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Nora. Really? Was he? I didn't speak to him at all.

Helmer. And I very little, but I have not for a long time seen
him in such good form. (Looks for a while at her and then goes
nearer to her.) It is delightful to be at home by ourselves again,
to be all alone with you--you fascinating, charming little darling!

Nora. Don't look at me like that, Torvald.

Helmer. Why shouldn't I look at my dearest treasure?--at all the
beauty that is mine, all my very own?

Nora (going to the other side of the table). You mustn't say
things like that to me tonight.

Helmer (following her). You have still got the Tarantella in your
blood, I see. And it makes you more captivating than ever.
Listen--the guests are beginning to go now. (In a lower voice.)
Nora--soon the whole house will be quiet.

Nora. Yes, I hope so.

Helmer. Yes, my own darling Nora. Do you know, when I am out at a
party with you like this, why I speak so little to you, keep away
from you, and only send a stolen glance in your direction now and
then?--do you know why I do that? It is because I make believe to
myself that we are secretly in love, and you are my secretly
promised bride, and that no one suspects there is anything between us.

Nora. Yes, yes--I know very well your thoughts are with me all
the time.

Helmer. And when we are leaving, and I am putting the shawl over
your beautiful young shoulders--on your lovely neck--then I imagine
that you are my young bride and that we have just come from the
wedding, and I am bringing you for the first time into our
home--to be alone with you for the first time--quite alone with
my shy little darling! All this evening I have longed for nothing
but you. When I watched the seductive figures of the Tarantella,
my blood was on fire; I could endure it no longer, and that was
why I brought you down so early--

Nora. Go away, Torvald! You must let me go. I won't--

Helmer. What's that? You're joking, my little Nora! You won't--
you won't? Am I not your husband--? (A knock is heard at the
outer door.)

Nora (starting). Did you hear--?

Helmer (going into the hall). Who is it?

Rank (outside). It is I. May I come in for a moment?

Helmer (in a fretful whisper). Oh, what does he want now?
(Aloud.) Wait a minute! (Unlocks the door.) Come, that's kind of

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