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.

HEL. But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been practicing too much?

NORA. No, I have not practiced at all.

HEL. 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.

HEL. 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?

HEL. 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 toward the hall door.]

NORA. What are you going to do there?

HEL. Only see if any letters have come.

NORA. No, no! Don’t do that, Torvald!

HEL. Why not?

NORA. Torvald, please don’t. There is nothing there.

HEL. Well, let me look. [Turns to go to the letter box. Nora, at the piano, plays the first bars of the tarantella. Helmer stops in the doorway.] Aha!

NORA. I can’t dance tomorrow if I don’t practice with you.

HEL. [going up to her]. Are you really so afraid of it, dear?

NORA. Yes, so dreadfully afraid of it. Let me practice at once; there is time now, before we go to dinner. Sit down and play for me, Torvald dear; criticize me and correct me as you play.

HEL. With great pleasure, if you wish me to. [Sits down at the piano.]

NORA [takes out of the box a tambourine and a long variegated shawl. She hastily drapes the shawl round her. Then she springs to the front of the stage and calls out]. Now play for me! I am going to dance!

[Helmer plays and Nora dances. Rank stands by the piano behind Helmer and looks on.]

HEL. [as he plays]. Slower, slower!

NORA. I can’t do it any other way.

HEL. Not so violently, Nora!

NORA. This is the way.