DAGNY. Until evening there is no danger. (Coming nearer.) Hiordis,
I have another errand in thy house; it is to thee I come.
HIORDIS. To me? After all that befell yesterday?
DAGNY. Just because of that. Hiordis, foster-sister, do not hate me; forget the words that sorrow and evil spirits placed in my mouth; forgive me all the wrong I have done thee; for, trust me, I am tenfold more hapless than thou!
HIORDIS. Hapless—thou! Sigurd's wife!
DAGNY. It was my doing, all that befell—the stirring up of strife, and Thorolf's death, and all the scorn that fell upon Gunnar and thee. Mine is all the guilt! Woe upon me!—I have lived so happily; but after this day I shall never know joy again.
HIORDIS (as if seized by a sudden thought). But before—in these five long years—all that time hast thou been happy?
DAGNY. Canst thou doubt it?
HIORDIS. Hm; yesterday I doubted it not; but——
DAGNY. What meanest thou?
HIORDIS. Nay, 'tis nought; let us speak of other matters.