Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/136

 Helmer.

Let me just see. [Is going.

[Nora, at the piano, plays the first bars of the tarantella.

Helmer.

[At the door, stops.] Aha!

Nora.

I can't dance to-morrow if I don't rehearse with you first.

Helmer.

[Going to her.] Are you really so nervous, dear Nora?

Nora.

Yes, dreadfully! Let me rehearse at once. We have time before dinner. Oh, do sit down and play for me, Torvald dear; direct me and put me right, as you used to do.

Helmer.

With all the pleasure in life, since you wish it.

[Sits at piano.

[Nora matches the tambourine out of the box, and hurriedly drapes herself in a long parti-coloured shawl; then, with a bound, stands in the middle of the floor.

Nora.

Now play for me! Now I'll dance!

[Helmer plays and Nora dances. Rank stands at the piano behind Helmer and looks on.

Helmer.

[Playing.] Slower! Slower!