Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/67

 Nora.

What do I care for your tiresome society? I was laughing at something else—something excessively amusing. Tell me, Doctor Rank, are all the employees at the Bank dependent on Torvald now?

Rank.

Is that what strikes you as excessively amusing?

Nora.

[Smiles and hums] Never mind, never mind!

[Walks about the room.] Yes, it is funny to think that we—that Torvald has such power over so many people. [Takes the bag from her pocket.] Doctor Rank, will you have a macaroon?

Rank.

What!—macaroons! I thought they were contraband here.

Nora.

Yes; but Christina brought me these.

Mrs. Linden.

What! I?

Nora.

Oh, well! Don't be frightened. You. couldn't possibly know that Torvald had forbidden them. The fact is, he's afraid of me spoiling my teeth. But, oh bother, just for once!—That's for you, Doctor Rank! [Puts a macaroon into his mouth.] And you too, Christina. And I'll have one while we're about it—only a tiny one, or at most two.

[Walks about again.] Oh dear, I am happy! There's only one thing in the world I really want.