It was impossible. Father was ill. If I had asked him for his signature, I should have had to tell him why I wanted the money; but he was so ill I really could not tell him that my husband’s life was in danger. It was impossible. KROGSTAD. Then it would have been better to have given up your tour. NORA. No, I couldn’t do that; my husband’s life depended on that journey. I couldn’t give it up. KROGSTAD. And did it never occur to you that you were playing me false? NORA. That was nothing to me. I didn’t care in the least about you. I couldn’t endure you for all the cruel difficulties you made, although you knew how ill my husband was. KROGSTAD. Mrs. Helmer, you evidently do not realise what you have been guilty of. But I can assure you it was nothing more and nothing worse that made me an outcast from society. NORA. You! You want me to believe that you did a brave thing to save your wife’s life? KROGSTAD. The law takes no account of motives. NORA. Then it must be a very bad law. KROGSTAD. Bad or not, if I produce this document in court, you will be condemned according to law. NORA. I don’t believe that. Do you mean to tell me that a daughter has no right to spare her dying father trouble and anxiety?—that a wife has no right to save her husband’s life? I don’t know much about the law, but I’m sure you’ll find, somewhere or another, that that is allowed. And you don’t know that—you, a lawyer! You must be a bad one, Mr. Krogstad. KROGSTAD. Possibly. But business—such business as ours—I do understand. You believe that? Very well; now do as you please. But this I may tell you, that if I am flung into the gutter a second time, you shall keep me company. [_Bows and goes out through hall._ NORA. [_Stands a while thinking, then tosses her head._] Oh nonsense! He wants to frighten me. I’m not so foolish as that. [_Begins folding the children’s_ _clothes. Pauses._] But——? No, it’s impossible! Why, I did it for love! CHILDREN. [_At the door, left._] Mamma, the strange man has gone now. NORA. Yes, yes, I know. But don’t tell any one about the strange man. Do you hear? Not even papa! CHILDREN. No, mamma; and now will you play with us again? NORA. No, no; not now. CHILDREN. Oh, do, mamma; you know you promised. NORA.