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I did, too--but I
hadn't the courage.

Nora (faintly). No more had I.

Krogstad (in a tone of relief). No, that's it, isn't it--you
hadn't the courage either?

Nora. No, I haven't--I haven't.

Krogstad. Besides, it would have been a great piece of folly.
Once the first storm at home is over--. I have a letter for your
husband in my pocket.

Nora. Telling him everything?

Krogstad. In as lenient a manner as I possibly could.

Nora (quickly). He mustn't get the letter. Tear it up. I will
find some means of getting money.

Krogstad. Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer, but I think I told you just
now--

Nora. I am not speaking of what I owe you. Tell me what sum you
are asking my husband for, and I will get the money.

Krogstad. I am not asking your husband for a penny.

Nora. What do you want, then?

Krogstad. I will tell you. I want to rehabilitate myself,
Mrs. Helmer; I want to get on; and in that your husband must
help me. For the last year and a half I have not had a hand
in anything dishonourable, amid all that time I have been
struggling in most restricted circumstances. I was content
to work my way up step by step. Now I am turned out, and I
am not going to be satisfied with merely being taken into
favour again. I want to get on, I tell you. I want to get
into the Bank again, in a higher position. Your husband
must make a place for me--

Nora. That he will never do!

Krogstad. He will; I know him; he dare not protest. And as soon
as I am in there again with him, then you will see! Within a year
I shall be the manager's right hand. It will be Nils Krogstad
and not Torvald Helmer who manages the Bank.

Nora. That's a thing you will never see!

Krogstad. Do you mean that you will--?

Nora. I have courage enough for it now.

Krogstad. Oh, you can't frighten me. A fine, spoilt lady like you--

Nora. You will see, you will see.

Krogstad. Under the ice, perhaps? Down into the cold, coal-black
water? And then, in the spring, to float up to the surface, all
horrible and unrecognisable, with your hair fallen out--

Nora. You can't frighten me.

Krogstad. Nor you me. People don't do such things, Mrs. Helmer.
Besides, what use would it be? I should have him completely in my
power all the same.

Nora. Afterwards? When I am no longer--

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