Fear not. All this I have fully weighed; but there is no danger. His errand in Norway is a secret; he has come unknown to Trondhiem, and unknown shall he be our guest at Östråt.

Elina.

And the name of this Danish lord——?

Lady Inger.

It sounds well, Elina; Denmark has scarce a nobler name.

Elina.

But what then do you purpose? I cannot yet grasp your meaning.

Lady Inger.

You will soon understand.—Since we cannot trample on the serpent, we must bind it.

Elina.