A Doll’s House | Act II, Act II - Page 5

RANK:
[as before]. And not be able to leave behind one the slightest token of one's gratitude, scarcely even a fleeting regret—nothing but an empty place which the first comer can fill as well as any other.
NORA:
And if I asked you now for a—? No!
RANK:
For what?
NORA:
For a big proof of your friendship—
RANK:
Yes, yes!
NORA:
I mean a tremendously big favour—
RANK:
Would you really make me so happy for once?
NORA:
Ah, but you don't know what it is yet.
RANK:
No—but tell me.
NORA:
I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason; it means advice, and help, and a favour—
RANK:
The bigger a thing it is the better. I can't conceive what it is you mean. Do tell me. Haven't I your confidence?
NORA:
More than anyone else. I know you are my truest and best friend, and so I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it is something you must help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, how inexpressibly deeply Torvald loves me; he would never for a moment hesitate to give his life for me.
RANK:
[leaning towards her]. Nora—do you think he is the only one—?
NORA:
[with a slight start]. The only one—?
RANK:
The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake.
NORA:
[sadly]. Is that it?
RANK:
I was determined you should know it before I went away, and there will never be a better opportunity than this. Now you know it, Nora. And now you know, too, that you can trust me as you would trust no one else.
NORA:
[rises, deliberately and quietly]. Let me pass.
RANK:
[makes room for her to pass him, but sits still]. Nora!
NORA:
[at the hall door]. Helen, bring in the lamp. [Goes over to the stove.]
Dear Doctor Rank, that was really horrid of you.
RANK:
To have loved you as much as anyone else does? Was that horrid?
NORA:
No, but to go and tell me so. There was really no need—
RANK:
What do you mean? Did you know—? [MAID enters with lamp, puts it down on the table, and goes out.] Nora—Mrs. Helmer—tell me, had you any idea of this?
NORA:
Oh, how do I know whether I had or whether I hadn't? I really can't tell you—To think you could be so clumsy, Doctor Rank! We were getting on so nicely.
RANK:
Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, body and soul. So won't you speak out?
NORA:
[looking at him]. After what happened?
RANK:
I beg you to let me know what it is.
NORA:
I can't tell you anything now.
RANK:
Yes, yes. You mustn't punish me in that way. Let me have permission to do for you whatever a man may do.
NORA:
You can do nothing for me now. Besides, I really don't need any help at all. You will find that the whole thing is merely fancy on my part. It really is so—of course it is! [Sits down in the rocking-chair, and looks at him with a smile.] You are a nice sort of man, Doctor Rank!—don't you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lamp has come?
RANK:
Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go—for ever?
NORA:
No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here just as before. You know very well Torvald can't do without you.
RANK:
Yes, but you?
NORA:
Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come.
RANK:
It is just that, that put me on the wrong track. You are a riddle to me. I have often thought that you would almost as soon be in my company as in Helmer's.
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 till 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.
  • preached good or bad behavior
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