Lady Inger.
If we close not the lips of him that is within ere he come to speech with the Swedish captain, then is my son lost to me. But if, on the other hand, he be swept from my path, when the time comes I can claim all his rights for my own child. Then shall you see that Inger Ottis' daughter has metal in her yet. Of this be assured—you shall not have long to wait for the vengeance you have thirsted after for twenty years.—Hark! They are coming up the stairs! Olaf Skaktavl,—it lies with you whether tomorrow I shall be no more than a childless woman, or
Olaf Skaktavl.
So be it! I have yet one sound hand left. [Gives her his hand.] Inger Gyldenlöve—your name shall not die out through me.
[Follows Nils Stensson into the inner room.
Lady Inger.
[Pale and trembling.] But dare I?
[A noise is heard in the room; she rushes with a scream towards the door.
No, no,—it must not be!
[A heavy fall is heard within; she covers her ears with her hands and hurries back across the hall with a wild look. After a pause she takes her hands cautiously away, listens again, and says softly:
Now it is over. All is still within
