Nora.  I think I have heard something of the kind.

Krogstad.  The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be closed to me after that.  So I took to the business that you know of.  I had to do something; and, honestly, don’t think I’ve been one of the worst.  But now I must cut myself free from all that.  My sons are growing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in the town.  This post in the Bank was like the first step up for me—­and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud.

Nora.  But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.

Krogstad.  Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel you.

Nora.  You don’t mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money?

Krogstad.  Hm!—­suppose I were to tell him?

Nora.  It would be perfectly infamous of you. (Sobbing.) To think of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, clumsy way—­that he should learn it from you!  And it would put me in a horribly disagreeable position—­

Krogstad.  Only disagreeable?

Nora (impetuously).  Well, do it, then!—­and it will be the worse for you.  My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you are, and you certainly won’t keep your post then.

Krogstad.  I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid of?

Nora.  If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to do with you.

Krogstad (coming a step nearer).  Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer.  Either you have a very bad memory or you know very little of business.  I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details.

Nora.  What do you mean?

Krogstad.  When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow two hundred and fifty pounds.

Nora.  I didn’t know any one else to go to.

Krogstad.  I promised to get you that amount—­

Nora.  Yes, and you did so.

Krogstad.  I promised to get you that amount, on certain conditions.  Your mind was so taken up with your husband’s illness, and you were so anxious to get the money for your journey, that you seem to have paid no attention to the conditions of our bargain.  Therefore it will not be amiss if I remind you of them.  Now, I promised to get the money on the security of a bond which I drew up.

Nora.  Yes, and which I signed.

Krogstad.  Good.  But below your signature there were a few lines constituting your father a surety for the money; those lines your father should have signed.

Nora.  Should?  He did sign them.

Krogstad.  I had left the date blank; that is to say your father should himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper.  Do you remember that?