LADY INGER. Let me see! (opening the letter). From Trondhiem? What can it be? (Runs through the letter.) Help, Christ! From him! and here in Norway——
(Reads on with strong emotion, while the men go on bringing out arms from the hall.)
LADY INGER (to herself). He is coming here. He is coming to- night!—Ay, then 'tis with our wits we must fight, not with the sword.
EINAR HUK. Enough, enough, good fellows; we are well armed now,
and can set forth on our way.
LADY INGER (with a sudden change of tone). No man shall leave
my house to-night!
EINAR HUK. But the wind is fair, noble lady; we can sail up the
fiord, and——
LADY INGER. It shall be as I have said.
EINAR HUK. Are we to wait till to-morrow, then?
LADY INGER. Till to-morrow, and longer still. No armed man shall go forth from Ostrat yet awhile.
(Signs of displeasure from the crowd.)