ELINA. My mother—you are so strange. Oh, ay—I know—it is my unloving ways that have angered you.
LADY INGER. Not so, dear Elina! You are an obedient child. You have opened your door to him; you have hearkened to his soft words. I know full well what it must have cost you for I know your hatred——
ELINA. But, my mother——
LADY INGER. Hush! We have played into each other's hands. What wiles did you use, my subtle daughter? I saw the love shine out of his eyes. Hold him fast now! Draw the net closer and closer about him, and then—— Ah, Elina, if we could but rend his perjured heart within his breast!
ELINA. Woe is me—what is it you say?
LADY INGER. Let not your courage fail you. Hearken to me. I know a word that will keep you firm. Know then—— (Listening.) They are fighting outside the gate. Courage! Now comes the pinch! (Turns again to ELINA.) Know then, Nils Lykke was the man that brought your sister to her grave.
ELINA (with a shriek). Lucia!
LADY INGER. He it was, as truly as there is an Avenger above us!
ELINA. Then Heaven be with me!
LADY INGER (appalled). Elina——?!