Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 7).djvu/79

 I took up the business you know about. I had to turn my hand to something; and I don't think I've been one of the worst. But now I must get clear of it all. My sons are growing up; for their sake I must try to recover my character as well as I can. This place in the Bank was the first step; and now your husband wants to kick me off the ladder, back into the mire.

Nora.

But I assure you, Mr. Krogstad, I haven't the least power to help you.

Krogstad.

That is because you have not the will; but I can compel you.

Nora.

You won't tell my husband that I owe you money?

Krogstad.

H'm; suppose I were to?

Nora.

It would be shameful of you. [With tears in her voice.] The secret that is my joy and my pride—that he should learn it in such an ugly, coarse way—and from you. It would involve me in all sorts of unpleasantness

Krogstad.

Only unpleasantness

Nora.

[Hotly] But just do it. It's you that will come off worst, for then my husband will see what a bad