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Helmer. Indeed it must.

Nora. Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I
have bought. And all so cheap! Look, here is a new suit for Ivar,
and a sword; and a horse and a trumpet for Bob; and a doll and
dolly's bedstead for Emmy,--they are very plain, but anyway she
will soon break them in pieces. And here are dress-lengths and
handkerchiefs for the maids; old Anne ought really to have
something better.

Helmer. And what is in this parcel?

Nora (crying out). No, no! you mustn't see that until this
evening.

Helmer. Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little
person, what would you like for yourself?

Nora. For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything.

Helmer. Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you
would particularly like to have.

Nora. No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald--

Helmer. Well?

Nora (playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes
to his). If you really want to give me something, you might--you
might--

Helmer. Well, out with it!

Nora (speaking quickly). You might give me money, Torvald. Only
just as much as you can afford; and then one of these days I will
buy something with it.

Helmer. But, Nora--

Nora. Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up
in beautiful gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't
that be fun?

Helmer. What are little people called that are always wasting
money?

Nora. Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald,
and then I shall have time to think what I am most in want of.
That is a very sensible plan, isn't it?

Helmer (smiling). Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were
really to save out of the money I give you, and then really buy
something for yourself. But if you spend it all on the
housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then I merely
have to pay up again.

Nora. Oh but, Torvald--

Helmer. You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. (Puts his arm
round her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses
up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such
little persons are!

Nora. It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can.

Helmer (laughing). That's very true,--all you can. But you can't
save anything!

Nora (smiling quietly and happily).

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