MRS. LINDEN. And he comes here every day? NORA. Yes, I told you so. MRS. LINDEN. I should have thought he would have had better taste. NORA. I don’t understand you a bit. MRS. LINDEN. Don’t pretend, Nora. Do you suppose I can’t guess who lent you the twelve hundred dollars? NORA. Are you out of your senses? How can you think such a thing? A friend who comes here every day! Why, the position would be unbearable! MRS. LINDEN. Then it really is not he? NORA. No, I assure you. It never for a moment occurred to me——Besides, at that time he had nothing to lend; he came into his property afterwards. MRS. LINDEN. Well, I believe that was lucky for you, Nora dear. NORA. No, really, it would never have struck me to ask Dr. Rank——And yet, I’m certain that if I did—— MRS. LINDEN. But of course you never would. NORA. Of course not. It’s inconceivable that it should ever be necessary. But I’m quite sure that if I spoke to Doctor Rank—— MRS. LINDEN. Behind your husband’s back? NORA. I must get clear of the other thing; that’s behind his back too. I _must_ get clear of that. MRS. LINDEN. Yes, yes, I told you so yesterday; but—— NORA. [_Walking up and down._] A man can manage these things much better than a woman. MRS. LINDEN. One’s own husband, yes. NORA. Nonsense. [_Stands still._] When everything is paid, one gets back the paper. MRS. LINDEN. Of course. NORA. And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up, the nasty, filthy thing! MRS. LINDEN. [_Looks at her fixedly, lays down her work, and rises slowly._] Nora, you are hiding something from me. NORA. Can you see it in my face? MRS. LINDEN. Something has happened since yesterday morning. Nora, what is it? NORA. [_Going towards her._] Christina——! [_Listens._] Hush! There’s Torvald coming home. Do you mind going into the nursery for the present? Torvald can’t bear to see dressmaking going on. Get Anna to help you. MRS. LINDEN. [_Gathers some of the things together._] Very well; but I shan’t go away until you have told me all about it. [_She goes out to the left, as_ HELMER _enters from the hall._ NORA.