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The Doll s House Webster s German Thesaurus Edition
Henrik Ibsen Digital Instant Download
Author(s): Henrik Ibsen
ISBN(s): 9781423776383, 1423776380
File Details: PDF, 1.16 MB
Year: 2006
Language: english
 THE DOLL'S HOUSE

WEBSTER'S GERMAN THESAURUS

EDITION
for ESL, EFL, ELP, TOEFL®, TOEIC®, and AP® Test Preparation

Henrik Ibsen

TOEFL, TOEIC, AP and Advanced Placement are trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which has
neither reviewed nor endorsed this book. All rights reserved.
 The Doll's House
Webster's German
Thesaurus Edition
for ESL, EFL, ELP, TOEFL®, TOEIC®, and AP® Test
Preparation

Henrik Ibsen

TOEFL®, TOEIC®, AP® and Advanced Placement® are trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which
has neither reviewed nor endorsed this book. All rights reserved.
ii

ICON CLASSICS

Published by ICON Group International, Inc.

7404 Trade Street
San Diego, CA 92121 USA

www.icongrouponline.com

The Doll's House: Webster's German Thesaurus Edition for ESL, EFL, ELP, TOEFL®, TOEIC®, and
AP® Test Preparation

This edition published by ICON Classics in 2005

Printed in the United States of America.

Copyright ©2005 by ICON Group International, Inc.

Edited by Philip M. Parker, Ph.D. (INSEAD); Copyright ©2005, all rights reserved.

All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

Copying our publications in whole or in part, for whatever reason, is a violation of copyright laws
and can lead to penalties and fines. Should you want to copy tables, graphs, or other materials, please
contact us to request permission [E-mail: [email protected]] ICON Group often grants
permission for very limited reproduction of our publications for internal use, press releases, and
academic research. Such reproduction requires confirmed permission from ICON Group
International, Inc.

TOEFL®, TOEIC®, AP® and Advanced Placement® are trademarks of the Educational Testing
Service which has neither reviewed nor endorsed this book. All rights reserved.

ISBN 0-497-25775-0
 iii

Contents
PREFACE FROM THE EDITOR ........................................................................................ 1
PERSONS REPRESENTED .............................................................................................. 2
ACT I .............................................................................................................................. 3
ACT II ........................................................................................................................... 53
ACT III .......................................................................................................................... 94
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................. 133
 Henrik Ibsen 1

PREFACE FROM THE EDITOR

Webster’s paperbacks take advantage of the fact that classics are frequently assigned readings in
English courses. By using a running English-to-German thesaurus at the bottom of each page, this
edition of The Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen was edited for three audiences. The first includes
German-speaking students enrolled in an English Language Program (ELP), an English as a
Foreign Language (EFL) program, an English as a Second Language Program (ESL), or in a
TOEFL® or TOEIC® preparation program. The second audience includes English-speaking
students enrolled in bilingual education programs or German speakers enrolled in English speaking
schools. The third audience consists of students who are actively building their vocabularies in
German in order to take foreign service, translation certification, Advanced Placement® (AP®)1 or
similar examinations. By using the Webster's German Thesaurus Edition when assigned for an
English course, the reader can enrich their vocabulary in anticipation of an examination in German
or English.

Webster’s edition of this classic is organized to expose the reader to a maximum number of
difficult and potentially ambiguous English words. Rare or idiosyncratic words and expressions are
given lower priority compared to “difficult, yet commonly used” words. Rather than supply a single
translation, many words are translated for a variety of meanings in German, allowing readers to
better grasp the ambiguity of English, and avoid them using the notes as a pure translation crutch.
Having the reader decipher a word’s meaning within context serves to improve vocabulary
retention and understanding. Each page covers words not already highlighted on previous pages. If
a difficult word is not translated on a page, chances are that it has been translated on a previous
page. A more complete glossary of translations is supplied at the end of the book; translations are
extracted from Webster’s Online Dictionary.

Definitions of remaining terms as well as translations can be found at www.websters-online-

dictionary.org. Please send suggestions to [email protected]

The Editor
Webster’s Online Dictionary
www.websters-online-dictionary.org

1
TOEFL®, TOEIC®, AP® and Advanced Placement® are trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which
has neither reviewed nor endorsed this book. All rights reserved.
2 The Doll's House

PERSONS REPRESENTED

TORVALD HELMER.%
NORA, his wife.
DOCTOR RANK.
MRS. LINDE.
NILS KROGSTAD.
HELMER'S THREE YOUNG CHILDREN.
ANNE, their nurse.
A HOUSEMAID.
A PORTER.

The ACTION takes place in HELMER'S house.

German
doctor: Arzt, Doktor, Herr Doktor,
Promovierte, der Arzt, Promovierter,
Ärztin.
mrs: Frau.
nurse: Krankenschwester, pflegen,
Kindermädchen, Schwester,
Krankenpfleger, Amme, stillen,
Wärterin, Krankenpflegerin,
Schwesterchen, versorgen.
takes: nimmt ein, dauert, Nimmt.
wife: Frau, Ehefrau, Gattin, Gemahlin,
die Ehefrau, Weib.
 Henrik Ibsen 3

ACT I

[SCENE.--A%room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not

extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the entrance-hall,
another to the left leads to Helmer's study. Between the doors stands a piano.
In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and beyond it a window. Near
the window are a round table, arm-chairs and a small sofa. In the right-hand
wall, at the farther end, another door; and on the same side, nearer the
footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and a rocking-chair; between the stove
and the door, a small table. Engravings on the walls; a cabinet with china and
other small objects; a small book-case with well-bound books. The floors are
carpeted, and a fire burns in the stove. It is winter.
[A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. Enter
NORA, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in outdoor dress and
carries a number of parcels; these she lays on the table to the right. She leaves
the outer door open after her, and through it is seen a PORTER who is
carrying a Christmas Tree and a basket, which he gives to the MAID who has
opened the door.]
NORA.
Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it

German
basket: Korb, der Korb. möblierten, möbliertest, möbliertet, rings: Ringe.
burns: brennt, Brandwunden. statteten aus, stattetest aus, sofa: Sofa, Couch, Kanapee, Divan,
carpeted: zurechtgewiesen. ausgestattet, stattete aus, stattetet Sitzbank, Bank.
carries: trägt. aus. spirits: Spirituosen, Gebräu, Schnaps,
comfortably: komfortabel, bequem. humming: Trällern, Summend, Schnapps, Branntwein, Geister,
engravings: Stichten. Geräusch, Gesumm. Getränk, Spirituose, Sprit, Alkohol.
extravagantly: extravagant, lays: legt. stove: Ofen, Herd, Feuerung,
ausschweifend. nearer: näher. Erwärmung, Heizung.
farther: weiter, ferner. outdoor: im Freien, draußen, außen. tastefully: geschmackvoll.
floors: Etagen, Stöcke. parcels: Pakete. tune: Melodie, Lied, stimmen,
footlights: Rampenlicht. piano: Klavier, Piano, das Klavier. abstimmen, Weise, anpassen,
furnished: möbliert, möblierte, right-hand: rechte Hand. Liedchen, adaptieren.
4 The Doll's House

until this evening, when it is dressed. [To the PORTER, taking out her purse.]
How much?
PORTER.
Sixpence.%
NORA.
There is a shilling. No, keep the change. [The PORTER thanks her, and goes
out. NORA shuts the door. She is laughing to herself, as she takes off her hat
and coat. She takes a packet of macaroons from her pocket and eats one or
two; then goes cautiously to her husband's door and listens.] Yes, he is in.
[Still humming, she goes to the table on the right.]
HELMER.
[calls out from his room] Is that my little lark twittering out there?
NORA.
[busy opening some of the parcels] Yes, it is!
HELMER.
Is it my little squirrel bustling about?
NORA.
Yes!
HELMER.
When did my squirrel come home?
NORA.
Just now. [Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.]
Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought.
HELMER.
Don't disturb me. [A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room,
pen in hand.] Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my little
spendthrift been wasting money again?

