A Doll's House/Act I

by Henrik Ibsen

Act I

[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.

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.]

Nora

Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed. [To the Porter, taking out her purse.] How much?

Porter

Sixpence.

Nora

There is a shilling. No, keep the change. [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.] Yes, he is in. [Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.]

Helmer

[calls out from his room] Is that my little lark twittering out there?

Nora

[busy opening some of the parcels] Yes, it is!

Helmer

Is it my little squirrel bustling about?

Nora

Yes!

Helmer

When did my squirrel come home?

Nora

Just now. [Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.] Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought.

Helmer

Don't disturb me. [A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room, pen in hand.] Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again?

Nora

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.

Helmer

Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly.

Nora

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.

Helmer

Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary is due.

Nora

Pooh! we can borrow until then.

Helmer

Nora! [Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.] 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—

Nora

[putting her hands over his mouth] Oh! don't say such horrid things.

Helmer

Still, suppose that happened,—what then?

Nora

If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I owed money or not.

Helmer

Yes, but what about the people who had lent it?

Nora

They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were.

Helmer

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.

Nora

[moving towards the stove] As you please, Torvald.

Helmer

[following her] Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? [Taking out his purse.] Nora, what do you think I have got here?

Nora

[turning round quickly] Money!

Helmer

There you are. [Gives her some money.] Do you think I don't know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas- time?

Nora

[counting] Ten shillings—a pound—two pounds! Thank you, thank you, Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time.

Helmer

Indeed it must.

Nora

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.

Helmer

And what is in this parcel?

Nora

[crying out] No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening.

Helmer

Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would you like for yourself?

Nora

For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything.

Helmer

Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would particularly like to have.

Nora

No, I really can't think of anything—unless, Torvald—

Helmer

Well?

Nora

[playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his] If you really want to give me something, you might—you might—

Helmer

Well, out with it!

Nora

[speaking quickly] ;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.

Helmer

But, Nora—

Nora

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?

Helmer

What are little people called that are always wasting money?

Nora

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?

Helmer

[smiling] ;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.

Nora

Oh but, Torvald—

Helmer

You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. [Puts his arm round her waist.] It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are!

Nora

It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can.

Helmer

[laughing] That's very true,—all you can. But you can't save anything!

Nora

[smiling quietly and happily] You haven't any idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.

Helmer

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.

Nora

Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities.

Helmer

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?

Nora

Do I?

Helmer

You do, really. Look straight at me.

Nora

[looks at him] Well?

Helmer

[wagging his finger at her] Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?

Nora

No; what makes you think that?

Helmer

Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's?

Nora

No, I assure you, Torvald—

Helmer

Not been nibbling sweets?

Nora

No, certainly not.

Helmer

Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?

Nora

No, Torvald, I assure you really—

Helmer

There, there, of course I was only joking.

Nora

[going to the table on the right] I should not think of going against your wishes.

Helmer

No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word— [Going up to her.] Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt.

Nora

Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank?

Helmer

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.

Nora

So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald!

Helmer

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?

Nora

It's wonderful!

Helmer

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!

Nora

I didn't find it dull.

Helmer

[smiling] But there was precious little result, Nora.

Nora

Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I help the cat's going in and tearing everything to pieces?

Helmer

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.

Nora

Yes, it is really wonderful.

Helmer

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—

Nora

[clapping her hands] No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need I! It's wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! [Taking his arm.] Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over—[A bell rings in the hall.] There's the bell. [She tidies the room a little.] There's some one at the door. What a nuisance!

Helmer

If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.

Maid

[in the doorway] A lady to see you, ma'am,—a stranger.

Nora

Ask her to come in.

Maid

[to Helmer] The doctor came at the same time, sir.

Helmer

Did he go straight into my room?

Maid

Yes, sir.

[Helmer goes into his room. The Maid ushers in Mrs Linde, who is in travelling dress, and shuts the door.]

Mrs Linde

[in a dejected and timid voice] How do you do, Nora?

Nora

[doubtfully] How do you do—

Mrs Linde

You don't recognise me, I suppose.

Nora

No, I don't know—yes, to be sure, I seem to—[Suddenly.] Yes! Christine! Is it really you?

Mrs Linde

Yes, it is I.

Nora

Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could I—[In a gentle voice.] How you have altered, Christine!

Mrs Linde

Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years—

Nora

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.

Mrs Linde

I arrived by steamer this morning.

Nora

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. [Helps her.] Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this armchair; I will sit here in the rocking-chair. [Takes her hands.] 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.

