When Krogstad's letter was lying out there,never for a moment did I imagine that you would consent to accept this man's conditions.I was so absolutely certain that you would say to him:Publish the thing to the whole world.And when that was done--Helmer.Yes,what then?--when I had exposed my wife to shame and disgrace?
Nora.When that was done,I was so absolutely certain,you would come forward and take everything upon yourself,and say:I am the guilty one.
Helmer.Nora--!
Nora.You mean that I would never have accepted such a sacrifice on your part?No,of course not.But what would my assurances have been worth against yours?That was the wonderful thing which Ihoped for and feared;and it was to prevent that,that I wanted to kill myself.
Helmer.I would gladly work night and day for you,Nora--bear sorrow and want for your sake.But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he loves.
Nora.It is a thing hundreds of thousands of women have done.
Helmer.Oh,you think and talk like a heedless child.
Nora.Maybe.But you neither think nor talk like the man Icould bind myself to.As soon as your fear was over--and it was not fear for what threatened me,but for what might happen to you--when the whole thing was past,as far as you were concerned it was exactly as if nothing at all had happened.