Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/49

 Mrs. Linden.

Your husband! Oh, how fortunate!

Nora.

Yes; isn't it? A lawyer's position is so uncertain, you see, especially when he won't touch any business that's the least bit—shady, as of course Torvald never would; and there I quite agree with him. Oh! you can imagine how glad we are. He is to enter on his new position at the New Year, and then he'll have a large salary, and percentages. In future we shall be able to live quite differently—just as we please, in fact. Oh, Christina, I feel so lighthearted and happy! It's delightful to have lots of money, and no need to worry about things, isn't it?

Mrs. Linden.

Yes; at any rate it must be delightful to have what you need.

Nora.

No, not only what you need, but heaps of money—heaps!

Mrs. Linden.

[Smiling.] Nora, Nora, haven't you learnt reason yet? In our schooldays you were a shocking little spendthrift.

Nora.

[Quietly smiling.] Yes; that's what Torvald says I am still. [Holding up her forefinger.] But "Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you all think. Oh! I haven't had the chance to be much of a spendthrift. We have both had to work.