Mrs Linde

And much, much older, Nora.

Nora

Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. [Stops suddenly and speaks seriously.] What a thoughtless creature I am, chattering away like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me.

Mrs Linde

What do you mean, Nora?

Nora

[gently] Poor Christine, you are a widow.

Mrs Linde

Yes; it is three years ago now.

Nora

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.

Mrs Linde

I quite understand, dear.

Nora

It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have suffered. And he left you nothing?

Mrs Linde

No.

Nora

And no children?

Mrs Linde

No.

Nora

Nothing at all, then.

Mrs Linde

Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon.

Nora

[looking incredulously at her] But, Christine, is that possible?

Mrs Linde

[smiles sadly and strokes her hair] It sometimes happens, Nora.

Nora

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.

Mrs Linde

No, no; I want to hear about you.

Nora

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?

Mrs Linde

No, what is it?

Nora

Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank!

Mrs Linde

Your husband? What good luck!

Nora

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?

Mrs Linde

Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs.

Nora

No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money.

Mrs Linde

[smiling] Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you were a great spendthrift.

Nora

[laughing] Yes, that is what Torvald says now. [Wags her finger at her.] 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.

Mrs Linde

You too?

Nora

Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing. [Dropping her voice.] 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.

Mrs Linde

You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you?

Nora

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.

Mrs Linde

So I should think.

Nora

It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That's a lot, isn't it?

Mrs Linde

Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the money.

Nora

I ought to tell you that we had it from papa.

Mrs Linde

Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn't it?

Nora

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.

Mrs Linde

I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to Italy?

Nora

Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our going, so we started a month later.

Mrs Linde

And your husband came back quite well?

Nora

As sound as a bell!

Mrs Linde

But—the doctor?

Nora

What doctor?

Mrs Linde

I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just as I did, was the doctor?

Nora

Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn't come here professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once everyday. No, Torvald has not had an hour's illness since then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. [Jumps up and claps her hands.] Christine! Christine! it's good to be alive and happy!—But how horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. [Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.] 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?

Mrs Linde

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.

Nora

No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then?

Mrs Linde

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.

Nora

And then?—

Mrs Linde

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.

Nora

What a relief you must feel if—

Mrs Linde

No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore. [Gets up restlessly.] 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—

Nora

But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place.

Mrs Linde

[walking to the window] I have no father to give me money for a journey, Nora.

Nora

[rising] Oh, don't be angry with me!

Mrs Linde

[going up to her] 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.

Nora

How do you mean?—Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could get you something to do.

Mrs Linde

Yes, that was what I was thinking of.

Nora

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.

Mrs Linde

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.

Nora

I—? I know so little of them?

Mrs Linde

[smiling] My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!—You are a child, Nora.

Nora

[tosses her head and crosses the stage] You ought not to be so superior.

Mrs Linde

No?

Nora

You are just like the others. They all think that I am incapable of anything really serious—

Mrs Linde

Come, come—

Nora

—that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares.

Mrs Linde

But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles.

Nora

Pooh!—those were trifles. [Lowering her voice.] I have not told you the important thing.

Mrs Linde

The important thing? What do you mean?

Nora

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?

Mrs Linde

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.

Nora

And you are proud to think of what you have done for your brothers?

Mrs Linde

I think I have the right to be.

Nora

I think so, too. But now, listen to this; I too have something to be proud and glad of.

Mrs Linde

I have no doubt you have. But what do you refer to?

Nora

Speak low. Suppose Torvald were to hear! He mustn't on any account—no one in the world must know, Christine, except you.

Mrs Linde

But what is it?

Nora

Come here. [Pulls her down on the sofa beside her.] Now I will show you that I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who saved Torvald's life.

Mrs Linde

"Saved"? How?

Nora

I told you about our trip to Italy. Torvald would never have recovered if he had not gone there—

Mrs Linde

Yes, but your father gave you the necessary funds.

Nora

[smiling] Yes, that is what Torvald and all the others think, but—

Mrs Linde

But—

Nora

Papa didn't give us a shilling. It was I who procured the money.

Mrs Linde

You? All that large sum?

Nora

Two hundred and fifty pounds. What do you think of that?

Mrs Linde

But, Nora, how could you possibly do it? Did you win a prize in the Lottery?

Nora

[contemptuously] In the Lottery? There would have been no credit in that.

Mrs Linde

But where did you get it from, then?

Nora

[humming and smiling with an air of mystery] Hm, hm! Aha!

