HELMER.
Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain?
NORA.
A lie — ?
HELMER.
Didn't you tell me no one had been here? (Shakes his finger at her.) My little song-bird must never do that again. A song-bird must have a clean beak to chirp with — no false notes! (Puts his arm round her waist.) That is so, isn't it? Yes, I am sure it is. (Lets her go.) We will say no more about it. (Sits down by the stove.) How warm and snug it is here! (Turns over his papers.)
NORA.
(after a short pause, during which she busies herself with the Christmas Tree). Torvald!
HELMER.
Yes.
NORA.
I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy dress ball at the Stensborgs' the day after tomorrow.
HELMER.
And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with.
NORA.
It was very silly of me to want to do that.
HELMER.
What do you mean?
NORA.
I can't hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of seems so silly and insignificant.
HELMER.
Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last?
NORA.
(standing behind his chair with her arms on the back of it). Are you very busy, Torvald?
HELMER.
Well —
