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

HEL. Christine? Excuse me, but I don’t know——

NORA. Mrs. Linde, dear; Christine Linde.

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

MRS. L. Yes, we have known each other since then.

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

HEL. What do you mean?

MRS. L. No, really, I——

NORA. Christine is tremendously clever at bookkeeping, and she is frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect herself——

HEL. Very sensible, Mrs. Linde.

NORA. And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the bank—the news was telegraphed, you know—she traveled 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?

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

MRS. L. Yes.

HEL. And have had some experience of bookkeeping?

MRS. L. Yes, a fair amount.

HEL. Ah well, it’s very likely I may be able to find something for you.

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

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

MRS. L. How am I to thank you?

HEL. 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.

HEL. About an hour, not more.

NORA. Are you going too, Christine?

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

HEL. 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——