German
bag: Sack, Beutel, Tasche, Tüte. angezogen, angekleidet, angetan, pen: Feder, Kugelschreiber, Verschlag,
bustling: hastend, geschäftig, elegant. Stifte, Stift, Stall, Schreibstifte, Hütte.
betriebsam. eats: Ißt, speist. puts: setzt, stellt, steckt.
cautiously: vorsichtig. hat: Hut, der Hut, Hütchen. shilling: Schilling.
coat: Mantel, Anstrich, Paletot, Fell, lark: Lerche. shuts: schließt.
bedecken, Überzieher, Überrock, laughing: lachend, lachen, gekicher, spendthrift: Verschwender,
Umkleiden, Schicht. lacher, gelächter, kichern. Herausgeber, Vergeuder, Verleger.
disturb: stören, störst, stört, störe, macaroons: Makronen. squirrel: Eichhörnchen, Eichhorn.
genieren, beengen, geniert, genierst, opens: öffnet, macht auf, schlägt auf, twittering: zwitschernd.
lästig werden, hindern, geniere. eröffnet. wasting: verschwendend,
dressed: kleidete, gekleidet, piekfein, packet: Paket, Päckchen, Datenpaket, vergeudend.
korrekt, hübsch, gepflegt, schick, Packung, Bündel. wipes: wischt, streift ab.
 Henrik Ibsen 5

NORA.
Yes but, Torvald, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. This is the
first Christmas that we have not needed to economise.%
HELMER.
Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly. Nora. Yes, Torvald, we
may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn't we? Just a tiny wee bit! You are
going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of money.
HELMER.
Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary
is due.
NORA.
Pooh! we can borrow until then.
HELMER.
Nora! [Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear.] The same little
featherhead! Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds today, and you
spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New Year's Eve a slate fell on
my head and killed me, and--Nora [putting her hands over his mouth] Oh!
don't say such horrid things.
HELMER.
Still, suppose that happened,--what then?
NORA.
If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I owed money
or not.
HELMER.
Yes, but what about the people who had lent it?
NORA.
They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were.
HELMER.
That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about that.
No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life
German
beauty: Schönheit, Pracht, Hübschheit. earn: verdienen, verdiene, verdienst, reckless: rücksichtslos, leichtsinnig,
borrow: borgen, entlehnen, leihen, verdient, gewinnen, erringen. waghalsig, verwegen, ungezeugen,
ausleihen, zur Ausleihe bekommen, horrid: schrecklich, fürchterlich, unbekümmert, tollkühn.
verleihen, etwas von jemadem entsetzlich, grauenvoll. recklessly: unbekümmert.
geliehen haben, darleihen. lent: Geliehen, lieht, lieh, liehen, liehst, salary: Gehalt, Lohn, Besoldung, Gage,
borrowed: geliehen. verlieht, verliehst, verliehen, verlieh, Monatslohn, Verdienst, Salär,
borrowing: Entlehnung, Entlehnend, Fastenzeit, geborgt. Arbeitslohn, Erwerbseinkünfte,
Borgend, Anleihe, Übernahme. lots: Mengen. Einkünfte, Einkommen.
bother: belästigen, stören, genieren, ourselves: uns selbst, uns. seriously: ernst, ernsthaft, schwer.
Umstände, Kram, Mühe, viel Mühe, owed: geschuldet, schuldete, slate: Schiefer, Schiefertafel.
lästig werden, beengen, Getue, schuldeten, schuldetest, schuldetet. tiny: winzig.
behindern. playfully: spielerisch. wee: winzig.
6 The Doll's House

that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely on the
straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for the short time longer
that there need be any struggle.%
NORA.
[moving towards the stove] As you please, Torvald.
HELMER.
[following her] Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings.
What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? [Taking out his purse.] Nora,
what do you think I have got here?
NORA.
[turning round quickly] Money!
HELMER.
There you are. [Gives her some money.] Do you think I don't know what a lot
is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas- time?
NORA.
[counting] Ten shillings--a pound--two pounds! Thank you, thank you,
Torvald; that will keep me going for a long time.
HELMER.
Indeed it must.
NORA.
Yes, yes, it will. But come here and let me show you what I have bought. And
all so cheap! Look, here is a new suit for Ivar, and a sword; and a horse and a
trumpet for Bob; and a doll and dolly's bedstead for Emmy,--they are very
plain, but anyway she will soon break them in pieces. And here are dress-
lengths and handkerchiefs for the maids; old Anne ought really to have
something better.
HELMER.
And what is in this parcel?
NORA.
[crying out] No, no! you mustn't see that until this evening.
German
bedstead: Bettgestell, Bett. Hauswirtschaft, Haushaltsführung, Prozess, Gewand, fügen, Farbe,
bravely: tapfer, artig. Haushalten. geziemen, klage, Sakkoanzug,
cheap: billig, minderwertig, preiswert. maids: Mägde, Mädchen. Smoking.
doll: Puppe, entzückende Kind, parcel: Paket, Päckchen, Bündel, sword: Schwert, Säbel, Klinge, Degen,
niedliche Kind, willenlose Person, Parzelle, Postpaket, kleine Paket. Rapier.
süße Kind, Spielzeugpuppe, pieces: Stücke. temper: Stimmung, härten, Laune,
Marionette, Gelenkpuppe, plain: Ebene, einfarbig, einfach, klar, hart machen, abhärten, Humor,
Gliederpuppe. deutlich, schlicht, gängig, Temperament, stählen.
droop: ermatten, hängen. gewöhnlich, glatt, ordinär, trumpet: trompete, trompeten,
handkerchiefs: Taschentücher, das nichthäßlich. Posaune, die Trompete,
Taschentuch. skylark: Feldlerche, Lerche. Blasinstrument.
housekeeping: Haushaltung, suit: Anzug, Kostüm, anpassen, wings: Flügel.
 Henrik Ibsen 7

HELMER.
Very well. But now tell me, you extravagant little person, what would you
like for yourself?
NORA.
For myself? Oh, I am sure I don't want anything.%
HELMER.
Yes, but you must. Tell me something reasonable that you would particularly
like to have.
NORA.
No, I really can't think of anything--unless, Torvald--
HELMER.
Well?
NORA.
[playing with his coat buttons, and without raising her eyes to his] If you
really want to give me something, you might--you might--
HELMER.
Well, out with it!
NORA.
[speaking quickly] You might give me money, Torvald. Only just as much as
you can afford; and then one of these days I will buy something with it.
HELMER.
But, Nora--
NORA.
Oh, do! dear Torvald; please, please do! Then I will wrap it up in beautiful
gilt paper and hang it on the Christmas Tree. Wouldn't that be fun?
HELMER.
What are little people called that are always wasting money?

