You have destroyed my whole happiness. You have ruined my future. Oh, it’s frightful to think of! I am in the power of a scoundrel; he can do whatever he pleases with me, demand whatever he chooses; he can domineer over me as much as he likes, and I must submit. And all this disaster and ruin is brought upon me by an unprincipled woman! NORA. When I am out of the world, you will be free. HELMER. Oh, no fine phrases. Your father, too, was always ready with them. What good would it do me, if you were “out of the world,” as you say? No good whatever! He can publish the story all the same; I might even be suspected of collusion. People will think I was at the bottom of it all and egged you on. And for all this I have you to thank—you whom I have done nothing but pet and spoil during our whole married life. Do you understand now what you have done to me? NORA. [_With cold calmness._] Yes. HELMER. The thing is so incredible, I can’t grasp it. But we must come to an understanding. Take that shawl off. Take it off, I say! I must try to pacify him in one way or another—the matter must be hushed up, cost what it may.—As for you and me, we must make no outward change in our way of life—no _outward_ change, you understand. Of course, you will continue to live here. But the children cannot be left in your care. I dare not trust them to you.—Oh, to have to say this to one I have loved so tenderly—whom I still——! But that must be a thing of the past. Henceforward there can be no question of happiness, but merely of saving the ruins, the shreds, the show—— [_A ring;_ HELMER _starts._] What’s that? So late! Can it be the worst? Can he——? Hide yourself, Nora; say you are ill. [NORA _stands motionless._ HELMER _goes to the door and opens it._ ELLEN. [_Half dressed, in the hall._] Here is a letter for you, ma’am. HELMER. Give it to me. [_Seizes the letter and shuts the door._] Yes, from him. You shall not have it. I shall read it. NORA. Read it! HELMER. [_By the lamp._] I have hardly the courage to. We may both be lost, both you and I. Ah! I _must_ know. [_Hastily tears the letter open; reads a few lines, looks at an enclosure; with a cry of joy._] Nora! [NORA _looks inquiringly at him._ HELMER. Nora!—Oh! I must read it again.—Yes, yes, it is so. I am saved! Nora, I am saved! NORA. And I? HELMER.