NORA. [_At table, left._] I suppose he was too fond of asparagus and Strasbourg pâté, wasn’t he? RANK. Yes; and truffles. NORA. Yes, truffles, to be sure. And oysters, I believe? RANK. Yes, oysters; oysters, of course. NORA. And then all the port and champagne! It’s sad that all these good things should attack the spine. RANK. Especially when the luckless spine attacked never had any good of them. NORA. Ah, yes, that’s the worst of it. RANK. [_Looks at her searchingly._] H’m—— NORA. [_A moment later._] Why did you smile? RANK. No; it was you that laughed. NORA. No; it was you that smiled, Dr. Rank. RANK. [_Standing up._] I see you’re deeper than I thought. NORA. I’m in such a crazy mood to-day. RANK. So it seems. NORA. [_With her hands on his shoulders._] Dear, dear Doctor Rank, death shall not take you away from Torvald and me. RANK. Oh, you’ll easily get over the loss. The absent are soon forgotten. NORA. [_Looks at him anxiously._] Do you think so? RANK. People make fresh ties, and then—— NORA. Who make fresh ties? RANK. You and Helmer will, when I am gone. You yourself are taking time by the forelock, it seems to me. What was that Mrs. Linden doing here yesterday? NORA. Oh!—you’re surely not jealous of poor Christina? RANK. Yes, I am. She will be my successor in this house. When I am out of the way, this woman will perhaps—— NORA. Hush! Not so loud! She’s in there. RANK. To-day as well? You see! NORA. Only to put my costume in order—dear me, how unreasonable you are! [_Sits on sofa._] Now do be good, Doctor Rank! To-morrow you shall see how beautifully I shall dance; and then you may fancy that I’m doing it all to please you—and of course Torvald as well. [_Takes various things out of box._] Doctor Rank, sit down here, and I’ll show you something. RANK. [_Sitting._] What is it? NORA. Look here! Look! RANK. Silk stockings. NORA.