When I was a girl, of course I loved papa best. But it always delighted me to steal into the servants’ room. In the first place they never lectured me, and in the second it was such fun to hear them talk. RANK. Ah, I see; then it’s their place I have taken? NORA. [_Jumps up and hurries towards him._] Oh, my dear Doctor Rank, I don’t mean that. But you understand, with Torvald it’s the same as with papa—— _ELLEN enters from the hall._ ELLEN. Please, ma’am—— [_Whispers to_ NORA, _and gives her a card._] NORA. [_Glancing at card._] Ah! [_Puts it in her pocket._ RANK. Anything wrong? NORA. No, no, not in the least. It’s only—it’s my new costume—— RANK. Your costume. Why, it’s there. NORA. Oh, that one, yes. But this is another that—I have ordered it—Torvald mustn’t know—— RANK. Aha! So that’s the great secret. NORA. Yes, of course. Please go to him; he’s in the inner room. Do keep him while I—— RANK. Don’t be alarmed; he sha’n’t escape. [_Goes into_ HELMER’S _room._ NORA. [_To_ ELLEN.] Is he waiting in the kitchen? ELLEN. Yes, he came up the back stair—— NORA. Didn’t you tell him I was engaged? ELLEN. Yes, but it was no use. NORA. He won’t go away? ELLEN. No, ma’am, not until he has spoken to you. NORA. Then let him come in; but quietly. And, Ellen—say nothing about it; it’s a surprise for my husband. ELLEN. Oh, yes, ma’am, I understand. [_She goes out._ NORA. It is coming! The dreadful thing is coming, after all. No, no, no, it can never be; it shall not! [_She goes to_ HELMER’S _door and slips the bolt._ ELLEN _opens the hall door for_ KROGSTAD, _and shuts it after him. He wears a travelling-coat, high boots, and a fur cap._ NORA. [_Goes towards him._] Speak softly; my husband is at home. KROGSTAD. All right. That’s nothing to me. NORA. What do you want? KROGSTAD. A little information. NORA. Be quick, then. What is it? KROGSTAD. You know I have got my dismissal. NORA.