German
afford: erlauben, erlaube, leisten, Gottgesandte. geschwind, bald, rasch, alsbald,
gestatten, produzieren, erzeugen, extravagant: verschwendungssüchtig, expreß.
erlaubt, erlaubst, hervorbringen. überspannt, verschwenderisch, raising: sich erhebend, Erhöhung,
beautiful: schön, hübsch, ausschweifend, extravagant. aufbringend, steigernd.
gutaussehend, schmuck, schöne, fun: Spaß, Freude, Vergnügen, Scherz, reasonable: vernünftig, angemessen,
attraktiv, nett. Genuß, Humor, Hingabe, Heiterkeit, mäßig, klug, gescheit, anständig,
buttons: Tasten, Knöpfe, Drücker. Glückseligkeit, Geselligkeit, Jubel. verständig, redlich, fair, korrekt,
buy: kaufen, einkaufen, Kauf, sich gilt: Vergoldet, Flittergold, ehrlich.
kaufen. Vergoldete, Goldflitter, Flitter. wrap: einwickeln, wickeln, hüllen.
dear: Lieb, liebe, teuer, lieber, wert, hang: hängen, aufhängen, erhängen, yourself: sich, selbst, sie selbst.
Himmelsbewohner, liebe Person, henken, anhängen.
liebes, hold, Himmlische, quickly: schnell, flugs, schleunig,
8 The Doll's House

NORA.
Spendthrifts--I know. Let us do as you suggest, Torvald, and then I shall have
time to think what I am most in want of. That is a very sensible plan, isn't it?
HELMER.
[smiling] Indeed it is--that is to say, if you were really to save out of the
money I give you, and then really buy something for yourself. But if you
spend it all on the housekeeping and any number of unnecessary things, then
I merely have to pay up again.%
NORA.
Oh but, Torvald--
HELMER.
You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. [Puts his arm round her waist.] It's a
sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One would hardly
believe how expensive such little persons are!
NORA.
It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can.
HELMER.
[laughing] That's very true,--all you can. But you can't save anything!
NORA.
[smiling quietly and happily] You haven't any idea how many expenses we
skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald.
HELMER.
You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always find some new
way of wheedling money out of me, and, as soon as you have got it, it seems
to melt in your hands. You never know where it has gone. Still, one must
take you as you are. It is in the blood; for indeed it is true that you can inherit
these things, Nora.
NORA.
Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities.

German
deny: leugnen, leugnest, leugnet, geerbt, ererbt. geistig, einsichtsvoll.
leugne, verweigern, verweigre, melt: schmelzen, Schmelze, tauen, shame: Scham, Schande, schade, Pfui.
verweigerst, verweigert, verweigere, auftauen, ineinander überlaufen, soul: Seele, Gemüt.
bestreiten, bestreitet. gießen, verwischen, sich verwischen, squirrels: Eichhörnchen.
expenses: Spesen, Kosten, Unkosten, abtauen, verschwimmen. sweet: süß, Bonbon, herzig,
Ausgabe, Auslagen, Aufwand, merely: lediglich, bloß. süßschmeckend, Nachtisch, Dessert,
Aufwendungen, Auslage, Ausgaben. persons: Personen, Leute. lieb.
happily: glücklicherweise, glücklich, qualities: Qualitäten. unnecessary: unnötig, überflüssig,
erfreulicherweise, fröhlich. quietly: ruhig, leise, still, kalm. entbehrlich.
inherit: erben, erbe, erbt, erbst, sensible: vernünftig, gescheit, wheedling: Überreden, Schmeichelnd,
beerben. verständig, bewusst, klug, spürbar, Beschwatzend, Abbettelnd,
inherited: erbtet, erbtest, erbten, erbte, sinnvoll, sachverständig, geschickt, überredend.
 Henrik Ibsen 9

HELMER.
And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, my sweet
little skylark. But, do you know, it strikes me that you are looking rather--
what shall I say--rather uneasy today?
NORA.
Do I?
HELMER.
You do, really. Look straight at me.%
NORA.
[looks at him] Well?
HELMER.
[wagging his finger at her] Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in
town today?
NORA.
No; what makes you think that?
HELMER.
Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's?
NORA.
No, I assure you, Torvald--
HELMER.
Not been nibbling sweets?
NORA.
No, certainly not.
HELMER.
Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?
NORA.
No, Torvald, I assure you really--
HELMER.
There, there, of course I was only joking.

German
assure: versichern, versichere, macaroon: Makrone. kerzengerade.
versicherst, versichert, versichre, makes: macht, fertigt an. strikes: schlägt, streik, aufruhr und
zusichern, sichere zu, sichre zu, nibbling: knabberschneiden, innere Unruhen.
sichert zu, sicherst zu, sichern zu. knabbern, knabbernd. sweets: Süßigkeiten, Nachtisch.
bite: Biss, beißen, bissen, zubeissen, paid: bezahltest, bezahlt, bezahlte, town: Stadt, Kleinstadt, Ort.
anbeißen, Happen, stechen, bezahltet, bezahlten, zahltet, zahlte, uneasy: unruhig, unbehaglich.
schneiden, Knacks. zahltest, gezahlt, zahlten, entrichtetet. visit: besuchen, besuch, besuchst,
breaking: Bruch, Zerstörung, rules: Regeln, Statut, Ordnung, besuche, besucht, besichtigen,
unterbrechend, brechend. Satzungen. besichtige, Besichtigung, besichtigst,
finger: Finger, Befühlen, tasten, straight: gerade, direkt, unmittelbar, aufsuchen, Visite.
fühlen, abtasten. aufrecht, unverfälscht, geradlinig, wish: Wunsch, wünschen, wollen,
joking: scherzend, scherzhaft. offen, rein, rundheraus, gradlinig, Begehr, Lust, Wille, Verlangen.
10 The Doll's House

NORA.
[going to the table on the right] I should not think of going against your
wishes.%
HELMER.
No, I am sure of that; besides, you gave me your word-- [Going up to her.]
Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will all be
revealed tonight when the Christmas Tree is lit, no doubt.
NORA.
Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank?
HELMER.
No. But there is no need; as a matter of course he will come to dinner with us.
However, I will ask him when he comes in this morning. I have ordered some
good wine. Nora, you can't think how I am looking forward to this evening.
NORA.
So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald!
HELMER.
It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe appointment, and a big
enough income. It's delightful to think of, isn't it?
NORA.
It's wonderful!
HELMER.
Do you remember last Christmas? For a full three weeks beforehand you
shut yourself up every evening until long after midnight, making ornaments
for the Christmas Tree, and all the other fine things that were to be a surprise
to us. It was the dullest three weeks I ever spent!
NORA.
I didn't find it dull.
HELMER.
[smiling] But there was precious little result, Nora.

German
beforehand: im Voraus, vorher, zuvor. angenehm, himmlisch, hervorragend, ornaments: Verzierungen,
besides: außerdem, außer, neben, ausgezeichnet. Schmuckstücke, Schmucksteine,
darüber, übrigens, zudem, dull: stumpf, matt, stumpfsinnig, Schmucksachen, Juwelierarbeit,
namentlich, fort, sonstig, weiter, trübe, dumpf, glanzlos, schwach, Schmuck, Bijouterien.
zusätzlich. dumm, trüb, langweilig, fade. perfectly: perfekt, vollkommen, völlig.
darling: Liebling, Schoßkind, dullest: stumpfsinnigste. precious: kostbar, selten, wertvoll,
Schmusekätzchen, Schätzchen, invite: einladen, ladet ein, laden ein, edel.
Gesellschaftstier, Herzchen, lädst ein, lade ein, bitten, auffordern, secrets: Geheimnisse.
Herzenskind. engagieren. splendid: großartig, prächtig, herrlich,
delightful: entzückend, reizend, lit: erleichtert, beleuchtet, erleuchtet. glänzend, hervorragend,
köstlich, formidabel, wunderbar, midnight: Mitternacht, eindrucksvoll, gigantisch, gewaltig,
vorzüglich, vortrefflich, sehr Gespensterstunde. erprobt, glorreich, enorm.
 Henrik Ibsen 11

NORA.
Oh, you shouldn't tease me about that again. How could I help the cat's going
in and tearing everything to pieces?
HELMER.
Of course you couldn't, poor little girl. You had the best of intentions to
please us all, and that's the main thing. But it is a good thing that our hard
times are over.%
NORA.
Yes, it is really wonderful.
HELMER.
This time I needn't sit here and be dull all alone, and you needn't ruin your
dear eyes and your pretty little hands--
NORA.
[clapping her hands] No, Torvald, I needn't any longer, need I! It's
wonderfully lovely to hear you say so! [Taking his arm.] Now I will tell you
how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things, Torvald. As soon as
Christmas is over--[A bell rings in the hall.] There's the bell. [She tidies the
room a little.] There's some one at the door. What a nuisance!
HELMER.
If it is a caller, remember I am not at home.
MAID.
[in the doorway] A lady to see you, ma'am,--a stranger.
NORA.
Ask her to come in.
MAID.
[to HELMER] The doctor came at the same time, sir.
HELMER.
Did he go straight into my room?

