[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.]