OLAF SKAKTAVL. Ay; and that as soon as may be.
LADY INGER (smiling). Nay—the case is just the contrary, Olaf
Skaktavl!
OLAF SKAKTAVL. How mean you?
LADY INGER. If things be as we both think, Nils Lykke must in nowise depart from Ostrat yet awhile.
OLAF SKAKTAVL (looks at her with disapproval). Are you beginning on crooked courses again, Lady Inger? What scheme have you now in your mind? Something that may increase your own power at the cost of our——
LADY INGER. Oh this blindness, that makes you all unjust to me! I see well you think I purpose to make Nils Lykke my daughter's husband. Were such a thought in my mind, why had I refused to take part in what is afoot in Sweden, when Nils Lykke and all the Danish crew seem willing to support it?
OLAF SKAKTAVL. Then if it be not your wish to win him and bind him to you—what would you with him?
LADY INGER. I will tell you in few words. In a letter to me, Nils Lykke has spoken of the high fortune it were to be allied to our house; and I do not say but, for a moment, I let myself think of the matter.
OLAF SKAKTAVL. Ay, see you!
LADY INGER. To wed Nils Lykke to one of my house were doubtless a great step toward reconciling many jarring forces in our land.