Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/41

 Nora.

Yes, I know—spendthrifts,[1] of course. But please do as I ask you, Torvald. Then I shall have time to think what I want most. Isn't that very sensible, now?

Helmer.

[Smiling.] Certainly; that is to say, if you really kept the money I gave you, and really spent it on something for yourself. But it all goes in housekeeping, and for all manner of useless things, and then I have to pay up again.

Nora.

But, Torvald

Helmer.

Can you deny it, Nora dear? [He puts his arm round her.] It's a sweet little lark, but it gets through a lot of money. No one would believe how much it costs a man to keep such a little bird as you.

Nora.

For shame! How can you say so? Why, I save as much as ever I can.

Helmer.

[Laughing.] Very true—as much as you can—but that's precisely nothing.

Nora.

[Hums and smiles with covert glee.] H'm! If you only knew, Torvald, what expenses we larks and squirrels have.

Helmer.

You're a strange little being! Just like your father—always on the look-out for all the money

1 "Spillefugl," literally "playbird," means a gambler.