HELMER. Hasn’t she even nibbled a macaroon or two? NORA. No, Torvald, indeed, indeed! HELMER. Well, well, well; of course I’m only joking. NORA. [_Goes to the table on the right._] I shouldn’t think of doing what you disapprove of. HELMER. No, I’m sure of that; and, besides, you’ve given me your word——[_Going towards her._] Well, keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, Nora darling. The Christmas-tree will bring them all to light, I daresay. NORA. Have you remembered to invite Doctor Rank? HELMER. No. But it’s not necessary; he’ll come as a matter of course. Besides, I shall ask him when he looks in to-day. I’ve ordered some capital wine. Nora, you can’t think how I look forward to this evening. NORA. And I too. How the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! HELMER. Ah, it’s glorious to feel that one has an assured position and ample means. Isn’t it delightful to think of? NORA. Oh, it’s wonderful! HELMER. Do you remember last Christmas? For three whole weeks beforehand you shut yourself up every evening till long past midnight to make flowers for the Christmas-tree, and all sorts of other marvels that were to have astonished us. I was never so bored in my life. NORA. I didn’t bore myself at all. HELMER. [_Smiling._] But it came to little enough in the end, Nora. NORA. Oh, are you going to tease me about that again? How could I help the cat getting in and pulling it all to pieces? HELMER. To be sure you couldn’t, my poor little Nora. You did your best to give us all pleasure, and that’s the main point. But, all the same, it’s a good thing the hard times are over. NORA. Oh, isn’t it wonderful? HELMER. Now I needn’t sit here boring myself all alone; and you needn’t tire your blessed eyes and your delicate little fingers—— NORA. [_Clapping her hands._] No, I needn’t, need I, Torvald? Oh, how wonderful it is to think of! [_Takes his arm._] And now I’ll tell you how I think we ought to manage, Torvald. As soon as Christmas is over—-[_The hall-door bell rings._] Oh, there’s a ring! [_Arranging the room._] That’s somebody come to call. How tiresome! HELMER. I’m “not at home” to callers; remember that. ELLEN. [_In the doorway._] A lady to see you, ma’am. NORA. Show her in. ELLEN.