Rod. Curses on me! Am I bewitched? Surely, I heard a voice; perchance 'twas but an echo [a wild laugh rings through the trees]. Fiends take the wood! I'll stay no longer! [Turns to fly. Theresa's spirit rises.] 'Tis there,—help, help—[Rushes wildly out.]
[Enter Norna.
Norna. Ha, ha! fiends shall haunt thee, thou murderer! Another sin upon thy soul,—another life to be avenged! Poor, murdered youth, now gone to join thy sister. I will lay thee by her side and then to my work. He hath raised another ghost to haunt him. Let him beware!
[Exit Norna.
CURTAIN.
SCENE SIXTH.
[Chamber in the castle of Lady Leonore. Enter Leonore.]
Leonore. Ah, how wearily the days go by. No tidings of Count Louis, and Count Rodolpho urges on his suit so earnestly. I must accept his hand to-day, or refuse his love, and think no more of Louis. I know not how to choose. Rodolpho loves me: I am an orphan and alone, and in his lovely home I may be happy. I have heard it whispered that he is both stern and cruel, yet methinks it cannot be,—he is so tender when with me. Ah, would I could forget Count Louis! He hath never told his love, and doubtless thinks no more of her who treasures up his gentle words, and cannot banish them, even when another offers a heart and home few would refuse. How shall I answer Count Rodolpho when he comes? I do not love him as I should, and yet it were no hard task to learn with so fond a teacher. Shall I accept his love, or shall I reject?
[Norna suddenly appears.