Doll's House (9781443435505)

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Doll's House (9781443435505) Page 5

by Ibsen, Henrik

It is nice of you.

  MRS. LINDE

  (Sewing.) So you are going to be dressed up tomorrow Nora. I will tell you what—I shall come in for a moment and see you in your fine feathers. But I have completely forgotten to thank you for a delightful evening yesterday.

  NORA

  (Gets up, and crosses the stage.) Well, I don’t think yesterday was as pleasant as usual. You ought to have come to town a little earlier, Christine. Certainly Torvald does understand how to make a house dainty and attractive.

  MRS. LINDE

  And so do you, it seems to me; you are not your father’s daughter for nothing. But tell me, is Doctor Rank always as depressed as he was yesterday?

  NORA

  No; yesterday it was very noticeable. I must tell you that he suffers from a very dangerous disease. He has consumption of the spine, poor creature. His father was a horrible man who committed all sorts of excesses; and that is why his son was sickly from childhood, do you understand?

  MRS. LINDE

  (Dropping her sewing.) But, my dearest Nora, how do you know anything about such things?

  NORA

  (Walking about.) Pooh! When you have three children, you get visits now and then from—from married women, who know something of medical matters, and they talk about one thing and another.

  MRS. LINDE

  (Goes on sewing. A short silence). Does Doctor Rank come here every day?

  NORA

  Every day regularly. He is Torvald’s most intimate friend, and a great friend of mine too. He is just like one of the family.

  MRS. LINDE

  But tell me this—is he perfectly sincere? I mean, isn’t he the kind of man that is very anxious to make himself agreeable?

  NORA

  Not in the least. What makes you think that?

  MRS. LINDE

  When you introduced him to me yesterday, he declared he had often heard my name mentioned in this house; but afterwards I noticed that your husband hadn’t the slightest idea who I was. So how could Doctor Rank—?

  NORA

  That is quite right, Christine. Torvald is so absurdly fond of me that he wants me absolutely to himself, as he says. At first he used to seem almost jealous if I mentioned any of the dear folk at home, so naturally I gave up doing so. But I often talk about such things with Doctor Rank, because he likes hearing about them.

  MRS. LINDE

  Listen to me, Nora. You are still very like a child in many things, and I am older than you in many ways and have a little more experience. Let me tell you this—you ought to make an end of it with Doctor Rank.

  NORA

  What ought I to make an end of?

  MRS. LINDE

  Of two things, I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense about a rich admirer who was to leave you money—

  NORA

  An admirer who doesn’t exist, unfortunately! But what then?

  MRS. LINDE

  Is Doctor Rank a man of means?

  NORA

  Yes, he is.

  MRS. LINDE

  And has no one to provide for?

  NORA

  No, no one; but—

  MRS. LINDE

  And comes here every day?

  NORA

  Yes, I told you so.

  MRS. LINDE

  But how can this well-bred man be so tactless?

  NORA

  I don’t understand you at all.

  MRS. LINDE

  Don’t prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don’t guess who lent you the two hundred and fifty pounds?

  NORA

  Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! A friend of ours, who comes here every day! Do you realise what a horribly painful position that would be?

  MRS. LINDE

  Then it really isn’t he?

  NORA

  No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head for a moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into his money afterwards.

  MRS. LINDE

  Well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora.

  NORA

  No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank. Although I am quite sure that if I had asked him—

  MRS. LINDE

  But of course you won’t.

  NORA

  Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly be necessary. But I am quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank—

  MRS. LINDE

  Behind your husband’s back?

  NORA

  I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will be behind his back too. I must make an end of it with him.

  MRS. LINDE

  Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but—

  NORA

  (Walking up and down.) A man can put a thing like that straight much easier than a woman—

  MRS. LINDE

  One’s husband, yes.

  NORA

  Nonsense! (Standing still.) When you pay off a debt you get your bond back, don’t you?

  MRS. LINDE

  Yes, as a matter of course.

  NORA

  And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up—the nasty dirty paper!

  MRS. LINDE

  (Looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly.) Nora, you are concealing something from me.

