Elina.
Nay, indeed! But let me dream that I am.—Come, tell on!
[Throws herself into a chair. Biörn sits on the edge of the high hearth.
Biörn.
Once upon a time there was a high-born knight——
Elina.
[Who has been listening restlessly in the direction of the hall, seizes his arm and breaks out in a vehement whisper.] Hush! No need to shout so loud; I can hear well!
Biörn.
[More softly.] Once upon a time there was a high-born knight, of whom there went the strange report——
[Elina half rises, and listens in anxious suspense in the direction of the hall.