_Rank_. What do you mean? Did you know--? (MAID _enters with lamp, puts
it down on the table, and goes out_.) Nora--Mrs. Helmer--tell me, had
you any idea of this?

_Nora_. Oh, how do I know whether I had or whether I hadn't. I really
can't tell you--To think you could be so clumsy, Doctor Rank! We were
getting on so nicely.

_Bank_. Well, at all events you know now that you can command me, body
and soul. So won't you speak out?

_Nora_ (_looking at him_). After what happened?

_Rank_. I beg you to let me know what it is.

_Nora_. I can't tell you anything now.

_Rank_. Yes, yes. You mustn't punish me in that way. Let me have
permission to do for you whatever a man may do.

_Nora_. You can do nothing for me now. Besides, I really don't need any
help at all. You will find that the whole thing is merely fancy on my
part. It really is so--of course it is! (_Sits down in the
rocking-chair, and looks at him with a smile_.) You are a nice sort of
man, Doctor Rank!--don't you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lamp has
come?

_Rank_. Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go--forever?