HADDA PADDA. You may feel safe now. I won't be the shadow in your
sunny path. ... I don't love you any longer, Ingolf. [Ingolf and
Kristrun look at her amazed.]

HADDA PADDA. Nor do I bear you a grudge ... that is why I can tell
you this.

INGOLF. I always knew you were high-minded, Hrafnhild, but--

HADDA PADDA. And Runa, dear, won't we be the same friendly sisters
we have always been? [Strokes her hair.] Do you want to see that I
love you as much as ever? [Takes her hand.] Come, let me take you
in my arms.

KRISTRUN [bursting into tears, she throws herself into Hadda's
arms]. Hadda, dear--

HADDA PADDA [presses Kristrun violently to her breast].

KRISTRUN [throwing her head back]. Hadda, Hadda, you are hurting
me!

HADDA PADDA [lets go of her--turns to Ingolf]. And now I would
like to speak to you for a moment. May I?

INGOLF. Yes, certainly.

HADDA PADDA, Oh, there's Helga. She is looking for me, Runa, dear,
may I say a few words to Ingolf? You meet Helga, and start for