ve no means of forming an opinion about that.

_Nora_ (_looks at him for a moment_). For shame! (_Hits him lightly on
the ear with the stockings_.) That's to punish you. (_Folds them up
again_.)

_Rank_. And what other nice things am I to be allowed to see?

_Nora_. Not a single thing more, for being so naughty. (_She looks among
the things, humming to herself_.)

_Rank_ (_after a short silence_). When I am sitting here, talking to you
as intimately as this, I cannot imagine for a moment what would have
become of me if I had never come into this house.

_Nora_ (_smiling_). I believe you do feel thoroughly at home with us.

_Rank_ (_in a lower voice, looking straight in front of him_). And to be
obliged to leave it all--

_Nora_. Nonsense, you are not going to leave it.

_Rank_ (_as before_). And not be able to leave behind one the slightest
token of one's gratitude, scarcely even a fleeting regret--nothing but
an empty place which the first comer can fill as well as any other.

_Nora_. And if I asked you now for a--? No!

_Rank_. For what?

_Nora_. For a big proof of your friendship--

_Rank_. Yes, yes.

_Nora_. I mean a tremendously big favour--

_Rank_. Would you really make me so happy for once?

_Nora_. Ah, but you don't know what it is yet.

_Rank_. No--but tell me.

_Nora_. I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason;
it means advice, and help, and a favour--

_Rank_. The bigger a thing it is the better. I can't conceive what it is
you mean. Do tell me. Haven't I your confidence?

_Nora_. More than anyone else. I know you are my truest and best friend,
and so I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it is something
you must help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, how inexpressibly
deeply Torvald loves me; he would never for a moment hesitate to give
his life for me.

_Rank_ (_leaning toward her_). Nora--do you think he is the only one--?

_Nora_ (_with a slight start_). The only one--?

_Rank_. The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake.

_Nora_ (_sadly_). Is that it?

_Rank_. I was determined you should know it before I went away, and
there will never be a better opportunity than this. Now you know it,
Nora. And now you know, too, that you can trust me as you would trust no
one else.

_Nora_ (_rises deliberately and quietly_). Let me pass.

_Rank_ (_makes room for her to pass him, but sits still_). Nora!

_Nora_ (_at the hall door_). He