Helmer.  Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?

Nora.  No, Torvald, I assure you really—­

Helmer.  There, there, of course I was only joking.

Nora (going to the table on the right).  I should not think of going against your wishes.

Helmer.  No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word—­(Going up to her.) Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling.  They will all be revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt.

Nora.  Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank?

Helmer.  No.  But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come to dinner with us.  However, I will ask him when he comes in this morning.  I have ordered some good wine.  Nora, you can’t think how I am looking forward to this evening.

Nora.  So am I!  And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald!

Helmer.  It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe appointment, and a big enough income.  It’s delightful to think of, isn’t it?

Nora.  It’s wonderful!

Helmer.  Do you remember last Christmas?  For a full three weeks beforehand you shut yourself up every evening till long after midnight, making ornaments for the Christmas Tree and all the other fine things that were to be a surprise to us.  It was the dullest three weeks I ever spent!

Nora.  I didn’t find it dull.

Helmer (smiling).  But there was precious little result, Nora.

Nora.  Oh, you shouldn’t tease me about that again.  How could I help the cat’s going in and tearing everything to pieces?

Helmer.  Of course you couldn’t, poor little girl.  You had the best of intentions to please us all, and that’s the main thing.  But it is a good thing that our hard times are over.

Nora.  Yes, it is really wonderful.

Helmer.  This time I needn’t sit here and be dull all alone, and you needn’t ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands—­

Nora (clapping her hands).  No, Torvald, I needn’t any longer, need I!  It’s wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! (Taking his arm.) Now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald.  As soon as Christmas is over—­(A bell rings in the hall.) There’s the bell. (She tidies the room a little.) There’s someone at the door.  What a nuisance!

Helmer.  If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.

Maid (in the doorway).  A lady to see you, ma’am,—­a stranger.

Nora.  Ask her to come in.

Maid (to HELMER).  The doctor came at the same time, sir.

Helmer.  Did he go straight into my room?

Maid.  Yes, sir.

(HELMER goes into his room.  The MAID ushers in MRS. LINDE, who is in traveling dress, and shuts the door.)