How should I know--? Yes (feeling in her pocket), here is his
card. But the letter, the letter--!
Helmer (calls from his room, knocking at the door). Nora! Nora (cries
out anxiously). Oh, what's that? What do you want?
Helmer. Don't be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked
the door. Are you trying on your dress?
Nora. Yes, that's it. I look so nice, Torvald.
Mrs. Linde (who has read the card). I see he lives at the corner here.
Nora. Yes, but it's no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying there in
the box.
Mrs. Linde. And your husband keeps the key?
Nora. Yes, always.
Mrs. Linde. Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must find
some pretence--
Nora. But it is just at this time that Torvald generally--
Mrs. Linde. You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I will
come back as soon as I can. (She goes out hurriedly through the hall
door.)
Nora (goes to HELMER'S door, opens it and peeps in). Torvald!
Helmer (from the inner room). Well? May I venture at last to come into
my own room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see-- (Halting in the
doorway.) But what is this?
Nora. What is what, dear?
Helmer. Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation.
Rank (in the doorway). I understood so, but evidently I was mistaken.
Nora. Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress until
tomorrow.
Helmer. But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been
practising too much?
Nora. No, I have not practised at all.
Helmer. But you will need to--
Nora. Yes, indeed I shall, Torvald. But I can't get on a bit without you
to help me; I have absolutely forgotten the whole thing.
Helmer. Oh, we will soon work it up again.
Nora. Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise that you will! I am so nervous
about it--all the people--. You must give yourself up to me entirely
this evening. Not the tiniest bit of business--you mustn't even take a
pen in your hand. Will you promise, Torvald dear?
Helmer. I promise. This evening I will be wholly and absolutely at your
service, you helpless little mortal. Ah, by the way, first of all I will
just--(Goes towards the hall door.)
Nora. What are you going to do there?
Helmer. Only see if any letters have come.
Nora. No, no! don't do that, Torvald!
Helmer. Why not?
Nora. Torvald, please don't. There is nothing there.
Helmer. Well, let me look. (Turns to go to the letter-box. NORA, at
the piano, plays th
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