pocket_) here is his
card. But the letter, the letter--!

_Helmer_ (_calls from his room, knocking at the door_). Nora.

_Nora_ (_cries out anxiously_). Oh, what's that? What do you want?

_Helmer_. Don't be so frightened. We are not coming in; you have locked
the door. Are you trying on your dress?

_Nora_. Yes, that's it. I look so nice, Torvald.

_Mrs. Linde_ (_who has read the card_) I see he lives at the corner
here.

_Nora_. Yes, but it's no use. It is hopeless. The letter is lying there
in the box.

_Mrs. Linde_. And your husband keeps the key?

_Nora_. Yes, always.

_Mrs. Linde_. Krogstad must ask for his letter back unread, he must find
some pretence--

_Nora_. But it is just at this time that Torvald generally--

_Mrs. Linde_. You must delay him. Go in to him in the meantime. I will
come back as soon as I can. (_She goes out hurriedly through the hall
door_.)

_Nora_ (_goes to_ HELMER'S _door, opens it and peeps in_). Torvald!

_Helmer_ (_from the inner room_). Well? May I venture at last to come
into my own room again? Come along, Rank, now you will see--(_ Halting
in the doorway_.) But what is this?

_Nora_. What is what, dear?

_Helmer_. Rank led me to expect a splendid transformation.

_Rank_ (_in the doorway_). I understood so, but evidently I was
mistaken.

_Nora_. Yes, nobody is to have the chance of admiring me in my dress
until to-morrow.

_Helmer_. But, my dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been
practising too much?

_Nora_. No, I have not practised at all.

_Helmer_. But you will need to--

_Nora_. Yes, indeed I shall, Torvald. But I can't get on a bit without
you to help me; I have absolutely forgotten the whole thing.

_Helmer_. Oh, we will soon work it up again.

_Nora_. Yes, help me, Torvald. Promise that you will! I am so nervous
about it--all the people--. You must give yourself up to me entirely
this evening. Not the tiniest bit of business--you mustn't even take a
pen in your hand. Will you promise, Torvald dear?

_Helmer_. I promise. This evening I will be wholly and absolutely at
your service, you helpless little mortal. Ah, by the way, first of all I
will just--(_Goes toward the hall-door_.)

_Nora_. What are you going to do there?

_Helmer_. Only see if any letters have come.

_Nora_. No, no! don't do that, Torvald!

_Helmer_. Why not?

_Nora_. Torvald, please don't. There is nothing there.

_Helmer_. Well, let me look. (_Turns to go to th