[Looks timidly and intently at him.] What makes you hold to me so persistently?
The Stranger.
Do you not feel, as I do, that we two belong to each other?
Ellida.
Do you mean because of that promise?
The Stranger.
Promises bind no one: neither man nor woman. If I hold to you persistently, it is because I cannot do otherwise.
Ellida.
[Softly and trembling.] Why did you not come sooner?
Wangel.