Nora.  I am aware of that.

Krogstad.  Are you?  So you know all about it; I thought as much.  Then I can ask you, without beating about the bush—­is Mrs. Linde to have an appointment in the Bank?

Nora.  What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?—­You, one of my husband’s subordinates!  But since you ask, you shall know.  Yes, Mrs. Linde is to have an appointment.  And it was I who pleaded her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that.

Krogstad.  I was right in what I thought, then.

Nora (walking up and down the stage).  Sometimes one has a tiny little bit of influence, I should hope.  Because one is a woman, it does not necessarily follow that—.  When anyone is in a subordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone who—­who—­

Krogstad.  Who has influence?

Nora.  Exactly.

Krogstad (changing his tone).  Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as to use your influence on my behalf.

Nora.  What?  What do you mean?

Krogstad.  You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position in the Bank.

Nora.  What do you mean by that?  Who proposes to take your post away from you?

Krogstad.  Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of ignorance.  I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off.

Nora.  But I assure you—­

Krogstad.  Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that.

Nora.  But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence.

Krogstad.  Haven’t you?  I thought you said yourself just now—­

Nora.  Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it.  I!  What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my husband?

Krogstad.  Oh, I have known your husband from our student days.  I don’t suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands.

Nora.  If you speak slightly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house.

Krogstad.  You are bold, Mrs. Helmer.

Nora.  I am not afraid of you any longer, As soon as the New Year comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing.

Krogstad (controlling himself).  Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer.  If necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were fighting for my life.

Nora.  So it seems.

Krogstad.  It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs least with me in the matter.  There is another reason—­well, I may as well tell you.  My position is this.  I daresay you know, like everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion.