[_Quickly._] You might give me money, Torvald. Only just what you think you can spare; then I can buy something with it later on. HELMER. But, Nora—— NORA. Oh, please do, dear Torvald, please do! I should hang the money in lovely gilt paper on the Christmas-tree. Wouldn’t that be fun? HELMER. What do they call the birds that are always making the money fly? NORA. Yes, I know—spendthrifts,[6] of course. But please do as I ask you, Torvald. Then I shall have time to think what I want most. Isn’t that very sensible, now? HELMER. [_Smiling._] Certainly; that is to say, if you really kept the money I gave you, and really spent it on something for yourself. But it all goes in housekeeping, and for all manner of useless things, and then I have to pay up again. NORA. But, Torvald—— HELMER. Can you deny it, Nora dear? [_He puts his arm round her._] It’s a sweet little lark, but it gets through a lot of money. No one would believe how much it costs a man to keep such a little bird as you. NORA. For shame! How can you say so? Why, I save as much as ever I can. HELMER. [_Laughing._] Very true—as much as you can—but that’s precisely nothing. NORA. [_Hums and smiles with covert glee._] H’m! If you only knew, Torvald, what expenses we larks and squirrels have. HELMER. You’re a strange little being! Just like your father—always on the look-out for all the money you can lay your hands on; but the moment you have it, it seems to slip through your fingers; you never know what becomes of it. Well, one must take you as you are. It’s in the blood. Yes, Nora, that sort of thing is hereditary. NORA. I wish I had inherited many of papa’s qualities. HELMER. And I don’t wish you anything but just what you are—my own, sweet little song-bird. But I say—it strikes me you look so—so—what shall I call it?—so suspicious to-day—— NORA. Do I? HELMER. You do, indeed. Look me full in the face. NORA. [_Looking at him._] Well? HELMER. [_Threatening with his finger._] Hasn’t the little sweet-tooth been playing pranks to-day? NORA. No; how can you think such a thing! HELMER. Didn’t she just look in at the confectioner’s? NORA. No, Torvald; really—— HELMER. Not to sip a little jelly? NORA. No; certainly not.