NILS LYKKE. Papers? Ay, true, the papers!
OLAF SKAKTAVL. Doubtless you have them with you?
NILS LYKKE. Of course; safely bestowed; so safely that I cannot
at once----
(Appears to search the inner pockets of his doublet; says to
himself:)
Who the devil is he? What pretext shall I make? I may be on
the brink of great discoveries----
(Notices that the Servants are laying the table and lighting
the lamps in the Banquet Hall, and says to OLAF SKAKTAVL:)
Ah, I see Lady Inger has taken order for the evening meal. We
could perhaps better talk of our affairs at table.
OLAF SKAKTAVL. Good; as you will.
NILS LYKKE (aside). Time gained--all gained!
(To LADY INGER with a show of great friendliness.)
And meanwhile we might learn what part Lady Inger Gyldenlove
purposes to take in our design?
LADY INGER. I?--None.
NILS LYKKE AND OLAF SKAKTAVL. None!
LADY INGER. Can ye marvel, noble Sirs, that I venture not on
a game, wherein all is staked on one cast? And that, too, when
none of my allies dare trust me fully.
NILS LYKKE. That reproach touches not me. I trust you blindly;
I pray you be assured of that.
OLAF SKAKTAVL. Who should believe in you, if not your countrymen?
LADY INGER. Truly,--this confidence rejoices me.
(Goes to a cupboard in the back wall and fills two goblets
with wine.)
NILS LYKKE (aside). Curse her, will she slip out of the noose?
LADY INGER (hands a goblet to each). And since so it is, I
offer you a cup of welcome to Ostrat. Drink, noble knights!
Pledge me to the last drop!
(Looks from one to the other after they have drunk, and says
gravely:)
But now I must tell you--one goblet held a welcome for my friend;
the other--death for my enemy.
NILS LYKKE (throws down the goblet). Ah, I am poisoned!
OLAF SKAKTAVL (at the same time, clutches his sword). Death and
hell, have you murdered me?
LADY INGER (to OLAF SKAKTAVL, pointing to NILS LYKKE.) You see
the Danes' trust in Inger Gyldenlove----
(To NILS LYKKE, pointing to OLAF SKAKTAVL.)
----and likewise my countrymen's faith in me!
(To both of them.)
And I am to place myself in your power? Gently, noble Sirs--
gently! The Lady of Ostrat is not yet in her dotage.
(ELINA GYLDENLOVE enters by the door on the left.)
ELINA. I heard voices! What is amiss?
LADY INGER (to NILS LYKKE). My daughter Elina.
NILS LYKKE (softly). Elina! I had not pictured her thus.
(ELINA catches sight of NILS LYKKE, and stands still, as in
surprise, gazing at him.)