German
alone: allein, alleine, einzig, nur, bloß, intentions: Absichten, Vorsatze, verheeren, verleiden, vergällen.
alleinig, einsam. Vorhabene, Absichte. stranger: Fremder, Fremdling,
arrange: anordnen, einrichten, ordnen longer: Länger. Fremde.
an, ordnen, ordnst an, ordnt an, nuisance: Ärgerlichkeit, Ärgernis, tearing: Zeilenreißen, Zerreißen,
richte ein, richtest ein, ordne an, Belästigung, Ärger, lästiges Kind, durchreißend.
richten ein, richtet ein. Missstand, Ergernis, Plage, tease: necken, reizen.
bell: Glocke, Klingel, Schelle, die Ergernisse, lästiger Mensch, Störung. tidies: ordnet.
Klingel, Wecker. ought: sollte, sollen. wonderful: wunderbar, wundervoll,
caller: Anrufer, Besucher. pretty: hübsch, ziemlich, nett, schön. fabelhaft, herrlich, großartig,
doorway: Türöffnung, Eingang, ruin: Ruine, verderben, Ruin, einmalig, entzückend, ergreifend,
Türeingang, Torweg, Öffnung, Loch, Trümmer, ruinieren, umbringen, famos, genial, phantastisch.
Höhlung, Höhle, Grube. Trümmerhaufen, vergiften, wonderfully: wundervoll, wunderbar.
12 The Doll's House

MAID.
Yes, sir.%
[HELMER goes into his room. The MAID ushers in Mrs. LINDE, who is in
travelling dress, and shuts the door.] Mrs. Linde [in a dejected and timid
voice] How do you do, Nora?
NORA.
[doubtfully] How do you do--Mrs. Linde. You don't recognise me, I suppose.
NORA.
No, I don't know--yes, to be sure, I seem to--[Suddenly.] Yes! Christine! Is it
really you?
MRS. LINDE.
Yes, it is I.
NORA.
Christine! To think of my not recognising you! And yet how could I--[In a
gentle voice.] How you have altered, Christine!
MRS. LINDE.
Yes, I have indeed. In nine, ten long years--
NORA.
Is it so long since we met? I suppose it is. The last eight years have been a
happy time for me, I can tell you. And so now you have come into the town,
and have taken this long journey in winter--that was plucky of you.
MRS. LINDE.
I arrived by steamer this morning.
NORA.
To have some fun at Christmas-time, of course. How delightful! We will have
such fun together! But take off your things. You are not cold, I hope. [Helps
her.] Now we will sit down by the stove, and be cosy. No, take this armchair;
I will sit here in the rocking-chair. [Takes her hands.] Now you look like your
old self again; it was only the first moment--You are a little paler, Christine,
and perhaps a little thinner.
German
altered: ändertest, ändertet, geändert, dress: Kleid, anziehen, ankleiden, recognise: eingestehen, erkennen,
änderte, änderten, umgeändert, kleiden, bekleiden, verbinden, anerkennen, zugeben.
ändertet um, änderte um, änderten Kleidung, sichanziehen, das Kleid, recognising: erkennung.
um, ändertest um, verändert. Robe, anlegen. self: Selbst, Selber.
armchair: Lehnstuhl, Sessel, Fauteuil. gentle: sanft, mild, sanftmütig, leise, steamer: Dampfer.
christine: Christine. zahm, nicht nachtragend, duldsam, thinner: Verdünnungsmittel,
cosy: gemütlich, behaglich, samtartig, tolerant, milde, süß. Verdünnung, Farbverdünner.
wohlfühlend, stimmungsvoll, helps: hilfen, hilft. timid: zaghaft, befangen, schüchtern,
gesellig, gemutlich. journey: Reise, Fahrt, Tour, Überfahrt, Furchtsam, scheu, verlegen, bang,
dejected: niedergeschlagen, Seereise, Passage, Fußwanderung. verschämt.
deprimiert, gedrückt, entmutigte, paler: blasser, fahlere. travelling: Umherreisend,
entmutigt, bedrückt, betrübt. plucky: mutig. Herumreisend, Reisend.
 Henrik Ibsen 13

MRS. LINDE.
And much, much older, Nora.%
NORA.
Perhaps a little older; very, very little; certainly not much. [Stops suddenly
and speaks seriously.] What a thoughtless creature I am, chattering away
like this. My poor, dear Christine, do forgive me.
MRS. LINDE.
What do you mean, Nora?
NORA.
[gently] Poor Christine, you are a widow.
MRS. LINDE.
Yes; it is three years ago now.
NORA.
Yes, I knew; I saw it in the papers. I assure you, Christine, I meant ever so
often to write to you at the time, but I always put it off and something always
prevented me.
MRS. LINDE.
I quite understand, dear.
NORA.
It was very bad of me, Christine. Poor thing, how you must have suffered.
And he left you nothing?
MRS. LINDE.
No.
NORA.
And no children?
MRS. LINDE.
No.
NORA.
Nothing at all, then.

German
chattering: plappernd, schnatternd. miserabel, mangelhaft, sehrklein. suffered: litt, littst, littet, litten,
creature: Geschöpf, Lebewesen, prevented: verhindert, verhindertest, gelitten.
Kreatur, Gebilde, Erzeugnis. verhinderten, verhinderte, thoughtless: gedankenlos,
forgive: verzeihen, verzeiht, verzeihst, verhindertet, hindertest, hinderten, rücksichtslos, unüberlegt,
verzeihe, vergeben, vergibst, vergib, gehindert, hinderte, hindertet, unbesonnen, leichtfertig,
vergebt, vergebe, entschuldigen, beugtet vor. geistesabwesend, gedankenlosig,
verzeihung gewären. speaks: Spricht. leichtsinnig, unbedachtsam,
meant: gemeint, bedeutete. stops: Hält an, hört auf, stoppt, Hält, abwesend, waghalsig.
older: älter. stellt ab, bremst, Stillstand, hält auf. widow: Witwe.
papers: Papiere, Papierkram. suddenly: plötzlich, unversehens, jäh, write: schreiben, schreibt, schreibst,
poor: arm, schlecht, armselig, dürftig, unvermittelt, unerwartet, schlagartig, schreibe, verfassen, verfasse, verfaßt,
schwach, ärmlich, mager, ungültig, mit einem Male, auf einmal, abrupt. abfassen, fasse ab, faßt ab, fassen ab.
14 The Doll's House

