_Nora_. And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you. _Helmer_. What do you mean? _Mrs. Linde_. No, really, I-- _Nora_. Christine is tremendously clever at book-keeping, and she is frightfully anxious to work under some clever man, so as to perfect herself-- _Helmer_. Very sensible, Mrs. Linde. _Nora_. And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank--the news was telegraphed, you know--she traveled here as quick as she could, Torvald, I am sure you will be able to do something for Christine, for my sake, won't you? _Helmer_. Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a widow, Mrs. Linde? _Mrs. Linde_. Yes. _Helmer_. And have had some experience of bookkeeping? _Mrs. Linde_. Yes, a fair amount. _Helmer_. Ah! well it's very likely I may be able to find something for you-- _Nora_ (_clapping her hands_). What did I tell you? What did I tell you? _Helmer_. You have just come at a fortunate moment, Mrs. Linde. _Mrs. Linde_. How am I to thank you? _Helmer_. There is no need. (_Puts on his coat_.) But today you must excuse me-- _Rank_. Wait a minute; I will come with you. (_Brings his fur coat from the hall and warms it at the fire_.) _Nora_. Don't be long away, Torvald dear. _Helmer_. About an hour, not more. _Nora_. Are you going too, Christine? _Mrs. Linde_ (_putting on her cloak_). Yes, I must go and look for a room. _Helmer_. Oh, well then, we can walk down the street together. _Nora_ (_helping her_). What a pity it is we are so short of space here; I am afraid it is impossible for us-- _Mrs. Linde_. Please don't think of it! Good-bye, Nora dear, and many thanks. _Nora_. Good-bye for the present. Of course you will come back this evening. And you too, Dr. Rank. What do you say? If you are well enough? Oh, you must be! Wrap yourself up well. (_They go to the door all talking together. Children's voices are heard on the staircase._) _Nora_. There they are. There they are! (_She runs to open the door. The_ NURSE _comes in with the children._) Come in! Come in! (_Stoops and kisses them._) Oh, you sweet blessings! Look at them, Christine! Aren't they darlings? _Rank_. Don't let us stand here in the draught. _Helmer_. Come along, Mrs. Linde; the place will only be bearable for a mother now! (RANK, HELMER, _and_ MRS. LINDE _go downstairs. The_ NURSE _comes forward with the children;_ NORA _shuts the hall door._)