[In suspense.] Well—and then——?
Lady Inger.
He is the guest I look for to-night.
Elina.
He comes hither? And to-night?
Lady Inger.
A trading ship brought him to Trondhiem yesterday. News has just reached me of his approach; he may be here within the hour.
Elina.
And you do not bethink you, my mother, how ’twill endanger your fame thus to receive the Danish envoy? Do not the people already look on you with distrustful eyes? How can you hope that, when the time comes, they will let you rule and guide them, if it be known that——
Lady Inger.