Oh, nobody!—that he was dead now, and that when his will was opened, there stood in large letters: “Pay over at once everything of which I die possessed to that charming person, Mrs. Nora Helmer.” MRS. LINDEN. But, my dear Nora—what gentleman do you mean? NORA. Oh dear, can’t you understand? There wasn’t any old gentleman: it was only what I used to dream and dream when I was at my wits’ end for money. But it doesn’t matter now—the tiresome old creature may stay where he is for me. I care nothing for him or his will; for now my troubles are over. [_Springing up._] Oh, Christina, how glorious it is to think of! Free from all anxiety! Free, quite free. To be able to play and romp about with the children; to have things tasteful and pretty in the house, exactly as Torvald likes it! And then the spring will soon be here, with the great blue sky. Perhaps then we shall have a little holiday. Perhaps I shall see the sea again. Oh, what a wonderful thing it is to live and to be happy! [_The hall-door bell rings._ MRS. LINDEN. [_Rising._] There’s a ring. Perhaps I had better go. NORA. No; do stay. No one will come here. It’s sure to be some one for Torvald. ELLEN. [_In the doorway._] If you please, ma’am, there’s a gentleman to speak to Mr. Helmer. NORA. Who is the gentleman? KROGSTAD. [_In the doorway._] It is I, Mrs. Helmer. [MRS. LINDEN _starts and turns away to the window._ NORA. [_Goes a step towards him, anxiously, speaking low._] You? What is it? What do you want with my husband? KROGSTAD. Bank business—in a way. I hold a small post in the Joint Stock Bank, and your husband is to be our new chief, I hear. NORA. Then it is——? KROGSTAD. Only tiresome business, Mrs. Helmer; nothing more. NORA. Then will you please go to his study. [KROGSTAD _goes. She bows indifferently while she closes the door into the hall. Then she goes to the stove and looks to the fire._ MRS. LINDEN. Nora—who was that man? NORA. A Mr. Krogstad—a lawyer. MRS. LINDEN. Then it was really he? NORA. Do you know him? MRS. LINDEN. I used to know him—many years ago. He was in a lawyer’s office in our town. NORA. Yes, so he was. MRS. LINDEN. How he has changed! NORA. I believe his marriage was unhappy.