Mrs Linde

Because you couldn't have borrowed it.

Nora

Couldn't I? Why not?

Mrs Linde

No, a wife cannot borrow without her husband's consent.

Nora

[tossing her head] Oh, if it is a wife who has any head for business—a wife who has the wit to be a little bit clever—

Mrs Linde

I don't understand it at all, Nora.

Nora

There is no need you should. I never said I had borrowed the money. I may have got it some other way. [Lies back on the sofa.] Perhaps I got it from some other admirer. When anyone is as attractive as I am—

Mrs Linde

You are a mad creature.

Nora

Now, you know you're full of curiosity, Christine.

Mrs Linde

Listen. to me, Nora dear Haven't you been a little bit imprudent?

Nora

[sits up straight] Is it imprudent to save your husband's life?

Mrs Linde

It seems to me imprudent, without his knowledge, to—

Nora

But it was absolutely necessary that he should not know! My goodness, can't you understand that? It was necessary he should have no idea what a dangerous condition he was in. It was to me that the doctors came and said that his life was in danger, and that the only thing to save him was to live in the south. Do you suppose I didn't try, first of all, to get what I wanted as if it were for myself? I told him how much I should love to travel abroad like other young wives; I tried tears and entreaties with him; I told him that he ought to remember the condition I was in, and that he ought to be kind and indulgent to me; I even hinted that he might raise a loan. That nearly made him angry, Christine. He said I was thoughtless, and that it was his duty as my husband not to indulge me in my whims and caprices—as I believe he called them. Very well, I thought, you must be saved—and that was how I came to devise a way out of the difficulty—

Mrs Linde

And did your husband never get to know from your father that the money had not come from him?

Nora

No, never. Papa died just at that time. I had meant to let him into the secret and beg him never to reveal it. But he was so ill then—alas, there never was any need to tell him.

Mrs Linde

And since then have you never told your secret to your husband?

Nora

Good Heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has such strong opinions about these things! And besides, how painful and humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations altogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now.

Mrs Linde

Do you mean never to tell him about it?

Nora

[meditatively, and with a half smile] Yes—someday, perhaps, after many years, when I am no longer as nice-looking as I am now. Don't laugh at me! I mean, of course, when Torvald is no longer as devoted to me as he is now; when my dancing and dressing-up and reciting have palled on him; then it may be a good thing to have something in reserve—[Breaking off.] What nonsense! That time will never come. Now, what do you think of my great secret, Christine? Do you still think I am of no use? I can tell you, too, that this affair has caused me a lot of worry. It has been by no means easy for me to meet my engagements punctually. I may tell you that there is something that is called, in business, quarterly interest, and another thing called payment in installments, and it is always so dreadfully difficult to manage them. I have had to save a little here and there, where I could, you understand. I have not been able to put aside much from my housekeeping money, for Torvald must have a good table. I couldn't let my children be shabbily dressed; I have felt obliged to use up all he gave me for them, the sweet little darlings!

Mrs Linde

So it has all had to come out of your own necessaries of life, poor Nora?

Nora

Of course. Besides, I was the one responsible for it. Whenever Torvald has given me money for new dresses and such things, I have never spent more than half of it; I have always bought the simplest and cheapest things. Thank Heaven, any clothes look well on me, and so Torvald has never noticed it. But it was often very hard on me, Christine—because it is delightful to be really well dressed, isn't it?

Mrs Linde

Quite so.

Nora

Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last winter I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do; so I locked myself up and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I was desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to sit there working and earning money. It was like being a man.

Mrs Linde

How much have you been able to pay off in that way?

Nora

I can't tell you exactly. You see, it is very difficult to keep an account of a business matter of that kind. I only know that I have paid every penny that I could scrape together. Many a time I was at my wits' end. [Smiles.] Then I used to sit here and imagine that a rich old gentleman had fallen in love with me—

Mrs Linde

What! Who was it?

Nora

Be quiet!—that he had died; and that when his will was opened it contained, written in big letters, the instruction: "The lovely Mrs Nora Helmer is to have all I possess paid over to her at once in cash."

Mrs Linde

But, my dear Nora—who could the man be?

