Doll's House (9781443435505) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Mrs. Linde?
    NORA
    It was.
    KROGSTAD
    Just arrived in town?
    NORA
    Yes, today.
    KROGSTAD
    She is a great friend of yours, isn’t she?
    NORA
    She is. But I don’t see—
    KROGSTAD
    I knew her too, once upon a time.
    NORA
    I am aware of that.
    KROGSTAD
    Are you? So you know all about it; I thought as much. Then I can ask you, without beating about the bush—is Mrs. Linde to have an appointment in the Bank?
    NORA
    What right have you to question me, Mr. Krogstad?—You, one of my husband’s subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs. Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that.
    KROGSTAD
    I was right in what I thought, then.
    NORA
    (
Walking up and down the stage
.) Sometimes one has a tiny little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not necessarily follow that. . . . When anyone is in a subordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone who—who—
    KROGSTAD
    Who has influence?
    NORA
    Exactly.
    KROGSTAD
    (
Changing his tone
.) Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as to use your influence on my behalf.
    NORA
    What? What do you mean?
    KROGSTAD
    You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position in the Bank.
    NORA
    What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you?
    KROGSTAD
    Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off.
    NORA
    But I assure you—
    KROGSTAD
    Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that.
    NORA
    But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence.
    KROGSTAD
    Haven’t you? I thought you said yourself just now—
    NORA
    Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I! What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my husband?
    KROGSTAD
    Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don’t suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands.
    NORA
    If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house.
    KROGSTAD
    You are bold, Mrs. Helmer.
    NORA
    I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing.
    KROGSTAD
    (
Controlling himself
.) Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were fighting for my life.
    NORA
    So it seems.
    KROGSTAD
    It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason—well, I may as well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion.
    NORA
    I think I have heard something of the kind.
    KROGSTAD
    The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I had to do something; and, honestly, I don’t think I’ve been one of the worst. But now I must cut myself free from all that. My sons are growing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in the town. This post in the Bank was like the first step up for me—and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud.
    NORA
    But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.
    KROGSTAD
    Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel you.
    NORA
    You don’t mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money?
    KROGSTAD
    Hm!—suppose I were to tell him?
    NORA
    It would be perfectly infamous of you. (
Sobbing
.) To think of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, clumsy way—that he should learn it