RANNVEIG. It's a strange joy then, to want to make other people
miserable! To use the beauty God has given her, against those who
cannot resist it. ... Why do you suppose the new engineer has
stopped coming here since the son of the Chief Justice returned
from Copenhagen--and he seemed like such a sweet boy too! It is
not the first or the second time she has changed her mind.

HADDA PADDA. When a true and deep love comes to her, she will not
change her mind.

RANNVEIG. It's no use to stand up for her; she wheedles them all.

HADDA PADDA. But still you told me, dear, that you would be fonder
of me if I did not marry.

RANNVEIG. How can you say that, Hadda dear? I said that marriage
doesn't always bring happiness. HADDA PADDA. I know. You told me
that only to console me, because I am now twenty-six years old.
Runa is nineteen, prettier than most girls, and a wild little imp,
surrounded by young men all the time. And they play upon her
vanity only to make her cruel. [Stands up.]

RANNVEIG. At her age you were prettier, and are, still, but you
were not like that. No, she hasn't your character.

KRISTRUN [enters from behind]. The prince is coming! [Rannveig
gathers her knitting, and drops the yarn. Kristrun jumps at it
like a cat, and catches it.] Now I'll dance for you, Veiga dear.
[She whirls around her, singing, yarn in hand, twisting the thread
around the old woman. They listen for footsteps. Rannveig slips