KROGSTAD. _[grasps her hands]_. Thanks, thanks, Christine! Now I shall find a way to clear myself in the eyes of the world. Ah, but I forgot— MRS LINDE. _[listening]_. Hush! The Tarantella! Go, go! KROGSTAD. Why? What is it? MRS LINDE. Do you hear them up there? When that is over, we may expect them back. KROGSTAD. Yes, yes—I will go. But it is all no use. Of course you are not aware what steps I have taken in the matter of the Helmers. MRS LINDE. Yes, I know all about that. 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 until 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 disclosed; 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 around her; he is in evening dress, and a black domino which is flying open.]_