Oh, yes; Doctor Rank. But he doesn’t come professionally. He is our best friend, and never lets a day pass without looking in. No, Torvald hasn’t had an hour’s illness since that time. And the children are so healthy and well, and so am I. [_Jumps up and claps her hands._] Oh, Christina, Christina, what a wonderful thing it is to live and to be happy!—Oh, but it’s really too horrid of me! Here am I talking about nothing but my own concerns. [_Seats herself upon a footstool close to CHRISTINA, and lays her arms on her friend’s lap._] Oh, don’t be angry with me! Now tell me, is it really true that you didn’t love your husband? What made you marry him, then? MRS. LINDEN. My mother was still alive, you see, bedridden and helpless; and then I had my two younger brothers to think of. I didn’t think it would be right for me to refuse him. NORA. Perhaps it wouldn’t have been. I suppose he was rich then? MRS. LINDEN. Very well off, I believe. But his business was uncertain. It fell to pieces at his death, and there was nothing left. NORA. And then——? MRS. LINDEN. Then I had to fight my way by keeping a shop, a little school, anything I could turn my hand to. The last three years have been one long struggle for me. But now it is over, Nora. My poor mother no longer needs me; she is at rest. And the boys are in business, and can look after themselves. NORA. How free your life must feel! MRS. LINDEN. No, Nora; only inexpressibly empty. No one to live for! [_Stands up restlessly._] That’s why I could not bear to stay any longer in that out-of-the way corner. Here it must be easier to find something to take one up—to occupy one’s thoughts. If I could only get some settled employment—some office work. NORA. But, Christina, that’s such drudgery, and you look worn out already. It would be ever so much better for you to go to some watering-place and rest. MRS. LINDEN. [_Going to the window._] I have no father to give me the money, Nora. NORA. [_Rising._] Oh, don’t be vexed with me. MRS. LINDEN. [_Going to her._] My dear Nora, don’t you be vexed with me. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. You have no one to work for, yet you have to be always on the strain. You must live; and so you become selfish. When I heard of the happy change in your fortunes—can you believe it?—I was glad for my own sake more than for yours. NORA. How do you mean? Ah, I see! You think Torvald can perhaps do something for you. MRS. LINDEN. Yes; I thought so. NORA.