MRS. LINDE.
Not even any sorrow or grief to live upon.%
NORA.
[looking incredulously at her] But, Christine, is that possible?
MRS. LINDE
[smiles sadly and strokes her hair] It sometimes happens, Nora.
NORA.
So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have three lovely
children. You can't see them just now, for they are out with their nurse. But
now you must tell me all about it.
MRS. LINDE.
No, no; I want to hear about you.
NORA.
No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I must only think of
your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do you know we have just
had a great piece of good luck?
MRS. LINDE.
No, what is it?
NORA.
Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank!
MRS. LINDE.
Your husband? What good luck!
NORA.
Yes, tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an uncertain thing,
especially if he won't undertake unsavoury cases; and naturally Torvald has
never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him. You may imagine
how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the Bank at the New Year,
and then he will have a big salary and lots of commissions. For the future we
can live quite differently--we can do just as we like. I feel so relieved and so

German
commissions: Kommissionen, pleased: zufrieden, erfreut. ungeheuer, gewaltig, fürchterlich,
Aufträge, Ausschüssen. relieved: erleichterten, erleichterte, beängstigend, energisch, fett,
dreadfully: schrecklich. erleichtertest, erleichtertet, formidabel, furchterregend, angst
fancy: Phantasie, sich einbilden, erleichtert. einjagend.
Laune, wähnen, lecker finden, sadly: traurig. undertake: unternehmen,
träumen, erdichten, sich vorstellen, selfish: selbstsüchtig, egoistisch, unternimmst, unternehme,
mögen, gerne essen, gerne trinken. eigennützig. unternimm, unternehmt, sich
grief: Gram, Kummer, Betrübnis, sorrow: Kummer, Sorge, Betrübnis, bemühen, veranstalten, anfangen,
Trauer, Verdruß, Weh, Harm, Ärger, Leid. sich anstrengen, beginnen, trachten
Bekümmernis, Griesgram, strokes: Schicksalsschläge, Striche, nach.
Verdrießlichkeit. Schläge, Schlaganfälle. unsavoury: anstößig, unschmackhaft,
incredulously: ungläubig. tremendous: enorm, riesig, unappetitlich, widerwärtig.
 Henrik Ibsen 15

happy, Christine! It will be splendid to have heaps of money and not need to
have any anxiety, won't it?
MRS. LINDE.
Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs.%
NORA.
No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money.
MRS. LINDE
[smiling] Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you
were a great spendthrift.
NORA.
[laughing] Yes, that is what Torvald says now. [Wags her finger at her.] But
"Nora, Nora" is not so silly as you think. We have not been in a position for
me to waste money. We have both had to work.
MRS. LINDE.
You too?
NORA.
Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind
of thing. [Dropping her voice.] And other things as well. You know Torvald
left his office when we were married? There was no prospect of promotion
there, and he had to try and earn more than before. But during the first year
he over-worked himself dreadfully. You see, he had to make money every
way he could, and he worked early and late; but he couldn't stand it, and fell
dreadfully ill, and the doctors said it was necessary for him to go south.
MRS. LINDE.
You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you?
NORA.
Yes. It was no easy matter to get away, I can tell you. It was just after Ivar was
born; but naturally we had to go. It was a wonderfully beautiful journey, and
it saved Torvald's life. But it cost a tremendous lot of money, Christine.

