The dollar (4_s._ 6_d._) was the old unit of currency in Norway. The crown was substituted for it shortly before the date of this play. Footnote 8: “Död og pine,” literally “death and torture”; but by usage a comparatively mild oath. ACT SECOND _The same room. In the corner, beside the piano, stands the Christmas-tree, stripped, and with the candles burnt out. NORA’S outdoor things lie on the sofa._ _NORA, alone, is walking about restlessly. At last she stops by the sofa, and takes up her cloak._ NORA. [_Dropping the cloak._] There’s somebody coming! [_Goes to the hall door and listens._] Nobody; of course nobody will come to-day, Christmas-day; nor to-morrow either. But perhaps——[_Opens the door and looks out._]—No, nothing in the letter-box; quite empty. [_Comes forward._] Stuff and nonsense! Of course he won’t really do anything. Such a thing couldn’t happen. It’s impossible! Why, I have three little children. _ANNA enters from the left, with a large cardboard box._ ANNA. I’ve found the box with the fancy dress at last. NORA. Thanks; put it down on the table. ANNA. [_Does so._] But I’m afraid it’s very much out of order. NORA. Oh, I wish I could tear it into a hundred thousand pieces! ANNA. Oh, no. It can easily be put to rights—just a little patience. NORA. I shall go and get Mrs. Linden to help me. ANNA. Going out again? In such weather as this! You’ll catch cold, ma’am, and be ill. NORA. Worse things might happen.—What are the children doing? ANNA. They’re playing with their Christmas presents, poor little dears; but—— NORA. Do they often ask for me? ANNA. You see they’ve been so used to having their mamma with them. NORA. Yes; but, Anna, I can’t have them so much with me in future. ANNA. Well, little children get used to anything. NORA. Do you think they do? Do you believe they would forget their mother if she went quite away? ANNA. Gracious me! Quite away? NORA. Tell me, Anna—I’ve so often wondered about it—how could you bring yourself to give your child up to strangers? ANNA. I had to when I came to nurse my little Miss Nora. NORA. But how could you make up your mind to it? ANNA.