LADY KIRSTEN. [Changing the subject.] We shall have a merry time today, I think.
OLAF. It does not appear that heaven is pleased with my wedding day.
LADY KIRSTEN. How so?
OLAF. There are indications of a storm. Do you see how heavily the clouds are gathering in the west?
LADY KIRSTEN. The brighter the festive candles will shine when you go to the church tonight.
OLAF. [Paces back and forth a few times; at length he stops before his mother and says.] If I had married a poor man's daughter, without family or wealth,—tell me, mother, what would you have done?
LADY KIRSTEN. [Looks at him sharply.] Why do you ask?
OLAF. Answer me first. What would you have done?
LADY KIRSTEN. Cursed you and gone to my grave in sorrow!—But tell me, why do you ask?
OLAF. Ah, it was only a jest; I little thought of doing so.