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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.

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