[The Preceding except THORGJERD.]
ARNE. [To LADY KIRSTEN.] He lies! Do not believe him!
HEMMING. But it is nevertheless true,--the tale of the bride who
disappeared on the eve of her wedding.
ARNE. Aye, that was many years ago; nowadays such things never
happen. But we'll all help to find him.
INGEBORG. It was not sung at my cradle that I should run about
in forest and field to find my bridegroom.
ARNE. Be still!
INGEBORG. If he is enthralled in the mountain, then let her take
him who has done it; I don't propose to share my betrothed's
heart and soul.
HEMMING. [Softly and feelingly.] The Lord bless you for those
words!
INGEBORG. [With a haughty look of dismissal.] What?
ARNE. Will you be silent, I say!
ARNE. [To the Guests.] Now quick, my good men! Spread out and
search for him on every ridge and in every hillock! Away! Quite
so! Tomorrow we drink to the wedding!
[The Guests and LADY KIRSTEN's People go out in different groups
to the right and the left.]
ARNE. [Softly, to LADY KIRSTEN.] We must find him! It would
cause me eternal shame if the wedding--
LADY KIRSTEN. Come, then, come!
INGEBORG. [Softly, to HEMMING, who stands downcast.] Why do you
not go with the rest? Better it were that you brought me again
my betrothed than stand here thus and bless me for words I really
don't mean.
ARNE. [At the exit.] Come, come!
INGEBORG. [To HEMMING, who starts to go.] Wait, Hemming!
Fasten my shoe buckle!
[LADY KIRSTEN and ARNE go out to the left.]
* * * * *