I know you are my truest and best friend, and so I will tell you what it is. Well, Doctor Rank, it is something you must help me to prevent. You know how devotedly, how inexpressibly deeply Torvald loves me; he would never for a moment hesitate to give his life for me.
The only one--?
I really can't, Doctor Rank. It is something out of all reason; it means advice, and help, and a favour--
The bigger a thing it is the better. I can't conceive what it is you mean. Do tell me. Haven't I your confidence?
The only one who would gladly give his life for your sake.
Nora--do you think he is the only one--?
I can't tell you anything now.
Yes, yes. You mustn't punish me in that way. Let me have permission to do for you whatever a man may do.
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! You are a nice sort of man, Doctor Rank!--don't you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lamp has come?
Not a bit. But perhaps I had better go--for ever?
No, indeed, you shall not. Of course you must come here just as before. You know very well Torvald can't do without you.
Yes, but you?
Oh, I am always tremendously pleased when you come.
Yes--you see there are some people one loves best, and others whom onewould almost always rather have as companions.
It is just that, that put me on the wrong track. You are a riddle to me. I have often thought that you would almost as soon be in my company as in Helmer's.