Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/36

 Nora.

Hide the Christmas-tree carefully, Ellen; the children must on no account see it before this evening, when it's lighted up. [To the Porter, taking out her purse.] How much?

Porter.

Fifty öre.[1]

Nora.

There is a crown. No, keep the change.

[The Porter thanks her and goes. Nora shuts the door. She continues smiling in quiet glee as she takes off her outdoor things. Taking from her pocket a bag of macaroons, she eats one or two. Then she goes on tip-toe to her husband's door and listens.

Nora.

Yes; he is at home.

[She begins humming again, crossing to the table on the right.

Helmer.

[In his room.] Is that my lark twittering there?

Nora.

[Busy opening some of her parcels.] Yes, it is.

Helmer.

Is it the squirrel frisking around?

Nora.

Yes!

Helmer.

When did the squirrel get home?

1 About sixpence. There are 100 öre in a krone or crown, which is worth thirteenpence halfpenny.