him?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. My mother was alive then, and
was bedridden and helpless, and I had to provide for my two younger
brothers; so I did not think I was justified in refusing his offer.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. No, perhaps you were quite right. He
was rich at that time, then?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. I believe he was quite well off.
But his business was a precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to
pieces and there was nothing left.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. And then?--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Well, I had to turn my hand to
anything I could find--first a small shop, then a small school, and so on.
The last three years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest.
Now it is at an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is
gone; and the boys do not need me either; they have got situations and can
shift for themselves.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. What a relief you must feel if--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. No, indeed; I only feel my life
unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore. <span
class="stage-direction">[Gets up restlessly.]</span> That was why I could
not stand the life in my little backwater any longer. I hope it may be
easier here to find something which will busy me and occupy my thoughts.
If only I could have the good luck to get some regular work--office work
of some kind--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. But, Christine, that is so
frightfully tiring, and you look tired out now. You had far better go away
to some watering-place.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span> <span class="stage-direction">[walking
to the window]</span>. I have no father to give me money for a journey,
Nora.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[rising]</span>.
Oh, don't be angry with me!
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span> <span class="stage-direction">[going
up to her]</span>. It is you that must not be angry with me, dear. The
worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. No one to
work for, and yet obliged to be always on the lookout for chances. One
must live, and so one becomes selfish. When you told me of the happy turn
your fortunes have taken--you will hardly believe it--I was delighted not
so much on your account as on my own.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand.
You mean that perhaps Torvald could get you something to do.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Yes, that was what I was
thinking of.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. He must, Christine. Just leave it to
me; I will broach the subject very cleverly--I will think of something
that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use
to you.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. How kind you are, Nora, to be so
anxious to help me! It is doubly kind in you, for you know so little of
the burdens and troubles of life.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. I--? I know so little of them?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span> <span class="stage-direction">[smiling]</span>.
My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!--You are a child,
Nora.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[tosses
her head and crosses the stage]</span>. You ought not to be so superior.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. No?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. You are just like the others. They
all think that I am incapable of anything really serious--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Come, come--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>.--that I have gone through nothing in
this world of cares.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. But, my dear Nora, you have just
told me all your troubles.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Pooh!--those were trifles. <span
class="stage-direction">[Lowering her voice.]</span> I have not told you
the important thing.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. The important thing? What do you
mean?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. You look down upon me altogether,
Christine--but you ought not to. You are proud, aren't you, of having
worked so hard and so long for your mother?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Indeed, I don't look down on
anyone. But it is true that I am both proud and glad to think that I was
privileged to make the end of my mother's life almost free from care.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. And you are proud to think of what
you have done for your brothers?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. I think I have the right to be.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. I think so, too. But now, listen to
this; I too have something to be proud and glad of.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. I have no doubt you have. But
what do you refer to?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to
hear! He mustn't on any account--no one in the world must know, Christine,
except you.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. But what is it?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Come here. <span
class="stage-direction">[Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.]</span>
Now I will show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It
was I who saved Torvald's life.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. "Saved"? How?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. I told you about our trip to Italy.
Torvald would never have recovered if he had not gone there--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. Yes, but your father gave you
the necessary funds.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[smiling]</span>.
Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, but--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. But--
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Papa didn't give us a shilling. It
was I who procured the money.
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. You? All that large sum?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora</span>. Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do
you think of that?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Mrs Linde</span>. But, Nora, how could you
possibly do it? Did you win a prize in the Lottery?
</p>
<p>
<span class="character">Nora </span><span class="stage-direction">[contemptuously]</span>.
In the Lottery? There would have been no credit in that.