[_To_ SIGNË.] But not a moment ago you said—? [_Suddenly grasping the situation._] ’Twas Gudmund you meant! SIGNË. [_Astonished._] Yes, did you not know it! But what ails you, Margit? MARGIT. [_In an almost toneless voice._] Nay, nothing, nothing. KNUT. [_To_ MARGIT.] And this morning, when you made me give my word that I would stir no strife here to-night—you already knew that Gudmund Alfson was coming. Ha, ha, think not that you can hoodwink Knut Gesling! Signë has become dear to me. Even this morning ’twas but my hasty vow that drove me to seek her hand; but now— SIGNË. [_To_ MARGIT.] He? Was _this_ the wooer that was in your mind? MARGIT. Hush, hush! KNUT. [_Firmly and harshly._] Dame Margit—you are her elder sister; you shall give me an answer. MARGIT. [_Battling with herself._] Signë has already made her choice;—I have naught to answer. KNUT. Good; then I have nothing more to do at Solhoug. But after midnight—mark you this—the day is at an end; then you may chance to see me again, and then Fortune must decide whether it be Gudmund or I that shall bear Signë away from this house. GUDMUND. Aye, try if you dare; it shall cost you a bloody sconce. SIGNË. [_In terror._] Gudmund! By all the saints—! KNUT. Gently, gently, Gudmund Alfson! Ere sunrise you shall be in my power. And she—your lady-love—[_Goes up to the door, beckons and calls in a low voice._] Erik! Erik! come hither! we must away to our kinsfolk. [_Threateningly, while_ ERIK _shows himself in the doorway._] Woe upon you all when I come again! [_He and_ ERIK _go off to the left at the back._] SIGNË. [_Softly to_ GUDMUND.] Oh, tell me, what does all this mean? GUDMUND. [_Whispering._] We must both leave Solhoug this very night. SIGNË. God shield me—you would—! GUDMUND. Say nought of it! No word to any one, not even to your sister. MARGIT. [_To herself._] She—it is she! She of whom he had scarce thought before to-night. Had I been free, I know well whom he had chosen.—Aye, free! [BENGT _and_ GUESTS, _both Men and Women, enter from the house._