Dagny.
I will not meet Sigurd. Too well I feel that we must part; but to meet him <g>now</g>—no, no, I cannot! [Goes out to the left.
Hiördis.
[Looks after her in silence for a moment.] And it was she I would have[Completes her thought by a glance at the bow-string]. That had been a poor revenge;—nay, I have cut deeper now! 'Tis hard to die, but sometimes harder still to live! Sigurd enters from the back.
Hiördis.
Belike it is Gunnar thou seekest; be seated, he will be here even now. [Is going.
Sigurd.
Nay, stay; it is thee I seek, rather than him.
Hiördis.
Me?
Sigurd.
And 'tis well I find thee alone.
Hiördis.
If thou comest to mock me, it would sure be no hindrance to thee though the hall were full of men and women.
Sigurd.
Ay, ay, well I know what thoughts thou hast of me.
Hiördis.
[Bitterly.] I do thee wrong mayhap! Nay, nay,