Nora

Good gracious, can't you understand? There was no old gentleman at all; it was only something that I used to sit here and imagine, when I couldn't think of any way of procuring money. But it's all the same now; the tiresome old person can stay where he is, as far as I am concerned; I don't care about him or his will either, for I am free from care now. [Jumps up.] My goodness, it's delightful to think of, Christine! Free from care! To be able to be free from care, quite free from care; to be able to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it! And, think of it, soon the spring will come and the big blue sky! Perhaps we shall be able to take a little trip—perhaps I shall see the sea again! Oh, it's a wonderful thing to be alive and be happy. [A bell is heard in the hall.]

Mrs Linde

[rising] There is the bell; perhaps I had better go.

Nora

No, don't go; no one will come in here; it is sure to be for Torvald.

Servant

[at the hall door] Excuse me, ma'am—there is a gentleman to see the master, and as the doctor is with him—

Nora

Who is it?

Krogstad

[at the door] ;It is I, Mrs Helmer [Mrs Linde starts, trembles, and turns to the window.]

Nora

[takes a step towards him, and speaks in a strained, low voice] You? What is it? What do you want to see my husband about?

Krogstad

Bank business—in a way. I have a small post in the Bank, and I hear your husband is to be our chief now—

Nora

Then it is—

Krogstad

Nothing but dry business matters, Mrs Helmer; absolutely nothing else.

Nora

Be so good as to go into the study, then. [She bows indifferently to him and shuts the door into the hall; then comes back and makes up the fire in the stove.]

Mrs Linde

Nora—who was that man?

Nora

A lawyer, of the name of Krogstad.

Mrs Linde

Then it really was he.

Nora

Do you know the man?

Mrs Linde

I used to—many years ago. At one time he was a solicitor's clerk in our town.

Nora

Yes, he was.

Mrs Linde

He is greatly altered.

Nora

He made a very unhappy marriage.

Mrs Linde

He is a widower now, isn't he?

Nora

With several children. There now, it is burning up. [Shuts the door of the stove and moves the rocking-chair aside.]

Mrs Linde

They say he carries on various kinds of business.

Nora

Really! Perhaps he does; I don't know anything about it. But don't let us think of business; it is so tiresome.

Doctor

[Rank comes out of Helmer's study. Before he shuts the door he calls to him] No, my dear fellow, I won't disturb you; I would rather go in to your wife for a little while. [Shuts the door and sees Mrs Linde.] I beg your pardon; I am afraid I am disturbing you too.

Nora

No, not at all. [Introducing him]. Doctor Rank, Mrs Linde.

Rank

I have often heard Mrs Linde's name mentioned here. I think I passed you on the stairs when I arrived, Mrs Linde?

Mrs Linde

Yes, I go up very slowly; I can't manage stairs well.

Rank

Ah! some slight internal weakness?

Mrs Linde

No, the fact is I have been overworking myself.

Rank

Nothing more than that? Then I suppose you have come to town to amuse yourself with our entertainments?

Mrs Linde

I have come to look for work.

Rank

Is that a good cure for overwork?

Mrs Linde

One must live, Doctor Rank.

Rank

Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary.

Nora

Look here, Doctor Rank—you know you want to live.

Rank

Certainly. However wretched I may feel, I want to prolong the agony as long as possible. All my patients are like that. And so are those who are morally diseased; one of them, and a bad case too, is at this very moment with Helmer—

Mrs Linde

[sadly] Ah!

Nora

Whom do you mean?

Rank

A lawyer of the name of Krogstad, a fellow you don't know at all. He suffers from a diseased moral character, Mrs Helmer; but even he began talking of its being highly important that he should live.

Nora

Did he? What did he want to speak to Torvald about?

Rank

I have no idea; I only heard that it was something about the Bank.

Nora

I didn't know this—what's his name—Krogstad had anything to do with the Bank.

Rank

Yes, he has some sort of appointment there. [To Mrs Linde.] I don't know whether you find also in your part of the world that there are certain people who go zealously snuffing about to smell out moral corruption, and, as soon as they have found some, put the person concerned into some lucrative position where they can keep their eye on him. Healthy natures are left out in the cold.

Mrs Linde

Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care of.

Rank

[shrugging his shoulders] Yes, there you are. That is the sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house.

[Nora, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into smothered laughter and claps her hands.]

Rank

Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society really is?

Nora

What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at something quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, Doctor Rank, are all the people who are employed in the Bank dependent on Torvald now?

Rank

Is that what you find so extremely amusing?

Nora

[smiling and humming] That's my affair! [Walking about the room.] It's perfectly glorious to think that we have—that Torvald has so much power over so many people. [Takes the packet from her pocket.] Doctor Rank, what do you say to a macaroon?

Rank

What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here.

