Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/38

 tile blew off the roof and knocked my brains out

Nora.

[Laying her hand on his mouth.] Hush! How can you talk so horridly?

Helmer.

But supposing it were to happen—what then?

Nora.

If anything so dreadful happened, it would be all the same to me whether I was in debt or not.

Helmer.

But what about the creditors?

Nora.

They! Who cares for them? They're only strangers.

Helmer.

Nora, Nora! What a woman you are! But seriously, Nora, you know my principles on these points. No debts! No borrowing! Home life ceases to be free and beautiful as soon as it is founded on borrowing and debt. We two have held out bravely till now, and we are not going to give in at the last.

Nora.

[Going to the fireplace.] Very well—as you please, Torvald.

Helmer.

[Following her.] Come come; my little lark mustn't droop her wings like that. What? Is my squirrel in the sulks? [Takes out his purse.] Nora, what do you think I have here?