[At the door, to Hiördis.] Who is now the mightiest man at the board—my husband, or thine?
[She goes out with Sigurd and his men.
Hiördis.
[To herself.] Now have I but one thing left to do—but one deed to think upon: Sigurd or I must die!
ACT THIRD.
The hall in Gunnar’s house. It is day.
Hiördis sits on the bench in front of the smaller high-seat, busy twisting a bow-string; on the table lie a bow and some arrows.
Hiördis.
[Pulling at the bow-string.] It is tough and strong; [With a glance at the arrows] the shaft is both keen and well-weighted—[Lets her hands fall in her lap] but where is the hand that——! [Vehemently.] Flouted, flouted by him—by Sigurd! I must hate him more than others, that can I well mark; but many days shall not pass ere I have——[Meditating.] Ay, but the arm, the arm that shall do the deed——?
Gunnar enters, silent and thoughtful, from the back.