Nora

Yes, but these are some Christine gave me.

Mrs Linde

What! I?—

Nora

Oh, well, don't be alarmed! You couldn't know that Torvald had forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil my teeth. But, bah!—once in a way—That's so, isn't it, Doctor Rank? By your leave! [Puts a macaroon into his mouth.] You must have one too, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one—or at most two. [Walking about.] I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in the world now that I should dearly love to do.

Rank

Well, what is that?

Nora

It's something I should dearly love to say, if Torvald could hear me.

Rank

Well, why can't you say it?

Nora

No, I daren't; it's so shocking.

Mrs Linde

Shocking?

Rank

Well, I should not advise you to say it. Still, with us you might. What is it you would so much like to say if Torvald could hear you?

Nora

I should just love to say—Well, I'm damned!

Rank

Are you mad?

Mrs Linde

Nora, dear—!

Rank

Say it, here he is!

Nora

[hiding the packet] Hush! Hush! Hush! [Helmer comes out of his room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.]

Nora

Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him?

Helmer

Yes, he has just gone.

Nora

Let me introduce you—this is Christine, who has come to town.

Helmer

Christine—? Excuse me, but I don't know—

Nora

Mrs Linde, dear; Christine Linde.

Helmer

Of course. A school friend of my wife's, I presume?

Mrs Linde

Yes, we have known each other since then.

Nora

And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you.

Helmer

What do you mean?

Mrs Linde

No, really, I—

Nora

Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect herself—

Helmer

Very sensible, Mrs Linde.

Nora

And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank—the news was telegraphed, you know—she travelled here as quick as she could. Torvald, I am sure you will be able to do something for Christine, for my sake, won't you?

Helmer

Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a widow, Mrs Linde?

Mrs Linde

Yes.

Helmer

And have had some experience of book-keeping?

Mrs Linde

Yes, a fair amount.

Helmer

Ah! well, it's very likely I may be able to find something for you—

Nora

[clapping her hands] What did I tell you? What did I tell you?

Helmer

You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs Linde.

Mrs Linde

How am I to thank you?

Helmer

There is no need. [Puts on his coat.] But today you must excuse me—

Rank

Wait a minute; I will come with you. [Brings his fur coat from the hall and warms it at the fire.]

Nora

Don't be long away, Torvald dear.

Helmer

About an hour, not more.

Nora

Are you going too, Christine?

Mrs Linde

[putting on her cloak] Yes, I must go and look for a room.

Helmer

Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together.

Nora

[helping her] What a pity it is we are so short of space here; I am afraid it is impossible for us—

Mrs Linde

Please don't think of it! Goodbye, Nora dear, and many thanks.

Nora

Goodbye for the present. Of course you will come back this evening. And you too, Dr. Rank. What do you say? If you are well enough? Oh, you must be! Wrap yourself up well. [They go to the door all talking together. Children's voices are heard on the staircase.]

Nora

There they are! There they are! [She runs to open the door. The Nurse comes in with the children.] Come in! Come in! [Stoops and kisses them.] Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren't they darlings?

Rank

Don't let us stand here in the draught.

Helmer

Come along, Mrs Linde; the place will only be bearable for a mother now!

[Rank, Helmer, and Mrs Linde go downstairs. The Nurse comes forward with the children; Nora shuts the hall door.]

Nora

How fresh and well you look! Such red cheeks like apples and roses. [The children all talk at once while she speaks to them.] Have you had great fun? That's splendid! What, you pulled both Emmy and Bob along on the sledge? —both at once?—that was good. You are a clever boy, Ivar. Let me take her for a little, Anne. My sweet little baby doll! [Takes the baby from the Maid and dances it up and down.] Yes, yes, mother will dance with Bob too. What! Have you been snowballing? I wish I had been there too! No, no, I will take their things off, Anne; please let me do it, it is such fun. Go in now, you look half frozen. There is some hot coffee for you on the stove.

[The Nurse goes into the room on the left. Nora takes off the children's things and throws them about, while they all talk to her at once.]

Nora

Really! Did a big dog run after you? But it didn't bite you? No, dogs don't bite nice little dolly children. You mustn't look at the parcels, Ivar. What are they? Ah, I daresay you would like to know. No, no—it's something nasty! Come, let us have a game! What shall we play at? Hide and Seek? Yes, we'll play Hide and Seek. Bob shall hide first. Must I hide? Very well, I'll hide first. [She and the children laugh and shout, and romp in and out of the room; at last Nora hides under the table, the children rush in and out for her, but do not see her; they hear her smothered laughter, run to the table, lift up the cloth and find her. Shouts of laughter. She crawls forward and pretends to frighten them. Fresh laughter. Meanwhile there has been a knock at the hall door, but none of them has noticed it. The door is half opened, and Krogstad appears, lie waits a little; the game goes on.]

