[To himself.] I knew it; so it must be.

Bengt.

What say you, kinsman?

Gudmund.

I say that I wonder greatly at what you tell me of your wife.

Bengt.

Aye, you may be sure I wonder at it too. On the faith and troth of an honest gentleman, ’tis beyond me to guess what more she can desire. I am about her all day long; and no one can say of me that I rule her harshly. All the cares of household and husbandry I have taken on myself; yet notwithstanding—Well, well, you were ever a merry heart; I doubt not you will bring sunshine with you. Hush! here comes Dame Margit! Let her not see that I—

[Margit enters from the left, richly dressed.

Gudmund.

[Going to meet her.] Margit—my dear Margit!