Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/54

This page needs to be proofread.

Nora.

How do you mean? Ah, I see! You think Torvald can perhaps do something for you.

Mrs. Linden.

Yes; I thought so.

Nora.

And so he shall, Christina. Just you leave it all to me. I shall lead up to it beautifully!—I shall think of some delightful plan to put him in a good humour! Oh, I should so love to help you.

Mrs. Linden.

How good of you, Nora, to stand by me so warmly! Doubly good in you, who know so little of the troubles and burdens of life.

Nora.

I? I know so little of——?

Mrs. Linden.

[Smiling.] Oh, well—a little fancy-work, and so forth.—You're a child, Nora.

Nora.

[Tosses her head and paces the room.] Oh, come, you mustn't be so patronising!

Mrs. Linden.

No?

Nora.

You're like the rest. You all think I'm fit for nothing really serious——

Mrs. Linden.

Well, well——