Krogstad

Excuse me, Mrs Helmer.

Nora

[with a stifled cry, turns round and gets up on to her knees] Ah! what do you want?

Krogstad

Excuse me, the outer door was ajar; I suppose someone forgot to shut it.

Nora

[rising] My husband is out, Mr Krogstad.

Krogstad

I know that.

Nora

What do you want here, then?

Krogstad

A word with you.

Nora

With me?—[To the children, gently.] Go in to nurse. What? No, the strange man won't do mother any harm. When he has gone we will have another game. [She takes the children into the room on the left, and shuts the door after them.] You want to speak to me?

Krogstad

Yes, I do.

Nora

Today? It is not the first of the month yet.

Krogstad

No, it is Christmas Eve, and it will depend on yourself what sort of a Christmas you will spend.

Nora

What do you mean? Today it is absolutely impossible for me—

Krogstad

We won't talk about that until later on. This is something different. I presume you can give me a moment?

Nora

Yes—yes, I can—although—

Krogstad

Good. I was in Olsen's Restaurant and saw your husband going down the street—

Nora

Yes?

Krogstad

With a lady.

Nora

What then?

Krogstad

May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs Linde?

Nora

It was.

Krogstad

Just arrived in town?

Nora

Yes, today.

Krogstad

She is a great friend of yours, isn't she?

Nora

She is. But I don't see—

Krogstad

I knew her too, once upon a time.

Nora

I am aware of that.

Krogstad

Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. Then I can ask you, without beating about the bush—is Mrs Linde to have an appointment in the Bank?

Nora

What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?—You, one of my husband's subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that.

Krogstad

I was right in what I thought, then.

Nora

[walking up and down the stage] Sometimes one has a tiny little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not necessarily follow that— When anyone is in a subordinate position, Mr Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone who—who—

Krogstad

Who has influence?

Nora

Exactly.

Krogstad

[changing his tone] Mrs Helmer, you will be so good as to use your influence on my behalf.

Nora

What? What do you mean?

Krogstad

You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position in the Bank.

Nora

What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you?

Krogstad

Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off.

Nora

But I assure you—

Krogstad

Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that.

Nora

But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence.

Krogstad

Haven't you? I thought you said yourself just now—

Nora

Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my husband?

Krogstad

Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don't suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands.

Nora

If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house.

Krogstad

You are bold, Mrs Helmer.

Nora

I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing.

Krogstad

[controlling himself] Listen to me, Mrs Helmer. If necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were fighting for my life.

Nora

So it seems.

Krogstad

It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason— well, I may as well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion.

Nora

I think I have heard something of the kind.

Krogstad

The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I had to do something; and, honestly, I don't think I've been one of the worst. But now I must cut myself free from all that. My sons are growing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in the town. This post in the Bank was like the first step up for me—and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud.

Nora

But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.

Krogstad

Then it is because you haven't the will; but I have means to compel you.

Nora

You don't mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money?

Krogstad

Hm!—suppose I were to tell him?

Nora

It would be perfectly infamous of you. [Sobbing.] To think of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, clumsy way—that he should learn it from you! And it would put me in a horribly disagreeable position—

Krogstad

Only disagreeable?

Nora

[impetuously] Well, do it, then!—and it will be the worse for you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you are, and you certainly won't keep your post then.

Krogstad

I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid of?

Nora

If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to do with you.

Krogstad

[coming a step nearer] ;Listen to me, Mrs Helmer. Either you have a very bad memory or you know very little of business I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details.

Nora

What do you mean?

Krogstad

When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two hundred and fifty pounds.

Nora

I didn't know anyone else to go to.

Krogstad

I promised to get you that amount—

Nora

Yes, and you did so.

Krogstad

I promised to get you that amount, on certain conditions. Your mind was so taken up with your husband's illness, and you were so anxious to get the money for your journey, that you seem to have paid no attention to the conditions of our bargain. Therefore it will not be amiss if I remind you of them. Now, I promised to get the money on the security of a bond which I drew up.

Nora

Yes, and which I signed.

Krogstad

Good. But below your signature there were a few lines constituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your father should have signed.

