Steps! A man’s step, firm and fast!

[Hurries to the door and opens it.]

Is it thou? Come home! At last!

Brand comes in, snowy, in travelling dress, which he removes during what follows.

Agnes

[Throwing her arms about him.]

Oh, how long thou wast away!

Go not from me, go not from me;

All alone I cannot sway

The black clouds that overcome me;