_Krogstad_. And in spite of that have you the courage to--? _Mrs. Linde_. I understand very well to what lengths a man like you might be driven by despair. _Krogstad_. If I could only undo what I have done! _Mrs. Linde_. You cannot. Your letter is lying in the letter-box now. _Krogstad_. Are you sure of that? _Mrs. Linde_. Quite sure, but-- _Krogstad_ (_with a searching look at her_). Is that what it all means?--that you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. Is that it? _Mrs. Linde_. Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another's sake, doesn't do it a second time. _Krogstad_. I will ask for my letter back. _Mrs. Linde_. No, no. _Krogstad_. Yes, of course I will. I will wait here till Helmer comes; I will tell him he must give me my letter back--that it only concerns my dismissal--that he is not to read it-- _Mrs. Linde_. No, Nils, you must not recall your letter. _Krogstad._ But, tell me, wasn't it for that very purpose that you asked me to meet you here? _Mrs. Linde_. In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four hours have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret must be enclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them, which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on. _Krogstad_. Very well, if you will take the responsibility. But there is one thing I can do in any case, and I shall do it at once. _Mrs. Linde_ (_listening_). You must be quick and go! The dance is over; we are not safe a moment longer. _Krogstad_. I will wait for you below. _Mrs. Linde_. Yes, do. You must see me back to my door. _Krogstad_. I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life! (_Goes out through the outer door. The door between the room and the hall remains open_.) _Mrs. Linde_ (_tidying up the room and laying her hat and cloak ready_). What a difference! What a difference! Someone to work for and live for--a home to bring comfort into. That I will do, indeed. I wish they would be quick and come. (_Listens._) Ah, there they are now. I must put on my things. (_Takes up her hat and cloak_. HELMER'S _and_ NORA'S _voices are heard outside; a key is turned, and_ HELMER _brings_ NORA _almost by force into the hall. She is in an Italian costume with a large black shawl round her; he is in evening dress, and a black domino which is flying open_.) _Nora_ (_hanging back in the doorway, and struggling with him_). No, no, no!--don't take me in. I want to go upstairs again; I don't want to leave so early. _Helmer_. But, my dearest Nora-- _Nora_. Please, Torvald dear--please, _please_--only an hour more. _Helmer_. Not a single minute, my sweet Nora. You know that was our agreement. Come along into the room; you are catching cold standing there. (_He brings her gently into the room, in spite of her resistance_.) _Mrs. Linde_. Good evening. _Nora_. Christine!