_Mrs. Linden_ (_laying down 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. _Krogs._ 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. L._ 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. [Illustration: "Oh, you prillil squillikins!"] _Krogs._ 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. L._ I believe you--at least, I'll chance it. I want some one to care for, and I'll marry you. _Krogs._ (_suspiciously_). On condition, I suppose, that I suppress the letter denouncing Mrs. HELMER? _Mrs. L._ 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. _Krogs._ 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_. I only came in to--to see NORA's costume. Now I've seen it, I'll go. [_Goes out._ _Helmer_. Awful bore that woman--hate boresh! (_Looks at NORA, then comes nearer._) Oh, you prillil squillikins, I _do_ love you so! Shomehow, I feel sho lively thishevenin'!