_Krogstad_. May I make so bold as to ask if it was a Mrs. Linde? _Nora_. It was. _Krogstad_. Just arrived in town? _Nora_. Yes, today. _Krogstad_. She is a great friend of yours, isn't she? _Nora_: She is. But I don't see-- _Krogstad_. I knew her too, once upon a time. _Nora_. I am aware of that. _Krogstad_. Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. Then I can ask you, without beating about the bush--is Mrs. Linde to have an appointment in the Bank? _Nora_. What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?--You, one of my husband's subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs. Linde _is_ to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that. _Krogstad_. I was right in what I thought, then. _Nora_ (_walking up and down the stage_). Sometimes one has a tiny little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not necessarily follow that--. When anyone is in a subordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone who--who-- _Krogstad_. Who has influence? _Nora_. Exactly. _Krogstad_ (_changing his tone_). Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as to use your influence on my behalf. _Nora_. What? What do you mean? _Krogstad_. You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position in the Bank. _Nora_. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you? _Krogstad_. Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off. _Nora_. But I assure you-- _Krogstad_. Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that. _Nora_. But, Mr. Krogstad, I _have_ no influence. _Krogstad_. Haven't you? I thought you said yourself just now-- _Nora_. Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I! What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my husband? _Krogstad_. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don't suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands. _Nora_. If you speak slightly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house. _Krogstad_. You are bold, Mrs. Helmer. _Nora_. I am not afraid of you any longer, As soon as the New Year comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing. _Krogstad_ (_controlling himself_). Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were fighting for my life. _Nora_. So it seems.