LADY INGER. You know? And yet——?
ELINA. Do you think the gates of Ostrat shut so close that never a whisper of evil tidings can slip through? Do you think I do not know that the heir of many a noble line wanders outlawed, without rest or shelter, while Danish masters lord it in the home of their fathers?
LADY INGER. And what then?
ELINA. I know well that many a high-born knight is hunted through the woods like a hungry wolf. No hearth has he to rest by, no bread to eat——
LADY INGER (coldly). Enough! Now I understand you.
ELINA (continuing). And that is why the gates of Ostrat must stand open by night! That is why he must remain a stranger to all, this guest of whom none must know whence he comes or whither he goes! You are setting at naught the harsh decree that forbids you to harbour or succor the exiles——
LADY INGER. Enough, I say!
(After a short silence, adds with an effort:)
You mistake, Elina—it is no outlaw that I look for——
ELINA (rises). Then I have understood you ill indeed.
LADY INGER. Listen to me, my child; but think as you listen; if indeed you can tame that wild spirit of yours.
ELINA. I am tame, till you have spoken.