[_Exulting with great intensity._] At last! Now I see him in there, great and free again, mixing the powder in a spoon--with jam!... Now he raises the spoon. Higher--higher still! [_A gulp is audible from within._] There, didn't you hear a harp in the air? [_Quietly._] I can't see the spoon any more. But there is one he is striving with, in blue spectacles! THE NEW ASSISTANT'S VOICE. [_Within._] The Pill-Doctor Herdal has taken his own powder! HILDA. [_As if petrified._] That voice! _Where_ have I heard it before? No matter--he has got the powder down! [_Waves a shawl in the air, and shrieks with wild jubilation._] It's too awfully thrilling! My--_my_ Pill-Doctor! [Illustration: "My, my Pill-doctor!"] THE NEW ASSISTANT. [_Comes out on verandah._] I am happy to inform you that--as, to avoid accidents, I took the simple precaution of filling all the dispensary-jars with camphorated chalk--no serious results may be anticipated from Dr. Herdal's rashness. [_Removes spectacles._] Nora, don't you know me? HILDA. [_Reflects._] I really don't remember having the pleasure---- And I'm _sure_ I heard a harp in the air! MRS. HERDAL. I fancy, Miss Wangel, it must have been merely a bee in your bonnet. THE NEW ASSISTANT. [_Tenderly._] Still the same little singing-bird! Oh, Nora, my long-lost lark! HILDA. [_Sulkily._] I'm _not_ a lark--I'm a bird of prey--and when I get my claws into anything----! THE NEW ASSISTANT. Macaroons, for instance? I remember your tastes of old. See, Nora! [_Produces a paper-bag from his coat-tail pocket._] They were fresh this morning! HILDA. [_Wavering._] If you insist on calling me Nora, I think you must be just a little mad yourself. THE NEW ASSISTANT. We are all a little mad--in Norway. But Torvald Helmer is sane enough still to recognise his own little squirrel again! Surely, Nora, your education is complete at last--you have gained the experience you needed? HILDA. [_Nods slowly._] Yes, Torvald, you're right enough _there_. I have thought things out for myself, and have got clear about them. And I have quite made up my mind that Society and the Law are all wrong, and that I am right. HELMER. [_Overjoyed._] Then you _have_ learnt the Great Lesson, and are fit to undertake the charge of your children's education at last! You've no notion how they've grown! Yes, Nora, our marriage will be a true marriage now. You will come back to the Dolls' House, won't you? HILDA-NORA-HELMER-WANGEL. [_Hesitates._] Will you let me forge cheques if I do, Torvald? HELMER. [_Ardently._] All day. And at night, Nora, we will falsify the accounts--together! HILDA-NORA-HELMER-WANGEL. [_Throws herself into his arms, and helps herself to macaroons._] That will be fearfully thrilling! My--_my_ Manager! DR. HERDAL. [_Comes out very pale, from dispensary._] Hilda I _did_ take the---- I'm afraid I interrupt you? HELMER.