daughter!"

BIORN. And was it not matter enough for pride?

ELINA. You told me so often enough, Biorn! Oh, you told me so
many tales in those days. (Presses his hand.) Thanks for them
all! Now, tell me one more; it might make me light of heart again,
as of old.

BIORN. You are a child no longer.

ELINA. Nay, indeed! But let me dream that I am.--Come, tell on!

(Throws herself into a chair. BIORN sits in the chimney-corner.)

BIORN. Once upon a time there was a high-born knight----

ELINA (who has been listening restlessly in the direction of the
hall, seizes his arm and breaks out in a vehement whisper). Hush!
No need to shout so loud; I can hear well!

BIORN (more softly). Once upon a time there was a high-born
knight, of whom there went the strange report----

(ELINA half-rises and listens in anxious suspense in the
direction of the hall.)

BIORN. Mistress Elina, what ails you?

ELINA (sits down again). Me? Nothing. Go on.

BIORN. Well, as I was saying, when he did but look straight in
a woman's eyes, never could she forget it after; her thoughts must
follow him wherever he went, and she must waste away with sorrow.

ELINA. I have heard that tale---- ---- And, moreover, 'tis no
tale you are telling, for the knight you speak of is Nils Lykke,
who sits even now in the Council of Denmark----

BIORN. May be so.

ELINA. Well, let it pass--go on!

BIORN. Now it happened once----

ELINA (rises suddenly). Hush; be still!

BIORN. What now? What is the matter?

ELINA. It _is_ there! Yes, by the cross of Christ it _is_
there!

BIORN (rises). What is there? Where?

ELINA. It is she--in the hall. (Goes hastily towards the hall.)

BIORN (following). How can you think----? Mistress Elina, go
to your chamber!

ELINA. Hush; stand still! Do not move; do not let her see you!
Wait--the moon is coming out. Can you not see the black-robed
figure----?

BIORN. By all the holy----!

ELINA. Do you see--she turns Knut Alfson's picture to the wall.
Ha-ha; be sure it looks her too straight in the eyes!

BIORN. Mistress Elina, hear me!

ELINA (going back towards the fireplace). Now I know what I
know!

BIORN (to himself). Then it is true!

ELINA. Who was it, Biorn? Who was it?

BIORN. You saw as plainly as I.

ELINA. Well? Whom did I see?

BIORN. You saw your mother.

ELINA (half