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

KROG. The law cares nothing about motives.

NORA. Then it must be a very foolish law.

KROG. 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.

KROG. 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.

The 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?

HEL. Yes. Has anyone been here?

NORA. Here? No.