heal it;—was there aught for me to choose? And yet, had I known what I now know, I scarce dare answer for myself; for great is the might of love.
Hiördis.
[With animation.] But now, Sigurd!—A baleful hap has held us apart all these years; now the knot is loosed; the days to come shall make good the past to us.
Sigurd.
[Shaking his head.] It cannot be; thou knowest we must part again.
Hiördis.
Nay, we must not. I love thee, that may I now say unashamed; for my love is no mere dalliance, like a weak woman's; were I a man—by all the Mighty Ones, I could still love thee, even as now I do! Up then, Sigurd! Happiness is worth a daring deed; we are both free if we but will it, and then the game is won.
Sigurd.
Free? What meanest thou?
Hiördis.
What is Dagny to thee? What can she be to thee? No more than I count Gunnar in my secret heart. What matter though two worthless lives be wrecked?
Sigurd.
Hiördis, Hiördis!
Hiördis.
Let Gunnar stay where he is; let Dagny fare