German
anxiety: Angst, Ängstlichkeit, Unruhe, late: spät, verspätet, verstorben. saved: rettetet, rettetest, retteten,
Beklemmung, Besorgnis. learned: gelernt, lernte, lerntet, rettete, gerettet, speichertest,
anyhow: irgendwie, sowieso, lerntest, lernten, gelehrt, gebildet, speicherten, gespeichert, speicherte,
trotzdem, auf irgendeine Weise, lernen, gesittet, erlerntest, erlernten. speichertet, spartet.
immerhin. naturally: natürlich, normalerweise, schooldays: Schuljahre.
doctors: Doktoren, Ärzte. selbstverständlich. silly: Albern, blöd, dumm.
dropping: abwerfend, Abwerfen, needlework: Näherei, Handarbeit, wags: schalk, wackelt, spaßvogel.
fallenlassend. Nähzeug. waste: Abfall, Verschwendung,
embroidery: Stickerei, Handarbeit. odds: Chancen, Ungleichheit. verschwenden, vergeuden,
ends: enden, endet. promotion: Promotion, Beförderung, verschwende, verschwendet,
heaps: Häuft, Haufen. Förderung. verschwendest, vergeudest,
ill: krank, übel, schlecht, schlimm. prospect: Aussicht, Schürfen. vergeudet, vergeude, Ausschuss.
Other documents randomly have
different content
 CHAPTER VII
A PIECE OF ORIENTAL SILK
“I’Mopened
glad you could come back, Mr. Hunter,” said Brett, as Joshua
the library door of the Carew residence and admitted
Douglas. “Can you stay here all night?”
“If necessary,” replied Douglas, glancing at him in surprise.
“I think it would be best. Mrs. Winthrop is completely unstrung;
her niece, Miss Carew, prostrated from shock, and Mr. Philip
Winthrop in bed with a bad attack of delirium tremens. In such a
household your presence to-night might be invaluable if anything
else were to happen—not that I am anticipating any further trouble
or tragedies.”
“Very well, I will stay,” agreed Douglas.
“’Deed I’se mighty glad ter hyar dat,” volunteered Joshua, who
hovered just inside the door on the pretext of arranging some
furniture. “But I dunno whar I’ll put yo’, suh. Miss Eleanor, she’s in
de gues’ chambah, an’ Annette’s in de room back ob her’s, and de
nusses fo’ Marse Philip has der spar rooms in der third flo’.”
“Never mind, Joshua, I can camp out in this room. That sofa
looks very comfortable,” and Douglas pointed to the large
upholstered davenport which faced the empty fireplace.
“Just a moment, Joshua,” exclaimed Brett, as the old butler
moved toward the door. “Did you see Senator Carew leave the house
yesterday afternoon?”
“No, suh.”
“Did he take luncheon here?”
 “No, suh; he cum in ’bout three o’clock; leastways dat was when
he rung fo’ me, an’ I reckon he’d only jes’ arrived, ’cause he had his
hat an’ coat on his arm.”
“What did he want with you?”
“He axed me why Hamilton hadn’t called fo’ him at de Capitol as
ordered, an’ when I tole him dat Hamilton was a-sittin’ in de stable
doin’ nuffin, he said I was ter go right out an’ send him to de library
—which I done.”
“Did you see Senator Carew after that?”
“Yessir. After ’bout fifteen minutes Hamilton cum out lookin’
mighty black an’ mutterin’ under his breff. Den Marse James rung fo’
me ag’in, an’ sent me to tell Marse Philip dat he wanted ter see him
to onst.”
“Was there anything unusual in Senator Carew’s manner?”
inquired Douglas, who had been listening attentively to the old
darky’s statements.
“He seemed considerable put out, dat was all,” responded
Joshua, after due reflection.
“Was Senator Carew irritable and quick-tempered?”
“Mostly he was real easy-going, but sometimes he had flare-ups,
an’ den it was bes’ ter keep outer his way.”
“Did you find Mr. Winthrop?”
“Yessir. I gib him de message, an’ he went right down to de
lib’ary.”
“Do you know how long Senator Carew and young Winthrop
remained in this room?”
“No, suh. I went ter de fron’ doo’, an’ while in de hall I heard a
regular ruction goin’ on inside dis room.”
“Could you hear what was said?” demanded Brett eagerly.
 Joshua shook his head. “I couldn’t make out a word, but Marse
James’ voice was powerful riz an’ Marse Philip’s, too.”
“Was that the first time that Senator Carew and Mr. Winthrop
have quarreled?”
“Deys had words now and den,” muttered Joshua, evasively.
“About what?” broke in Douglas, sharply.
“Oh, nuffin in particular. Marse James uster get mad with Marse
Philip ’cause he wore so lazy, an’ den he’s been adrinkin’ right smart,
which Marse James didn’t like nuther.”
“Is Mr. Winthrop a heavy drinker?”
“No, suh, but he’s been adrinkin’ pretty steady fo’ de pas’ three
months.”
“Have you any idea, Joshua, what caused the quarrel yesterday
afternoon?”
“Well, it mighter started over Hamilton. Marse Philip persuaded
Marse James to keep him las’ fall when he was ’bout to discharge
him fo’ bein’ impertinent.”
“Did Senator Carew give you a letter to mail yesterday afternoon,
or a note to deliver for him?” inquired Douglas thoughtfully.
“No, suh, he did not,” Joshua declared with firmness.
“How long have you been with Senator Carew, Joshua?”
“Most thirty years, suh. I worked fust fo’ his father, der ole
Gineral. Ef yo’ doan want me fo’ nuffin’ mo’, gen’man, I reckon I’ll go
an’ close up de house fo’ de night.”
“All right, Joshua,” and the butler beat a hasty retreat.
Douglas took out his cigarette case and handed it to Brett.
“Formed any new theory?” he asked, striking a match and applying it
to the cigarette between his lips.
 Brett did not answer at once. “The inquest will make Winthrop
and Joshua talk. I am convinced neither of them has told all he
knows of this affair,” he said finally.
Douglas nodded in agreement. “But the inquest will have to be
postponed now. Winthrop is in no shape to appear before it.”
“And Miss Carew, who is an equally important witness, is still
confined to her bed,” volunteered Brett. “Miss Thornton tells me that
she cries whenever the subject of the murder is mentioned, and that
she is completely unstrung by the tragedy.”
“By the way, who is this Miss Thornton?” asked Douglas. “And
what does she look like?”
“She is a cousin of Mrs. Truxton, of Georgetown”—Douglas
whistled in surprise; Brett glanced at him sharply, then continued: “I
am told she is Miss Carew’s most intimate friend, although about five
years older. Miss Thornton must be about twenty-three. She is tall
and dark, and has the most magnificent blue eyes I have ever seen
in a woman’s head.”
Douglas drew in his breath sharply. “It must be the same girl
whom I knew in Paris, but I had no idea then that she was related to
old family friends of mine in Georgetown.” He changed the
conversation abruptly. “Come, Brett, what theory have you formed?”
he asked again with more emphasis.
“I think both Winthrop and Hamilton have a guilty knowledge of
Senator Carew’s death, but how deeply Winthrop is implicated we
have yet to learn.”
“But the motive?” argued Douglas. “It is highly improbable that
Winthrop killed the Senator because he discharged a worthless
servant.”
“If we could find that letter which I am convinced the Senator
was writing when Winthrop entered the room yesterday afternoon,
we would know the motive fast enough,” retorted Brett.
“Have you searched Carew’s belongings?”
 “Yes, all of them, and all the furniture in his bedroom, sitting-
room, and bath, as well as the rooms on this floor; but I couldn’t
find a trace of it. I have also thoroughly searched his office at the
Capitol.”
“Did you think to examine the landau? The Senator might
possibly have tucked it under the carriage seat.”
“I thought of that, and examined the interior of the carriage, but
there is no possible place where a letter could be concealed. The
carriage has recently been reupholstered in leather and there’s no
crack or tear where an envelope could slip through.”
“Have you inquired at the different messenger services in town?”
“Yes, but there is no record at any of their offices that Senator
Carew sent for a messenger to deliver a note yesterday afternoon or
night. I also sent word to the post-office officials asking to have an
outlook kept, and a search made for a letter franked by Senator
Carew and postmarked yesterday.”
“It’s exceedingly doubtful if you get any results from that quarter,
when you don’t know when or where such a letter was posted or to
what city it was addressed.”
“The frank may help,” Brett glanced at the clock. “Eleven-thirty—I
must be going.” He rose. “Did you meet with any success, Mr.
Hunter, in the inquiries you said you would make this afternoon?”
“In a way, yes. Winthrop was at the Alibi Club, taking supper with
Captain Stanton. But Julian Wallace, who was one of the party, told
me that Winthrop left the club about twelve-thirty.”
Brett whistled. “And he did not reach this house until three hours
later! I am afraid friend Winthrop will have much to explain when he
recovers his senses.”
“Hold on; the Carew carriage returned here a few minutes before
one o’clock—when the Senator was found dead inside it. That only
left Winthrop less than half an hour to get from the club to Mrs.
Owen’s residence, a considerable distance, and commit the murder.”
 “It’s not impossible for a man in a motor,” declared Brett sharply.
“I thought Senator Carew only kept horses,” exclaimed Douglas.
“And so he did, but Winthrop owns an Oldsmobile roadster. I was
here at the house when he arrived this morning. The machine has a
cover and wind-shield, so he was fairly well protected from the rain.
As I said before, Winthrop will have much to explain. I hope you will
have an undisturbed night, Mr. Hunter; I told Joshua and the nurses
to call you if anything is needed.”
“Don’t worry about me,” laughed Douglas, as the two men
stepped into the hall. “I’ve camped out in much worse places than
this room.”
“Well, good night. I’ll be here the first thing in the morning,” and
Brett pulled open the door and ran down the steps.
As Douglas replaced the night latch on the front door, Joshua
joined him.
“I brunged yo’ dis ’comfort’,” raising a soft eiderdown quilt, which
he carried tucked on his left arm. “I thought yo’ might like it over yo’
on der sofa.”
“Thanks very much,” exclaimed Douglas, taking it from him.
Joshua followed him to the library door. “I ain’t goin’ ter bed,” he
explained. “I couldn’t sleep no-how,” the soft, drawling voice held a
touch of pathos, “Marse James was mighty kind ter me—and thirty
years is a mighty long time ter be ’sociated in de fam’bly. So I jes’
reckon I’ll sit on der window-seat in der hall. Ef yo’ want anythin’
jest let me know, Marse Hunter.”
“All right, Joshua. I’ll leave this door open, so you can call me if I
am needed. Good night.”
Douglas placed the door ajar, and walked over to the well-filled
bookcases, and, after some deliberation, selected a book and sat
down in the revolving chair. The book held his attention and he read
on and on. He finished the last chapter and tossed the volume on
the table, then glanced at the clock, the dial of which registered
two-thirty. The upholstered davenport, which stood with its back
resting against the length of the desk table, looked inviting, and
Douglas rose, extinguished the light, and walked over and lay down.
After placing several sofa cushions under his head he pulled the
eiderdown quilt over him, as he felt chilly. The added warmth and
the softness of the couch were most grateful to his tired body. He
was drowsily conscious of the clock striking; then his last thought
was of Eleanor Thornton—beautiful Eleanor Thornton—strange that
they should meet again; why, he had actually run away from her in
Paris—a few minutes more and he was sound asleep.
 “He made out a shadowy form just ahead of him and
darted forward”

