Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/108

 feel the consequences. And besides—there is one thing that makes Krogstad impossible for me to work with

Nora.

What thing?

Helmer.

I could perhaps have overlooked his moral failings at a pinch

Nora.

Yes, couldn't you, Torvald?

Helmer.

And I hear he is good at his work. But the fact is, he was a college chum of mine—there was one of those rash friendships between us that one so often repents of later. I may as well confess it at once—he calls me by my Christian name;[1] and he is tactless enough to do it even when others are present. He delights in putting on airs of familiarity—Torvald here, Torvald there! I assure you it's most painful to me. He would make my position at the Bank perfectly unendurable.

Nora.

Torvald, surely you're not serious?

Helmer.

No? Why not?

Nora.

That's such a petty reason.

Helmer.

What! Petty! Do you consider me petty!

1 In the original, "We say 'thou' to each other."