Ljot. We are so frightened, father—all of us.
Enter Jorunn from the tent.
Jorunn. It's getting cold.
Ljot. Yes, it is cold.
Jorunn. The sun has set.
Sveinungi. Why are you coming out again, Jorunn? Can't you sleep?
Jorunn. No, I can't sleep.
Sveinungi. Do you remember the night you thought I was lost in the snowstorm? A light was burning in the upper window. To see it was better than meeting a human being, and when the dogs began to bark behind the door, it was just as if the house itself were speaking—calling out its joy. It sounded better to me than a human voice, and when I stepped into the hall, the darkness seemed to put its arms around me. Never have I had so sweet a welcome, not even when my daughter was a little child.
Jorunn. Ought we not to go in, Sveinungi? It's getting late. You too must go in now, Ljot.
Ljot. I am only waiting for father.