HADDA PADDA. I have seen nothing. [Throws the bouquet on the table, and sits down on the chaise-longue, with her face turned toward the window.]
INGOLF. Don't say that, Hrafnhild. Even forgiveness demands return, and I cannot return yours.
HADDA PADDA [Her whole frame trembling].
INGOLF. I didn't think you could mistake my attitude these last few days. [Both keep silent.]
INGOLF. But now-? from to-day on, you must try to forget me.
HADDA PADDA [gets up]. Forget—? why should I forget my lover?
INGOLF. Because he cannot be your lover any longer.
HADDA PADDA. Yes, he can; he promised. He promised to love me all my life.
INGOLF. He did not know what he promised.
HADDA PADDA [sees Ingolf's hand without the ring, grasps it with horror, whispers]. What have you done?—Ingolf, it cannot be true. It is not she you love. I saw you push her from you, when she clung about your neck. Say she told you a lie, when she cried. Only say something—say that suddenly an earthquake came, and she threw herself in your arms from fear. I'll believe you.