in!--are you thinking of the next already?
_Rank_. We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy--
_Helmer_. Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume for
that?
_Rank_. Let your wife go dressed just as she is in every-day life.
_Helmer_. That was really very prettily turned. But can't you tell us
what you will be?
_Rank_. Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that.
_Helmer_. Well?
_Rank_. At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible.
_Helmer_ That's a good joke!
_Rank_. There is a big black hat--have you never heard of hats that make
you invisible? If you put one on, no one can see you.
_Helmer_ (_suppressing a smile_). Yes, you are quite right.
_Rank_. But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me a
cigar--one of the dark Havanas.
_Helmer_. With the greatest pleasure. (_Offers him his case_.)
_Rank_ (_takes a cigar and cuts off the end_). Thanks.
_Nora_ (_striking a match_). Let me give you a light.
_Rank_. Thank you. (_She holds the match for him to light his cigar_.)
And now good-bye!
_Helmer_. Good-bye, good-bye, dear old man!
_Nora_. Sleep well, Doctor Rank.
_Rank_. Thank you for that wish.
_Nora_. Wish me the same.
_Rank_. You? Well, if you want me to sleep well! And thanks for the
light. (_He nods to them both and goes out_.)
_Helmer_ (_in a subdued voice_). He has drunk more than he ought.
_Nora_ (_absently_). Maybe. (HELMER _takes a bunch of keys out of his
pocket and goes into the hall_.) Torvald! what are you going to do
there?
_Helmer_. Empty the letter-box; it is quite full; there will be no room
to put the newspaper in to-morrow morning.
_Nora._ Are you going to work to-night?
_Helmer_. You know quite well I'm not. What is this? Some one has been
at the lock.
_Nora_. At the lock?
_Helmer_. Yes, someone has. What can it mean? I should never have
thought the maid--. Here is a broken hairpin. Nora, it is one of yours.
_Nora_ (_quickly_). Then it must have been the children--
_Helmer_. Then you must get them out of those ways. There, at last I
have got it open. (_Takes out the contents of the letter-box, and calls
to the kitchen_.) Helen!--Helen, put out the light over the front door.
(_Goes back into the room and shuts the door into the hall. He holds out
his hand full of letters_.) Look at that--look what a heap of them there
are. (_Turning them over_.) What on earth is that?
_Nor
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