* * * * * ACT THIRD _The same room_--_except that the sofa has been slightly moved, and one of the Japanese cotton-wool frogs has fallen into the fire-place_. MRS. LINDEN _sits and reads a book_--_but without understanding a single line_. MRS. LINDEN. [_Laying down her book, as a light tread is heard outside_.] Here he is at last! [KROGSTAD _comes in, and stands in the doorway._] Mr. Krogstad, I have given you a secret _rendezvous_ in this room, because it belongs to my employer, Mr. Helmer, who has lately discharged you. The etiquette of Norway permits these slight freedoms on the part of a female cashier. KROGSTAD. It does. Are we alone? [NORA _is heard overhead dancing the Tarantella_.] Yes, I hear Mrs. Helmer's fairy footfall above. She dances the Tarantella now--by-and-by she will dance to another tune! [_Changing his tone._] I don't exactly know why you should wish to have this interview--after jilting me as you did, long ago, though? MRS. LINDEN. Don't you? _I_ do. I am a widow--a Norwegian widow. And it has occurred to me that there may be a nobler side to your nature somewhere--though you have not precisely the best of reputations. KROGSTAD. Right. I am a forger, and a money-lender; I am on the staff of the Norwegian _Punch_--a most scurrilous paper. More, I have been blackmailing Mrs. Helmer by trading on her fears, like a low cowardly cur. But, in spite of all that--[_clasping his hands_]--there are the makings of a fine man about me _yet_, Christina! MRS. LINDEN. I believe you--at least, I'll chance it. I want some one to care for, and I'll marry you. KROGSTAD. [_Suspiciously._] On condition, I suppose, that I suppress the letter denouncing Mrs. Helmer? MRS. LINDEN. How can you think so? I am her dearest friend; but I can still see her faults, and it is my firm opinion that a sharp lesson will do her all the good in the world. She is _much_ too comfortable. So leave the letter in the box, and come home with me. KROGSTAD. I am wildly happy! Engaged to the female cashier of the manager who has discharged me, our future is bright and secure! [_He goes out; and_ MRS. LINDEN _sets the furniture straight; presently a noise is heard outside, and_ HELMER _enters, dragging_ NORA _in. She is in fancy dress, and he in an open black domino._ NORA. I shan't! It's too early to come away from such a nice party. I _won't_ go to bed! [_She whimpers._ HELMER. [_Tenderly._] There'sh a naughty lil' larkie for you, Mrs. Linen! Poshtively had to drag her 'way! She'sh a capricious lil' girl--from Capri. 'Scuse me!--'fraid I've been and made a pun. Shan' 'cur again! Shplendid champagne the Consul gave us--'counts for it! [_Sits down smiling._] Do you _knit_, Mrs. Cotton?... You shouldn't. Never knit. 'Broider. [_Nodding to her, solemnly._] 'Member that. Alwaysh _'broider_. More--[_hiccoughing_]--Oriental! Gobblesh you!--goo'ni! MRS. LINDEN.