HELMER:

[kissing her on the forehead]. Good-night, my little singing-bird. Sleep sound, Nora. Now I will read my letters through. [He takes his letters and goes into his room, shutting the door after him.]

Nora:

[closes her door and stares blankly, almost as if shocked. She presses herself against her door while holding her breath as if hoping to hear Helmer reading the letter.] Oh my children, my poor children! What have I done! I must run- no, that would make everything worse. What if I- no I mustn’t, my poor children, what will become of them. Oh the horror-I have been such a good mother, always playing with them, my poor little puppets. [ she paces around her room finally ending up on her bed and suddenly freezes in complete silence as she hears Helmer’s door slam.]

Helmer:

[runs to Nora’s room and violently swings the door open with a look of bewilderment and rage] Nora is this letter true? Did my poor little squirrel do what this letter says? But it can’t be possible- my squirrel? I don’t believe a word of it. Nora tell me this isn’t true

Nora:

            Oh Torvlad! [puts her head down and sighs] You must understand-

Helmer:

            Nora! What have you done, I-

Nora:

            I can explain-

Helmer:

No you foolish child I do not want to hear your excuses. Oh the dishonor! [turns around to head back to his room]

Nora:

            But Torvald you must listen![runs to him and grabs his hand]

Helmer:

[pushes her away] Nora I don’t want to hear it! You have made a disgrace out of yourself and most importantly me. You are no longer allowed to see the children, I don’t want your bad habits rubbing of on them, hopefully it’s not too late.

Nora:

            Torvlad no! Not the children, not my little birds!

Helmer:

I said you will no longer see them! Now go to your room! I have to clean up after your mess. The ridicule of it all! And to think I never did anything but love you and care for you. Now go! I do not want to see your face.