_Nora_ (_sitting at the table on the left_). I suppose you mean that he
was too partial to asparagus and pate de foie gras, don't you?

_Rank_. Yes, and to truffles.

_Nora_. Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose?

_Rank_. Oysters, of course, that goes without saying.

_Nora_. And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these nice
things should take their revenge on our bones.

_Rank_. Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky
bones of those who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them.

_Nora_. Yes, that's the saddest part of it all.

_Rank_ (_with a searching look at her_). Hm!--

_Nora_ (_after a short pause_). Why did you smile?

_Rand_. No, it was you that laughed.

_Nora_. No, it was you that smiled, Doctor Rank!

_Rank_ (_rising_). You are a greater rascal than I thought.

_Nora_. I am in a silly mood today.

_Rank_. So it seems.

_Nora_ (_putting her hands on his shoulders_). Dear, dear Doctor Rank,
death mustn't take you away from Torvald and me.

_Rank_. It is a loss you would easily recover from. Those who are gone
are soon forgotten.

_Nora_ (_looking at him anxiously_). Do you believe that?

_Rank_. People form new ties, and then--

_Nora_. Who will form new ties?

_Rank_. Both you and Helmer, when I am gone. You yourself are already on
the high road to it, I think. What did that Mrs. Linde want here last
night?

_Nora_. Oho!--you don't mean to say you are jealous of poor Christine?

_Rank_. Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am
done for, this woman will--

_Nora_. Hush! don't speak so loud. She is in that room.

_Rank_. To-day again. There, you see.

_Nora_. She has only come to sew my dress for me. Bless my soul, how
unreasonable you are! (_Sits down on the sofa_.) Be nice now, Doctor
Rank, and to-morrow you will see how beautifully I shall dance, and you
can imagine I am doing it all for you--and for Torvald too, of course.
(_Takes various things out of the box._) Doctor Rank, come and sit down
here, and I will show you something.

_Rank_ (_sitting down_). What is it?

_Nora_. Just look at those.

_Rank_. Silk stockings.

_Nora_. Flesh-coloured. Aren't they lovely? It is so dark here now, but
to-morrow--. No, no, no! you must only look at the feet. Oh, well, you
may have leave to look at the legs too.

_Rank_. Hm!--

_Nora_. Why are you looking so critical? Don't you think they will fit
me?

_Rank_. I ha