These are my last words to thee, and every word is true. I would not thou shouldst think hardly of me, therefore I needs must speak.
Hiördis.
[Involuntarily clasps her hands together, and gazes at him in voiceless astonishment.] Loved—loved me—thou! [Vehemently, coming close up to him.] I will not believe thee! [Looks hard at him, and bursts forth in wild grief.] Yes, it is true, and—hateful for us both!
[Hides her face in her hands, and turns away from him.
Sigurd.
[Appalled.] Hiördis!
Hiördis.
[Softly, struggling with tears and laughter.] Nay, heed me not! I meant but this, that——[Lays her hand on his arm.] Sigurd, thou hast not told thy saga to the end; that proud woman thou didst tell of—she returned thy love!
Sigurd.
[Starts backwards.] Thou?