ars of renunciation and self-sacrifice, and was so proud
of. But it won't obey me when you speak to me. Your words possess me in
spite of myself. If there is any happiness on earth, it is to find one's
every thought faultlessly understood. But that happiness brings a pain
with it--for me, at any rate. No, don't answer! You are too strong for
me; because I love you--love you as only one can who has never believed
such joy could exist or could possibly come to her--and now the depths
of my peace are troubled with the thought that it is treachery to my
child.

Hagbart. But you know that it is not!

Leonarda. I don't know. Let me have time to think! I am afraid, and
my fear revives forgotten memories. More than that--I am afraid of the
immensity of my love for you, afraid of dragging you with me into a
whirlpool of disaster!--No, don't answer! Don't touch me!--Hagbart, do
you love me?

Hagbart. Can you ask that?

Leonarda. Then help me! Go away!--Be generous. Let my heart know this
triumph and see you in its glorious rays! Other women do not need that,
perhaps--but I need it--go!

Hagbart. Leonarda!

Leonarda. Wait till you hear from me. It will not be long. Whatever
happens, be patient--and remember, I love you!--No, don't say anything!
I have neither courage nor strength for anything more. (Her voice sinks
to a whisper.) Go! (He turns to go.) Hagbart! (He stops.) What you have
said to me to-day has given me the greatest happiness of my life. But
your going away now without a word will be more to me than all you have
sail. (He goes out.)

Leonarda (stands for some moments in a kind of ecstasy, moves, and
stands still again. Suddenly she calls out): Aagot!

Aagot (from without). Are you there?

Leonarda. My dear child! (Goes out, and cones in again with AAGOT in her
arms.) Did you walk?

Aagot. The whole way! (She is carrying her hat in her hand, appears hot
and sunburnt, and bears evident signs of laving made a long journey on
foot. She takes off a knapsack which she has been carrying on her back.)
I washed in a brook to-day and used it as a looking-glass as well!

Leonarda. Have you been walking all night?

Aagot. No; I slept for a little while at Opsal, but I was out by
sunrise. It was lovely!

Leonarda. And I have just been arranging to send and fetch you.

Aagot. Really? Well, they can fetch my things. I could not wait any
longer.

Leonarda. You look so well.

Aagot. Oh, that is because I am so su