INGOLF. Now I am—Do you still doubt? I lived behind a dark, dark wall. Through a crack in the wall a streak of light came in. I loved this streak. Then one day the wall tumbled down, and I bathed in a white sea of sunshine. Now I see that I only cared for Hrafnhild because of the natural likeness between you.
KRISTRUN. Do you think I would ever have let you suspect that I cared for you, if I did not know that you had stopped loving Hrafnhild. I began to care for you a long time ago, Ingolf. When I saw how happy Hrafnhild was, it seemed to dawn upon me how splendid you are. Every one envied her. You can imagine how I tried to crush my love. But it grew stronger each day,—it grew like a thorn into my heart. Yet, that did not matter. As long as I knew you loved Hrafnhild, I felt a greater obligation to my sister than to my love. But not any longer. Even were I to sacrifice all now, what would she gain, since you don't care for her?
INGOLF. I'll try to break off our engagement as gently as possible.
KRISTRUN. You promised to do it, before the sun sets to-night.
INGOLF. Surely, when I tell her I don't love her, she won't try to hold me any longer.
KRISTRUN [looks at him suspiciously. In order to evade her glance, he bends over and takes her in his arms].
INGOLF. I will raise you, slowly and carefully, like a cup brimful of intoxicating wine. [Kisses her a long time. Raises her up. They hear footsteps outside, and listen.]
INGOLF. It is Hrafnhild. [Loosens his embrace.]
KRISTRUN [throws her arms around his neck, and clings to him]. Why don't you want her to see?
INGOLF [trying to free himself]. You are not so heartless, Kristrun!