Nora.  Yes—­you see there are some people one loves best, and others whom one would almost always rather have as companions.

Rank.  Yes, there is something in that.

Nora.  When I was at home, of course I loved papa best.  But I always thought it tremendous fun if I could steal down into the maids’ room, because they never moralised at all, and talked to each other about such entertaining things.

Rank.  I see—­it is their place I have taken.

Nora (jumping up and going to him).  Oh, dear, nice Doctor Rank, I never meant that at all.  But surely you can understand that being with Torvald is a little like being with papa—­(Enter maid from the hall.)

Maid.  If you please, ma’am. (Whispers and hands her a card.)

Nora (glancing at the card).  Oh! (Puts it in her pocket.)

Rank.  Is there anything wrong?

Nora.  No, no, not in the least.  It is only something—­it is my new dress—­

Rank.  What?  Your dress is lying there.

Nora.  Oh, yes, that one; but this is another.  I ordered it. 
Torvald mustn’t know about it—­

Rank.  Oho!  Then that was the great secret.

Nora.  Of course.  Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room.  Keep him as long as—­

Rank.  Make your mind easy; I won’t let him escape.

(Goes into Helmer’s room.)

Nora (to the maid).  And he is standing waiting in the kitchen?

Maid.  Yes; he came up the back stairs.

Nora.  But didn’t you tell him no one was in?

Maid.  Yes, but it was no good.

Nora.  He won’t go away?

Maid.  No; he says he won’t until he has seen you, ma’am.

Nora.  Well, let him come in—­but quietly.  Helen, you mustn’t say anything about it to anyone.  It is a surprise for my husband.

Maid.  Yes, ma’am, I quite understand. (Exit.)

Nora.  This dreadful thing is going to happen!  It will happen in spite of me!  No, no, no, it can’t happen—­it shan’t happen! (She bolts the door of Helmer’s room.  The maid opens the hall door for Krogstad and shuts it after him.  He is wearing a fur coat, high boots and a fur cap.)

Nora (advancing towards him).  Speak low—­my husband is at home.

Krogstad.  No matter about that.

Nora.  What do you want of me?

Krogstad.  An explanation of something.

Nora.  Make haste then.  What is it?

Krogstad.  You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal.

Nora.  I couldn’t prevent it, Mr. Krogstad.  I fought as hard as I could on your side, but it was no good.

Krogstad.  Does your husband love you so little, then?  He knows what I can expose you to, and yet he ventures—­

Nora.  How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort?

Krogstad.  I didn’t suppose so at all.  It would not be the least like our dear Torvald Helmer to show so much courage—­