  NORA

  Do I look as if I were?

  MRS. LINDE

  Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, what is it?

  NORA

  (Going nearer to her.) Christine! (Listens.) Hush! there’s Torvald come home. Do you mind going in to the children for the present? Torvald can’t bear to see dressmaking going on. Let Anne help you.

  MRS. LINDE

  (Gathering some of the things together.) Certainly—but I am not going away from here until we have had it out with one another. (She goes into the room on the left, as HELMER comes in from the hall.)

  NORA

  (Going up to HELMER). I have wanted you so much, Torvald dear.

  HELMER

  Was that the dressmaker?

  NORA

  No, it was Christine; she is helping me to put my dress in order. You will see I shall look quite smart.

  HELMER

  Wasn’t that a happy thought of mine, now?

  NORA

  Splendid! But don’t you think it is nice of me, too, to do as you wish?

  HELMER

  Nice?—because you do as your husband wishes? Well, well, you little rogue, I am sure you did not mean it in that way. But I am not going to disturb you; you will want to be trying on your dress, I expect.

  NORA

  I suppose you are going to work.

  HELMER

  Yes. (Shows her a bundle of papers.) Look at that. I have just been into the bank. (Turns to go into his room.)

  NORA

  Torvald.

  HELMER

  Yes.

  NORA

  If your little squirrel were to ask you for something very, very prettily—?

  HELMER

  What then?

  NORA

  Would you do it?

  HELMER

  I should like to hear what it is, first.

  NORA

  Your squirrel would run about and do all her tricks if you would be nice, and do what she wants.

  HELMER

  Speak plainly.

  NORA

  Your skylark would chirp about in every room, with her song rising and falling—

  HELMER

  Well, my skylark does that anyhow.

  NORA

  I would play the fairy a
nd dance for you in the moonlight, Torvald.

  HELMER

  Nora—you surely don’t mean that request you made to me this morning?

  NORA

  (Going near him). Yes, Torvald, I beg you so earnestly—

  HELMER

  Have you really the courage to open up that question again?

  NORA

  Yes, dear, you must do as I ask; you must let Krogstad keep his post in the bank.

  HELMER

  My dear Nora, it is his post that I have arranged Mrs. Linde shall have.

  NORA

  Yes, you have been awfully kind about that; but you could just as well dismiss some other clerk instead of Krogstad.

  HELMER

  This is simply incredible obstinacy! Because you chose to give him a thoughtless promise that you would speak for him, I am expected to—

  NORA

  That isn’t the reason, Torvald. It is for your own sake. This fellow writes in the most scurrilous newspapers; you have told me so yourself. He can do you an unspeakable amount of harm. I am frightened to death of him—

  HELMER

  Ah, I understand; it is recollections of the past that scare you.

  NORA

  What do you mean?

  HELMER

  Naturally you are thinking of your father.

  NORA

  Yes—yes, of course. Just recall to your mind what these malicious creatures wrote in the papers about papa, and how horribly they slandered him. I believe they would have procured his dismissal if the Department had not sent you over to inquire into it, and if you had not been so kindly disposed and helpful to him.

  HELMER

  My little Nora, there is an important difference between your father and me. Your father’s reputation as a public official was not above suspicion. Mine is, and I hope it will continue to be so, as long as I hold my office.

  NORA

  You never can tell what mischief these men may contrive. We ought to be so well off, so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no cares—you and I and the children, Torvald! That is why I beg you so earnestly—

  HELMER

  And it is just by interceding for him that you make it impossible for me to keep him. It is already known at the Bank that I mean to dismiss Krogstad. Is it to get about now that the new manager has changed his mind at his wife’s bidding—

  NORA

  And what if it did?

  HELMER

  Of course!—if only this obstinate little person can get her way! Do you suppose I am going to make myself ridiculous before my whole staff, to let people think that I am a man to be swayed by all sorts of outside influence? I should very soon feel the consequences of it, I can tell you! And besides, there is one thing that makes it quite impossible for me to have Krogstad in the Bank as long as I am manager.

  NORA

  Whatever is that?

