Mrs. Linden.
[Arranging the room and getting her outdoor things together.] What a change! What a change! To have some one to work for, to live for; a home to make happy! Well, it shall not be my fault if I fail.—I wish they would come.—[Listens.] Ah, here they are! I must get my things on.
[Takes bonnet and cloak. Helmer's and Nora's voices are heard outside, a key is turned in the lock, and Helmer drags Nora almost by force into the hall. She wears the Italian costume with a large black shawl over it. He is in evening dress and wears a black domino, open.
Nora.
[Struggling with him in the doorway.] No, no, no! I won't go in! I want to go upstairs again; I don't want to leave so early!
Helmer.
But, my dearest girl!
Nora.
Oh, please, please, Torvald, I beseech you—only one hour more!
Helmer.
Not one minute more, Nora dear; you know what we agreed. Come, come in; you're catching cold here.
[He leads her gently into the room in spite of her resistance.
Mrs. Linden.
Good-evening.