Some time later Douglas opened his sleepy eyes, then closed
them again drowsily. The room was in total darkness. As he lay
listening to the tick-tock of the clock he became conscious that he
was not alone in the room. Instantly he was wide awake. He pulled
out his matchbox, only to find it empty. As he lay a moment
debating what he should do, a soft, small hand was laid on his
forehead. He felt the sudden shock which his presence gave the
intruder, for the fingers tightened convulsively on his forehead, then
were hastily removed. He threw out his hands to catch the intruder,
but they closed on empty space.
Swiftly and noiselessly Douglas rose to his feet and stepped
softly around the end of the davenport, hands outstretched, groping
for what he could not see. Suddenly, his eyes grown accustomed to
the darkness, he made out a shadowy form just ahead of him and
darted forward. His foot caught in the long wire of the desk
telephone and, dragging the instrument clattering with him, he fell
forward, striking his face and forehead against the edge of the open
door.
“Fo’ de lub ob Hebben!” gasped Joshua, awakened out of a
sound sleep, and scared almost out of his wits. “Marse Hunter!
Marse Hunter! Whar yo’ at?”
“Here,” answered Douglas. “Turn on the hall light; then come to
me.”
Obediently Joshua groped his way to the button and switched on
the light, after which he hastened into the library and did the same
there. Douglas, who sat on the floor nursing a bleeding nose,
blinked as the strong light met his dazed eyes.
“Did you see anyone leave this room, Joshua?” he demanded.
“No, suh.” The butler’s eyes were rolling about to an alarming
extent, showing the whites against his black face, which had grown
gray with fright. “’Twarn’t no one ter see—it must ter been a harnt.”
“Nonsense,” exclaimed Douglas heatedly. The telephone bell was
keeping up a dull clicking as the sleepy central tried to find out what
was wanted, and he leaned over and replaced the receiver on the
hook as he picked up the instrument. “No ghost put out your hall
light, and no ghost wears clothes. I caught the intruder’s gown, and
if it hadn’t ripped away I’d have caught her.” As he spoke he opened
his right hand and disclosed a torn piece of oriental silk.
 CHAPTER VIII
KISMET
“GOOD morning, Uncle Dana.”
The tall, distinguished looking, gray-haired man standing in front
of the mantel wheeled around with a visible start of surprise.
“Good Lord! Eleanor, I didn’t hear you enter the room. How
silently you move, dear.”
Eleanor’s pretty mouth dimpled into a smile as she kissed her
uncle warmly. “I’ll send you an ear-trumpet,” she declared, saucily.
“Come and sit by me on this sofa. Did you get my note this
morning?”
“How like a woman!” He dropped down on the comfortable
rosewood sofa with a sigh of content. “Of course I received it—why
otherwise should I be here?”
“Then you will take the case?” she asked eagerly.
“I am not a criminal lawyer.”
Eleanor’s face fell. “Oh, don’t refuse,” she begged earnestly.
“Dear Mrs. Winthrop needs some one to watch her interests, and if,
later on, occasion requires a criminal lawyer, which pray Heaven may
not be, you can then engage one for her. She was so relieved when I
suggested sending for you.”
“In what way does Mrs. Winthrop need my services?”
“Why, to take charge of everything”—vaguely. “A man in
authority is required here at once.”
“Where is Philip?”
“Philip!” Eleanor’s tone spoke her contempt. “He is sick in bed—a
trained nurse in attendance”—then added quickly, answering her
uncle’s unspoken question—“too much dissipation has again caused
his downfall.”
“Um! I don’t envy Mrs. Winthrop her precious stepson.” Colonel
Thornton’s pleasant face hardened, and Eleanor, seeing her
advantage, pressed the point.
“Mrs. Winthrop is almost overwhelmed with anxiety and sorrow,
which she has practically to face alone. Do, Uncle Dana, if it is
possible, take some of this dreadful responsibility off her shoulders.”
“I will do what I can,” announced the Colonel, after a moment’s
deliberation.
Eleanor clapped her hands. “Dear Uncle Dana! I knew you would,
when you thought it over. Just a moment—I’ll send word to Mrs.
Winthrop that you are here; she wants to see you.”
Joshua was in the hall, and to him Eleanor confided her message
for Mrs. Winthrop, then returned to the drawing-room and seated
herself on the sofa by her uncle.
“Did you ever know anyone in Georgetown named Douglas
Hunter?” she inquired.
“Douglas Hunter—Douglas—why, surely, he must be the young
son of John Hunter who used to be a neighbor of mine in
Georgetown. Cousin Kate Truxton can tell you all about the Hunters.
She was an intimate friend of John’s wife. The Hunters belong to the
F. F. V.’s. Why do you ask about Douglas?”
“Joshua told me that he spent last night here, and that he is
taking a deep interest in the mystery surrounding Senator Carew’s
tragic death.”
“You must be mistaken,” exclaimed Thornton, glancing at her in
surprise. “To the best of my recollection Douglas Hunter entered the
consular service very soon after he left college; then Carew evinced
an interest in his career and had him transferred into the Diplomatic
Service. He’s not a detective, child.”
 “Well, he’s acting as if he were one—prying around”—Eleanor
checked her hasty speech and rose as the portières parted, and Mrs.
Winthrop advanced into the room. She was a well-known figure in
Washington society. Although small of stature, her erect carriage and
graceful movements made her seem taller than she really was. She
was said to have the longest calling list in Washington, and,
although an aristocrat to her fingertips, she had friends and
acquaintances in every walk in life, for she possessed the true spirit
of democracy which springs from a kind heart and does not ape
humility. She had been of inestimable assistance to her brother,
Senator Carew, during his political career.
As Colonel Thornton bowed low over her small, blue-veined
hand, he noticed the heavy lines and dark shadows which fatigue
and sorrow had traced under her eyes, and his hand closed over
hers in silent sympathy.
“It is good of you to come, Colonel,” she began, seating herself in
a large armchair next the sofa, “and still kinder to offer to advise
me, I feel stunned”—she put her hand to her head with a gesture
pathetic in its helplessness, and her sad eyes filled with unbidden
tears. Eleanor put out her hand, and it was instantly clasped by the
older woman. “Forgive me, Colonel.” She blinked the tears away, and
by a visible effort regained her lost composure. “My brother was very
dear to me, and——”
“I know no man who had more friends,” replied Thornton gravely,
as she paused and bit her trembling lips.
“Exactly, therefore his violent death seems monstrous!” declared
Mrs. Winthrop. “Who would commit such a deed? My brother’s
greatest fault was his kind heart—he accomplished so much good
unobtrusively. Now, Colonel, the first thing I wish to consult you
about is offering a reward for the discovery of his murderer. Can you
arrange it for me?”
“Certainly. I think it a wise suggestion. How much shall it be?”
Thornton drew out his notebook.
 “Five thousand dollars;” then, noting Thornton’s expression,
asked: “You think it too much?”
“It would perhaps be better to commence with a smaller sum—
say one thousand dollars—then you can increase it, if that amount
brings no results.”
“That is a capital plan. Well, James, what is it?” to the footman
who had entered a second before and approached her chair.
“Mr. Brett wants to know, ma’am, if you will see him an’ Mister
Hunter fo’ a few minutes. They want to ax yo’ a few questions.”
Mrs. Winthrop glanced interrogatively at Thornton. “What shall I
do?”
“Perhaps it would be just as well to see them,” he replied.
“Very well. James, show the gentlemen in here,” and, as the
servant hastened out of the room, she turned to her two guests.
“You must be present at this interview, and I depend on you, Colonel
Thornton, to check any undue inquisitiveness on the part of the
detective.”
“I will, madam,” and Thornton’s grim tone conveyed more than
the mere words. He ranked as one of the leaders of the District bar,
and few opposing lawyers dared take liberties with him when trying
a case.
Eleanor made a motion to rise, but Mrs. Winthrop checked her
with a low-toned “Wait, dear,” as Brett, followed by Douglas Hunter,