Nora

Should? He did sign them.

Krogstad

I had left the date blank; that is to say, your father should himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. Do you remember that?

Nora

Yes, I think I remember—

Krogstad

Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is that not so?

Nora

Yes.

Krogstad

And you naturally did so at once, because five or six days afterwards you brought me the bond with your father's signature. And then I gave you the money.

Nora

Well, haven't I been paying it off regularly?

Krogstad

Fairly so, yes. But—to come back to the matter in hand—that must have been a very trying time for you, Mrs Helmer?

Nora

It was, indeed.

Krogstad

Your father was very ill, wasn't he?

Nora

He was very near his end.

Krogstad

And died soon afterwards?

Nora

Yes.

Krogstad

Tell me, Mrs Helmer, can you by any chance remember what day your father died?—on what day of the month, I mean.

Nora

Papa died on the 29th of September.

Krogstad

That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as that is so, there is a discrepancy [taking a paper from his pocket] which I cannot account for.

Nora

What discrepancy? I don't know—

Krogstad

The discrepancy consists, Mrs Helmer, in the fact that your father signed this bond three days after his death.

Nora

What do you mean? I don't understand—

Krogstad

Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look here; your father has dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is a discrepancy, isn't it? [Nora is silent.] Can you explain it to me? [Nora is still silent.] It is a remarkable thing, too, that the words "2nd of October," as well as the year, are not written in your father's handwriting but in one that I think I know. Well, of course it can be explained; your father may have forgotten to date his signature, and someone else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of his death. There is no harm in that. It all depends on the signature of the name; and that is genuine, I suppose, Mrs Helmer? It was your father himself who signed his name here?

Nora

[after a short pause, throws her head up and looks defiantly at him] No, it was not. It was I that wrote papa's name.

Krogstad

Are you aware that is a dangerous confession?

Nora

In what way? You shall have your money soon.

Krogstad

Let me ask you a question; why did you not send the paper to your father?

Nora

It was impossible; papa was so ill. If I had asked him for his signature, I should have had to tell him what the money was to be used for; and when he was so ill himself I couldn't tell him that my husband's life was in danger—it was impossible.

Krogstad

It would have been better for you if you had given up your trip abroad.

Nora

No, that was impossible. That trip was to save my husband's life; I couldn't give that up.

Krogstad

But did it never occur to you that you were committing a fraud on me?

Nora

I couldn't take that into account; I didn't trouble myself about you at all. I couldn't bear you, because you put so many heartless difficulties in my way, although you knew what a dangerous condition my husband was in.

Krogstad

Mrs Helmer, you evidently do not realise clearly what it is that you have been guilty of. But I can assure you that my one false step, which lost me all my reputation, was nothing more or nothing worse than what you have done.

Nora

You? Do you ask me to believe that you were brave enough to run a risk to save your wife's life?

Krogstad

The law cares nothing about motives.

Nora

Then it must be a very foolish law.

Krogstad

Foolish or not, it is the law by which you will be judged, if I produce this paper in court.

Nora

I don't believe it. Is a daughter not to be allowed to spare her dying father anxiety and care? Is a wife not to be allowed to save her husband's life? I don't know much about law; but I am certain that there must be laws permitting such things as that. Have you no knowledge of such laws—you who are a lawyer? You must be a very poor lawyer, Mr. Krogstad.

Krogstad

Maybe. But matters of business—such business as you and I have had together—do you think I don't understand that? Very well. Do as you please. But let me tell you this—if I lose my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me. [He bows, and goes out through the hall.]

Nora

[appears buried in thought for a short time, then tosses her head] Nonsense! Trying to frighten me like that!—I am not so silly as he thinks. [Begins to busy herself putting the children's things in order.] And yet—? No, it's impossible! I did it for love's sake.

Children

[in the doorway on the left] Mother, the stranger man has gone out through the gate.

Nora

Yes, dears, I know. But, don't tell anyone about the stranger man. Do you hear? Not even papa.

Children

No, mother; but will you come and play again?

Nora

No, no,—not now.

Children

But, mother, you promised us.

Nora

Yes, but I can't now. Run away in; I have such a lot to do. Run away in, my sweet little darlings. [She gets them into the room by degrees and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes up a piece of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops.] No! [Throws down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out.] Helen! bring the Tree in. [Goes to the table on the left, opens a drawer, and stops again.] No, no! it is quite impossible!

Maid

[coming in with the Tree] Where shall I put it, ma'am?

