RANK. The best possible, for both doctor and patient—certainty.

NORA [quickly and searchingly]. Certainty?

RANK. Absolute certainty. So wasn’t I entitled to make a merry evening of it after that?

NORA. Yes, you certainly were, Doctor Rank.

HEL. I think so too, so long as you don’t have to pay for it in the morning.

RANK. Oh well, one can’t have anything in this life without paying for it.

NORA. Doctor Rank—are you fond of fancy-dress balls?

RANK. Yes, if there is a fine lot of pretty costumes.

NORA. Tell me—what shall we two wear at the next?

HEL. Little featherbrain!—are you thinking of the next already?

RANK. We two? Yes, I can tell you. You shall go as a good fairy——

HEL. Yes, but what do you suggest as an appropriate costume for that?

RANK. Let your wife go dressed just as she is in everyday life.

HEL. That was really very prettily turned. But can’t you tell us what you will be?

RANK. Yes, my dear friend, I have quite made up my mind about that.

HEL. Well?

RANK. At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible.

HEL. That’s a good joke!

RANK. There is a big black hat—have you ever heard of hats that make you invisible? If you put one on, no one can see you.

HEL. [suppressing a smile]. Yes, you are quite right.

RANK. But I am clean forgetting what I came for. Helmer, give me a cigar—one of the dark Havanas.

HEL. With the greatest pleasure. [Offers him his case.]

RANK [takes a cigar and cuts off the end]. Thanks.

NORA [striking a match]. Let me give you a light.

RANK. Thank you. [She holds the match for him to light his cigar.] And now good-by!

HEL. Good-by, good-by, dear old man!

NORA. Sleep well, Doctor Rank.

RANK. Thank you for that wish.

NORA. Wish me the same.