Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/170

 Henceforward there can be no question of happiness, but merely of saving the ruins, the shreds, the show [A ring; Helmer starts.] What's that? So late! Can it be the worst? Can he? Hide yourself, Nora; say you are ill.

[Nora stands motionless. Helmer goes to the door and opens it.

Ellen.

[Half dressed, in the hall.] Here is a letter for you, ma'am.

Helmer.

Give it to me. [Seizes the letter and shuts the door.] Yes, from him. You shall not have it. I shall read it.

Nora.

Read it!

Helmer.

[By the lamp.] I have hardly the courage to. We may both be lost, both you and I. Ah! I must know. [Hastily tears the letter open; reads a few lines, looks at an enclosure; with a cry of joy.]

Nora! [Nora looks inquiringly at him.

Helmer.

Nora!—Oh! I must read it again.—Yes, yes, it is so. I am saved! Nora, I am saved!

Nora.

And I?

Helmer.

You too, of course; we are both saved, both of us. Look here—he sends you back your promissory note. He writes that he regrets and apologises,