_HELMER comes out of his room, hat in hand, with his overcoat on his arm._ NORA. [_Going to him._] Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him? HELMER. Yes; he has just gone. NORA. Let me introduce you—this is Christina, who has come to town—— HELMER. Christina? Pardon me, I don’t know—— NORA. Mrs. Linden, Torvald dear—Christina Linden. HELMER. [_To_ MRS. LINDEN.] Indeed! A school-friend of my wife’s, no doubt? MRS. LINDEN. Yes; we knew each other as girls. NORA. And only think! she has taken this long journey on purpose to speak to you. HELMER. To speak to me! MRS. LINDEN. Well, not quite—— NORA. You see, Christina is tremendously clever at office-work, and she’s so anxious to work under a first-rate man of business in order to learn still more—— HELMER. [_To_ MRS. LINDEN.] Very sensible indeed. NORA. And when she heard you were appointed manager—it was telegraphed, you know—she started off at once, and——Torvald, dear, for my sake, you must do something for Christina. Now can’t you? HELMER. It’s not impossible. I presume Mrs. Linden is a widow? MRS. LINDEN. Yes. HELMER. And you have already had some experience of business? MRS. LINDEN. A good deal. HELMER. Well, then, it’s very likely I may be able to find a place for you. NORA. [_Clapping her hands._] There now! There now! HELMER. You have come at a fortunate moment, Mrs. Linden. MRS. LINDEN. Oh, how can I thank you——? HELMER. [_Smiling._] There is no occasion. [_Puts on his overcoat._] But for the present you must excuse me—— RANK. Wait; I am going with you. [_Fetches his fur coat from the hall and warms it at the fire._ NORA. Don’t be long, Torvald dear. HELMER. Only an hour; not more. NORA. Are you going too, Christina? MRS. LINDEN. [_Putting on her walking things._] Yes; I must set about looking for lodgings. HELMER. Then perhaps we can go together? NORA. [_Helping her._] What a pity we haven’t a spare room for you; but it’s impossible—— MRS. LINDEN.