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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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RANK [More softly-looking straight before him.] And now to have to leave it allNORA Nonsense. You sha’n’t leave us. RANK [In the same tone.] And not to be able to leave behind the slightest token of gratitude; scarcely even a passing regret nothing but an empty place, that can be filled by the first comer. NORA And if I were to ask you for-? No- RANK For what? NORA For a great proof of your friendship. RANK Yes-yes? NORA I mean-for a very, very great serviceRANK Would you really, for once, make me so happy? NORA Oh, you don’t know what it is. RANK Then tell me. NORA No, I really can’t, Doctor Rank. It’s far, far too much-not only a service, but help and advice besidesRANK So much the better. I can’t think what you can mean. But go on. Don’t you trust me? NORA As I trust no one else. I know you are my best and truest friend. So I will tell you. Well then, Doctor Rank, there is something you must help me to prevent. You know how deeply, how wonderfully Torvald loves me; he wouldn’t hesitate a moment to give his very life for my sake. RANK [Bending towards her.] Nora-do you think he is the only one who-? NORA [With a slight start.] Who-? RANK Who would gladly give his life for you? NORA [Sadly.] Oh! RANK I have sworn that you shall know it before I-go. I shall never find a better opportunity.- Yes, Nora, now I have told you; and now you know that you can trust me as you can no one else. NORA [Standing up; simply and calmly.] Let me pass, please. RANK [Makes way for her, but remains sitting.] NoraNORA [In the doorway.] Ellen, bring the lamp. [Crosses to the stove.] Oh dear, Doctor Rank, that was too bad of you. RANK [Rising.] That I have loved you as deeply as-any one else? Was that too bad of me? NORA No, but that you should have told me so. It was so unnecessaryRANK What do you mean? Did you know-? ELLEN enters with the lamp; sets it on the table and goes out again. RANK Nora-Mrs. Helmer-I ask you, did you know? NORA Oh, how can I tell what I knew or didn’t know? I really can’t say-How could you be so clumsy, Doctor Rank? It was all so nice! RANK Well, at any rate, you know now that I am at your service, body and soul. And now, go on. NORA [Looking at him.] Go on-now? RANK I beg you to tell me what you want. NORA I can tell you nothing now. |
