That is a very sensible plan, isn’t it?

HELMER: [Smiling.] Indeed it is—that is to say, if you were really to save all 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; it is assumed he will dine 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 someone 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.