and shuts the door on them; then sits down on the sofa, takes up a piece
of needlework and sews a few stitches, but soon stops_.) No! (_Throws
down the work, gets up, goes to the hall door and calls out_.) Helen,
bring the Tree in. (_Goes to the table on the left, opens a drawer, and
stops again_.) No, no! it is quite impossible!

_Maid_ (_coming in with the Tree_). Where shall I put it, ma'am?

_Nora_. Here, in the middle of the floor.

_Maid_. Shall I get you anything else?

_Nora_. No, thank you. I have all I want.

[_Exit_ MAID

_Nora_ (_begins dressing the tree_). A candle here--and flowers here--.
The horrible man! It's all nonsense--there's nothing wrong. The Tree
shall be splendid! I will do everything I can think of to please you,
Torvald!--I will sing for you, dance for you--(HELMER _comes in with
some papers under his arm_.) Oh! are you back already?

_Helmer_. Yes. Has anyone been here?

_Nora_. Here? No.

_Helmer_. That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate.

_Nora_. Did you? Oh yes, I forgot Krogstad was here for a moment.