Nora

Here, in the middle of the floor.

Maid

Shall I get you anything else?

Nora

No, thank you. I have all I want. [Exit Maid.]

Nora

[begins dressing the tree] A: candle here-and flowers here— The horrible man! It's all nonsense—there's nothing wrong. The tree shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to please you, Torvald!—I will sing for you, dance for you—[Helmer comes in with some papers under his arm.] Oh! are you back already?.

Helmer

Yes. Has anyone been here?

Nora

Here? No.

Helmer

That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate.

Nora

Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment.

Helmer

Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging you to say a good word for him.

Nora

Yes.

Helmer

And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn't he beg that of you too?

Nora

Yes, Torvald, but—

Helmer

Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain?

Nora

A lie—?

Helmer

Didn't you tell me no one had been here? [Shakes his finger at her.] My little songbird must never do that again. A songbird must have a clean beak to chirp with—no false notes! [Puts his arm round her waist.] That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure it is. [Lets her go.] We will say no more about it. [Sits down by the stove.] How warm and snug it is here! [Turns over his papers.]

Nora

[after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the Christmas Tree] Torvald!

Helmer

Yes.

Nora

I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs' the day after tomorrow.

Helmer

And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with.

Nora

It was very silly of me to want to do that.

Helmer

What do you mean?

Nora

I can't hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of seems so silly and insignificant.

Helmer

Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last?

Nora

[standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it] Are you very busy, Torvald?

Helmer

Well—

Nora

What are all those papers?

Helmer

Bank business.

Nora

Already?

Helmer

I have got authority from the retiring manager to undertake the necessary changes in the staff and in the rearrangement of the work; and I must make use of the Christmas week for that, so as to have everything in order for the new year.

Nora

Then that was why this poor Krogstad—

Helmer

Hm!

Nora

[leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair] If you hadn't been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, Torvald.

Helmer

What is that? Tell me.

Nora

There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so want to look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn't you take me in hand and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shall wear?

Helmer

Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to her rescue?

Nora

Yes, Torvald, I can't get along a bit without your help.

Helmer

Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon something.

Nora

That is nice of you. [Goes to the Christmas Tree. A short pause.] How pretty the red flowers look—. But, tell me, was it really something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of?

Helmer

He forged someone's name. Have you any idea what that means?

Nora

Isn't it possible that he was driven to do it by necessity?

Helmer

Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so heartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false step of that kind.

Nora

No, you wouldn't, would you, Torvald?

Helmer

Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment.

Nora

Punishment—?

Helmer

But Krogstad did nothing of that sort; he got himself out of it by a cunning trick, and that is why he has gone under altogether.

Nora

But do you think it would—?

Helmer

Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the hypocrite with every one, how he has to wear a mask in the presence of those near and dear to him, even before his own wife and children. And about the children—that is the most terrible part of it all, Nora.

Nora

How?

Helmer

Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a house is full of the germs of evil.

Nora

[coming nearer him] Are you sure of that?

Helmer

My dear, I have often seen it in the course of my life as a lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has had a deceitful mother.

Nora

Why do you only say—mother?

Helmer

It seems most commonly to be the mother's influence, though naturally a bad father's would have the same result. Every lawyer is familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been persistently poisoning his own children with lies and dissimulation; that is why I say he has lost all moral character. [Holds out his hands to her.] That is why my sweet little Nora must promise me not to plead his cause. Give me your hand on it. Come, come, what is this? Give me your hand. There now, that's settled. I assure you it would be quite impossible for me to work with him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the company of such people.

Nora

[takes her hand out of his and goes to the opposite side of the Christmas Tree] How hot it is in here; and I have such a lot to do.

Helmer

[getting up and putting his papers in order] Yes, and I must try and read through some of these before dinner; and I must think about your costume, too. And it is just possible I may have something ready in gold paper to hang up on the Tree. [Puts his hand on her head.] My precious little singing-bird! [He goes into his room and shuts the door after him.]

Nora

[after a pause, whispers] No, no—it isn't true. It's impossible; it must be impossible.

[The Nurse opens the door on the left.]

Nurse

The little ones are begging so hard to be allowed to come in to mamma.

Nora

No, no, no! Don't let them come in to me! You stay with them, Anne.

Nurse

Very well, ma'am. [Shuts the door.]

Nora

[pale with terror] Deprave my little children? Poison my home? [A short pause. Then she tosses her head.] It's not true. It can't possibly be true.