Lady Inger.
Attend, then, to what I have to tell you.—I have sought, so far as lay in my power, to keep you in ignorance of all our griefs and miseries. What could it avail to fill your young heart with wrath and care? ’Tis not women’s weeping and wailing that can deliver us; we need the courage and strength of men.
Elina.
Who has told you that, when courage and strength are needed, I shall be found wanting?
Lady Inger.
Hush, child;—I might take you at your word.
Elina.
How mean you, my mother?
Lady Inger.
I might call on you for both; I might——; but let me say my say out first.