_Helmer_. Your poor dear Papa was not impeccable--far from it. I _am_--which makes all the difference. I have here a letter giving KROGSTAD the sack. One of the conveniences of living close to the Bank is, that I can use the housemaids as Bank-messengers. (_Goes to door and calls._) ELLEN! (_Enter parlourmaid._) Take that letter--there is no answer. (ELLEN _takes it and goes._) That's settled--so now, NORA; as I am going to my private room, it will be a capital opportunity for you to practise the tambourine--thump away, little lark, the doors are double! [_Nods to her and goes in, shutting door._ _Nora_ (_stroking her face_). How _am_ I to get out of this mess! (_A ring at the Visitors' bell._) Dr. RANK's ring! _He_ shall help me out of it! (Dr. RANK _appears in doorway, hanging up his great-coat._) Dear Dr. RANK, how _are_ you? [_Takes both his hands._ _Rank_ (_sitting down near the stove_). I am a miserable, hypochondriacal wretch--that's what _I_ am. And why am I doomed to be dismal? Why? Because my father died of a fit of the blues! _Is_ that fair--I put it to _you_? _Nora_. Do try to be funnier than _that_! See, I will show you the flesh-coloured silk tights that I am to wear to-night--it will cheer you up. But you must only look at the feet--well, you may look at the rest if you're good. _Aren't_ they lovely? Will they fit me, do you think? _Rank_ (_gloomily_). A poor fellow with both feet in the grave is not the best authority on the fit of silk stockings. I shall be food for worms before long--I _know_ I shall! _Nora_. You mustn't really be so frivolous! Take that! (_She hits him lightly on the ear with the stockings; then hums a little._) I want you to do me a great service, Dr. RANK. (_Rolling up stockings_,) I always liked _you_. I love TORVALD most, of _course_--but, somehow, I'd rather spend my time with you--you _are_ so amusing! _Rank_. If I am, can't you guess why? (_A short silence._) Because I love you! You can't pretend you didn't know it! _Nora_. Perhaps not--but it was really too clumsy of you to mention it just as I was about to ask a favour of you! It was in the worst taste! (_With dignity._) You must not imagine because I joke with you about silk stockings, and tell you things I never tell TORVALD, that I am therefore without the most delicate and scrupulous self-respect! I am really quite a good little doll, Dr. RANK, and now--(_sits in rocking-chair and smiles_)--now I shan't ask you what I was going to! [ELLEN _comes in with a card._ _Nora_ (_terrified_). Oh, my goodness! [_Puts it in her pocket._ _Dr. Rank_. Excuse my easy Norwegian pleasantry--but--h'm--anything disagreeable up?