tried to crush my love. But it grew stronger each day,--it grew
like a thorn into my heart. Yet, that did not matter. As long as I
knew you loved Hrafnhild, I felt a greater obligation to my sister
than to my love. But not any longer. Even were I to sacrifice all
now, what would she gain, since you don't care for her?

INGOLF. I'll try to break off our engagement as gently as
possible.

KRISTRUN. You promised to do it, before the sun sets to-night.

INGOLF. Surely, when I tell her I don't love her, she won't try to
hold me any longer.

KRISTRUN [looks at him suspiciously. In order to evade her glance,
he bends over and takes her in his arms].

INGOLF. I will raise you, slowly and carefully, like a cup brimful
of intoxicating wine. [Kisses her a long time. Raises her up. They
hear footsteps outside, and listen.]

INGOLF. It is Hrafnhild. [Loosens his embrace.]

KRISTRUN [throws her arms around his neck, and clings to him]. Why
don't you want her to see?

INGOLF [trying to free himself]. You are not so heartless,
Kristrun!

HADDA PADDA [opens the door. In her hand, she has a bouquet of