I was answered awry where’er I came: my dealings with Kåre had been little to my honour, it was said;—aye, and other things were said to boot, that I will not utter—I am a dishonoured man; I am thought to have done a dastard deed; men hold it shame to make common cause with me.
Sigurd.
It shall not long be held shame; ere evening comes, thou shalt have men enough to face Kåre.
Gunnar.
Sigurd!
Hiördis.
[In a low voice, triumphantly.] Ha, I knew it well!
Sigurd.
[With forced resolution.] But thereafter is the peace between us at an end; for hearken to my words, Gunnar Headman—thou hast slain Thorolf, my wife’s kinsman, and therefore do I challenge thee to single combat[[16]] to-morrow at break of day.
[Hiördis, in violent inward emotion, makes a stride towards Sigurd, but collects herself and remains standing motionless during the following.