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) Look
here; take this letter and go downstairs with it at once. Find a
messenger and tell him to deliver it, and be quick. The address
is on it, and here is the money.

Maid. Very well, sir. (Exit with the letter.)

Helmer (putting his papers together). Now then, little Miss
Obstinate.

Nora (breathlessly). Torvald--what was that letter?

Helmer. Krogstad's dismissal.

Nora. Call her back, Torvald! There is still time. Oh Torvald,
call her back! Do it for my sake--for your own sake--for the
children's sake! Do you hear me, Torvald? Call her back! You
don't know what that letter can bring upon us.

Helmer. It's too late.

Nora. Yes, it's too late.

Helmer. My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in,
although really it is an insult to me. It is, indeed. Isn't
it an insult to think that I should be afraid of a starving
quill-driver's vengeance? But I forgive you nevertheless,
because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for
me. (Takes her in his arms.) And that is as it should be,
my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure I shall
have both courage and strength if they be needed. You will
see I am man enough to take everything upon myself.

Nora (in a horror-stricken voice). What do you mean by that?

Helmer. Everything, I say--

Nora (recovering herself). You will never have to do that.

Helmer. That's right. Well, we will share it, Nora, as man
and wife should. That is how it shall be. (Caressing her.)
Are you content now? There! There!--not these frightened dove's
eyes! The whole thing is only the wildest fancy!--Now, you must
go and play through the Tarantella and practise with your
tambourine. I shall go into the inner office and shut the door,
and I shall hear nothing; you can make as much noise as you
please. (Turns back at the door.) And when Rank comes, tell him
where he will find me. (Nods to her, takes his papers and goes
into his room, and shuts the door after him.)

Nora (bewildered with anxiety, stands as if rooted to the spot,
and whispers). He was capable of doing it. He will do it. He will
do it in spite of everything.--No, not that! Never, never!
Anything rather than that! Oh, for some help, some way out of
it! (The door-bell rings.) Doctor Rank! Anything rather than
that--anything, whatever it is! (She puts her hands over her

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