BIORN (consoling her). Well, well——!
ELINA. I know it—I was proud and self-centred! In all our games, I would still be the Queen, because I was the tallest, the fairest, the wisest! I know it!
BIORN. That is true.
ELINA. Once you took me by the hand and looked earnestly at me, and said: "Be not proud of your fairness, or your wisdom; but be proud as the mountain eagle as often as you think: I am Inger Gyldenlove's daughter!"
BIORN. And was it not matter enough for pride?
ELINA. You told me so often enough, Biorn! Oh, you told me so many tales in those days. (Presses his hand.) Thanks for them all! Now, tell me one more; it might make me light of heart again, as of old.
BIORN. You are a child no longer.
ELINA. Nay, indeed! But let me dream that I am.—Come, tell on!
(Throws herself into a chair. BIORN sits in the chimney-corner.)
BIORN. Once upon a time there was a high-born knight——