[Laughter and whispering.]
OLAF. Alfhild! You will marry her off to—No, no, it shall not be! Never, never!
LADY KIRSTEN. Be still!—Olaf, my son; be still, I beg you!
ARNE. [To himself.] What's this! Yes, truly, then Hemming was right; there is something between Olaf and Alfhild.
ARNE. [Whispering.] Aye, Lady Kirsten! I see your scheme. Now I know why Olaf wandered three days in the mountain, and now you intend to make use of Hemming to be rid of her. Ha, ha!
LADY KIRSTEN. [With forced composure.] Lord Arne! how can you believe such a thing?
ARNE. [In a low tone.] O, I see clearly! Now I should think I had very good reason to break the agreement.
LADY KIRSTEN. [Softly and frightened.] Break the agreement! I beg of you! Will you put us all to shame?
[They talk together softly.]
HEMMING. [To INGEBORG, with whom he has in the meantime been whispering.] That is all there is to it, I swear. Lady Kirsten and I have not understood each other.