The Stranger.

[With a nod.] Beyond recall, Ellida! I shall never return to this country; you will never see me any more, nor hear from me either. I shall be as though dead and gone from you, for evermore.

Ellida.

[Breathes uneasily.] Oh——!

The Stranger.

So think carefully what you do. Good-bye. [He climbs over the fence, stops, and says:] Well, Ellida,—be ready to start to-morrow night; for then I will come and take you away.

[He goes slowly and calmly along the footpath and out to the right.

Ellida.

[Looks after him a while.] Of my own free will, he said! Think of that—he said that I should go with him of my own free will.

Wangel.