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 traveling dress, and shuts the door.)
MRS. LINDE.
(in a dejected and timid voice). How do you do, Nora?