strode into the room.
Mrs. Winthrop acknowledged Brett’s bow with a courteous
inclination of her head, but, as he murmured Douglas’ name in
introducing him, she rose and shook hands with him.
“I have frequently heard my brother speak of you, Mr. Hunter,”
she said, “and have regretted not meeting you before,” and, as
Douglas voiced his thanks, she added, “Eleanor, Mr. Hunter”—and
Douglas gazed deep into the beautiful eyes which had haunted his
memory since their last meeting in Paris. For one second his glance
held hers, while a soft blush mantled her cheeks; then Colonel
Thornton stepped forward briskly and extended his hand.
“No need of an introduction here, Douglas,” he said heartily. “I
should have known you anywhere from your likeness to your father,
though I haven’t seen you since you wore knickerbockers.”
“I haven’t forgotten ‘Thornton’s Nest,’ nor you either, Colonel,”
exclaimed Douglas, clasping his hand warmly. “I about lived on your
grounds before I went to boarding school.”
“Pray be seated, gentlemen,” and, in obedience to Mrs.
Winthrop’s gesture, Douglas pulled up a chair near hers, while Brett
and Colonel Thornton did likewise. “Now, Mr. Brett, what do you
wish to ask me?”
“Have you any idea where Senator Carew dined the night of his
death?”
“Not the slightest,” was the positive reply.
“Was it your brother’s custom not to inform you where he was
dining?” asked Brett.
“Stop a moment,” Thornton held up a protesting hand. “Mrs.
Winthrop, you cannot be compelled to answer questions put to you
by Mr. Brett; he has no legal right to examine you now.”
“I am quite aware of that, Colonel Thornton,” put in Brett
composedly; “I am asking these questions that I may gain a little
more light on this mystery. I only saw Mrs. Winthrop for a short time
yesterday, and, while I do not wish to intrude, I feel that I can
accomplish better results by a longer talk. This tragedy must be
investigated thoroughly.”
“Very true; but you forget, Mr. Brett, that the inquest is the
proper place for bringing out testimony. Mrs. Winthrop will have to
appear before it, and, until that is held, she must not be pestered
with questions or harrowed by intrusions.”
 “I am willing to answer all questions within reason,” said Mrs.
Winthrop, before the detective could reply. “If you mean, Mr. Brett,
that Senator Carew was secretive about his movements, you are
mistaken. On the contrary, he was most open and above board in his
dealings with me. Occasionally, when hurried, he did not tell me his
plans for the day, but, as a general thing, I knew all his social
engagements.”
“Ah, his social engagements,” echoed Brett, “how about his
official engagements, Mrs. Winthrop?”
“With those I had nothing to do. I never meddled in my brother’s
political or official career; that was out of my province,” was the calm
reply.
“Then you think it likely that he dined with some of his official
colleagues?”
“I am unable to express an opinion on the subject.”
“You had better ask his private secretary what engagements he
made for Monday, and with whom he was last seen,” broke in
Thornton.
“Mr. Philip Winthrop is in no condition to answer questions now.
He will be examined before the coroner’s inquest when able to leave
his room.”
“Then I do not see the object of this interview,” objected
Thornton. “Young Mr. Winthrop is better able to tell you of Senator
Carew’s movements that day than Mrs. Winthrop.”
“I cannot wait so long.” Brett shook his head decidedly. “What
clews there are will grow cold, and I cannot afford to risk that. I am
deeply interested in clearing up this terrible affair.”
“And do you think I am less so?” demanded Mrs. Winthrop
indignantly. “On the contrary, Mr. Brett, I will move Heaven and
earth to find the perpetrator of that dastardly deed. I have just told
Colonel Thornton that I will offer a reward of one thousand dollars
for information leading to the criminal’s arrest.”
 “Ah, then you do not think the negro coachman, Hamilton,
guilty?” put in Brett quickly.
“I have not said so,” but Mrs. Winthrop looked disconcerted for a
second, then regained her usual serenity. “My idea in offering the
reward was to assist your investigation, and Colonel Thornton
agreed with me that it was an excellent plan.”
“Mrs. Winthrop,” the detective spoke with greater distinctness,
“was Senator Carew on good terms with all the members of his
family?”
“He was, sir, with members of this household.” Mrs. Winthrop
hesitated briefly, then continued, “I think that I had better tell you
that, since his return from Panama a short time ago, my brother
received a number of threatening letters.”
“Indeed,” Brett’s tone betrayed his satisfaction. “Can I see the
letters?”
“Unfortunately my brother destroyed the one he showed me.”
“What was its contents?” inquired Brett.
“To the best of my recollection the message, which was written in
an obviously disguised writing, read somewhat like this:
“‘Your movements are watched. If you act, you die’.”
“Did you see the envelope?” asked Brett, as he jotted down the
words in his memorandum book.
“No. At the time my brother showed it to me he told me that he
had received several others; that he had no idea to what they
referred; and that he never paid attention to anonymous
communications.”
“I see.” Brett thoughtfully replaced his notebook in his pocket.
“Can I talk to your niece, Miss Cynthia Carew?”
Mrs. Winthrop shook her head. “She is still too prostrated to be
interviewed.”
 “Poor little soul! It was a ghastly experience for her,” ejaculated
Colonel Thornton.
“It was indeed,” agreed Mrs. Winthrop. “She was devoted to her
uncle, and he to her. Consequently the shock has driven her half out
of her mind.”
“Miss Thornton—” Brett turned and faced Eleanor—“do you know
to whom Miss Carew referred when she exclaimed on greeting you
yesterday afternoon: ‘They quarreled, Eleanor, they quarreled!’”
Mrs. Winthrop caught her breath sharply.
“Why, her words referred to Hamilton, the coachman,” replied
Eleanor quietly, and her eyes did not waver before Brett’s stern
glance.
The detective broke the short silence which followed. “I won’t
detain you longer, Mrs. Winthrop. I am exceedingly obliged to you
for the information you have furnished. Mr. Hunter, are you coming
down town?”
Douglas nodded an affirmative as he rose. Mrs. Winthrop and
Colonel Thornton detained Brett with a question as he was leaving
the room. Douglas seized his opportunity, and crossed over to
Eleanor’s side.
“How have you been since I saw you last, Miss Thornton?” he
inquired.
“Very well, thanks. And you?”—Eleanor inspected him with good-
natured raillery: “You look—as serious as ever.”
Douglas reddened. “It has been my lot in life to have to take
things seriously. I’m not such a Puritan as you evidently think me.”
“Come and see me, and perhaps on better acquaintance”—she
paused.
“What?”
 “You will improve.” Her charming, roguish smile robbed the words
of their sting.
“You think then that I am an acquired taste?”
“I have not seen enough of you to know.”
“When may I call on you?”
She parried the question with another.
“Why did you leave Paris without saying good-bye to me?”
The simple question sobered Douglas. It brought back an
unpleasant recollection best forgotten. Eleanor’s bewitching
personality had always exerted an extraordinary influence over him.
He found himself watching her every movement, instinct with grace,
and eagerly waiting to catch her smile. In Paris he had often cursed
himself for a fool, even when attending a reception just to catch a
glimpse of her. She was a born coquette, and could no more help
enjoying an innocent flirtation than a kitten could help frolicking. It
was her intense femininity which had first attracted him. Frightened
at the influence she unconsciously exerted over him, he had
deliberately avoided her—and Fate had thrown them together again.
It was Kismet! Therefore, why not enjoy the goods the gods
provided and be thankful?
“‘Time and tide wait for no man,’” he quoted. “I had to catch a
steamer at a moment’s notice, hence the ‘P. P. C.’ card. Please show
your forgiveness, and let me call.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Why, I’ll come anyway.”
Eleanor’s eyes twinkled. “Bravo. I like the spirit of young
Lochinvar.”
“He came out of the West, whereas I come out of the East.”
“Oh, well, extremes meet.”
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