But it cost a tremendous lot of money, Christine.

MRS. LINDE

So I should think.

NORA

It cost about two hundred and fifty pounds. That’s a lot, isn’t it?

MRS. LINDE

Yes, and in emergencies like that it is lucky to have the money.

NORA

I ought to tell you that we had it from papa.

MRS. LINDE

Oh, I see. It was just about that time that he died, wasn’t it?

NORA

Yes; and, just think of it, I couldn’t go and nurse him. I was expecting little Ivar’s birth every day and I had my poor sick Torvald to look after. My dear, kind father—I never saw him again, Christine. That was the saddest time I have known since our marriage.

MRS. LINDE

I know how fond you were of him. And then you went off to Italy?

NORA

Yes; you see we had money then, and the doctors insisted on our going, so we started a month later.

MRS. LINDE

And your husband came back quite well?

NORA

As sound as a bell!

MRS. LINDE

But—the doctor?

NORA

What doctor?

MRS. LINDE

I thought your maid said the gentleman who arrived here just as I did, was the doctor?

NORA

Yes, that was Doctor Rank, but he doesn’t come here professionally. He is our greatest friend, and comes in at least once every day. No, Torvald has not had an hour’s illness since then, and our children are strong and healthy and so am I. (Jumps up and claps her hands.) Christine! Christine! It’s good to be alive and happy!—But how horrid of me; I am talking of nothing but my own affairs. (Sits on a stool near her, and rests her arms on her knees.) You mustn’t be angry with me. Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband? Why did you marry him?

MRS. LINDE

My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I did not think I was justified in refusing his offer.

NORA

No, perhaps you were quite right. He was rich at that time, then?

MRS. LINDE

I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was nothing left.

NORA

And then?—

MRS. LINDE

Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find—first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the boys do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift for themselves.

NORA

What a relief you must feel if—

MRS. LINDE

No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore. (Gets up restlessly.) That was why I could not stand the life in my little backwater any longer.