  HELMER

  His moral failings I might perhaps have overlooked, if necessary—

  NORA

  Yes, you could—couldn’t you?

  HELMER

  And I hear he is a good worker, too. But I knew him when we were boys. It was one of those rash friendships that so often prove an incubus in afterlife. I may as well tell you plainly, we were once on very intimate terms with one another. But this tactless fellow lays no restraint on himself when other people are present. On the contrary, he thinks it gives him the right to adopt a familiar tone with me, and every minute it is “I say, Helmer, old fellow!” and that sort of thing. I assure you it is extremely painful for me. He would make my position in the Bank intolerable.

  NORA

  Torvald, I don’t believe you mean that.

  HELMER

  Don’t you? Why not?

  NORA

  Because it is such a narrow-minded way of looking at things.

  HELMER

  What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am narrow-minded?

  NORA

  No, just the opposite, dear—and it is exactly for that reason.

  HELMER

  It’s the same thing. You say my point of view is narrow-minded, so I must be so too. Narrow-minded! Very well—I must put an end to this. (Goes to the hall door and calls.) Helen!

  NORA

  What are you going to do?

  Helmer.

  (Looking among his papers.) Settle it. (Enter MAID) 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 doorbell rings.) Doctor Rank! Anything rather than that—anything, whatever it is! (She puts her hands over her face, pulls herself together, goes to the door and opens it. RANK is standing without, hanging up his coat. During the following dialogue it begins to grow dark.)

  NORA

  Good day, Doctor Rank. I knew your ring. But you mustn’t go in to Torvald now; I think he is busy with something.

  RANK

  And you?

  NORA

  (Brings him in and shuts the door after him.) Oh, you know very well I always have time for you.

  RANK

  Thank you. I shall make use of as much of it as I can.

  NORA

  What do you mean by that? As much of it as you can?

  RANK

  Well, does that alarm you?

  NORA

  It was such a strange way of putting it. Is anything likely to happen?

  RANK

  Nothing but wha
t I have long been prepared for. But I certainly didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

  NORA

  (Gripping him by the arm.) What have you found out? Doctor Rank, you must tell me.

  RANK

  (Sitting down by the stove.) It is all up with me. And it can’t be helped.

  NORA

  (With a sigh of relief.) Is it about yourself?

  RANK

  Who else? It is no use lying to one’s self. I am the most wretched of all my patients, Mrs. Helmer. Lately I have been taking stock of my internal economy. Bankrupt! Probably within a month I shall lie rotting in the churchyard.

  NORA

  What an ugly thing to say!

  RANK

  The thing itself is cursedly ugly, and the worst of it is that I shall have to face so much more that is ugly before that. I shall only make one more examination of myself; when I have done that, I shall know pretty certainly when it will be that the horrors of dissolution will begin. There is something I want to tell you. Helmer’s refined nature gives him an unconquerable disgust at everything that is ugly; I won’t have him in my sick-room.

  NORA

  Oh, but, Doctor Rank—

  RANK

  I won’t have him there. Not on any account. I bar my door to him. As soon as I am quite certain that the worst has come, I shall send you my card with a black cross on it, and then you will know that the loathsome end has begun.

  NORA

  You are quite absurd today. And I wanted you so much to be in a really good humour.

  RANK

  With death stalking beside me?—To have to pay this penalty for another man’s sin? Is there any justice in that? And in every single family, in one way or another, some such inexorable retribution is being exacted—

  NORA

  (Putting her hands over her ears.) Rubbish! Do talk of something cheerful.

  RANK

  Oh, it’s a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor innocent spine has to suffer for my father’s youthful amusements.

  NORA

  (Sitting at the table on the left.) I suppose you mean that he was too partial to asparagus and pâte de foie gras, don’t you?

  RANK

  Yes, and to truffles.

  NORA

  Truffles, yes. And oysters too, I suppose?

  RANK

  Oysters, of course, that goes without saying.

  NORA

  And heaps of port and champagne. It is sad that all these nice things should take their revenge on our bones.

  RANK

  Especially that they should revenge themselves on the unlucky bones of those who have not had the satisfaction of enjoying them.

 

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