Were I timorous, I might well find myself fancying that when I set foot within Östråt gate she turned about in her coffin; as I crossed the courtyard she lifted the lid; and when I named her name but now, ’twas as though a voice summoned her forth from the grave-vault.—Maybe she is even now groping her way up the stairs. The face-cloth blinds her, but she gropes on and on in spite of it. Now she has reached the Banquet Hall! She stands watching me from behind the door! [_Turns his head backwards over one shoulder, nods, and says aloud:_ Come nearer, Lucia! Talk to me a little! Your mother keeps me waiting. ’Tis tedious waiting—and you have helped me to while away many a tedious hour—— [_Passes his hand over his forehead, and takes one or two turns up and down._ Ah, there!—Right, right; there is the deep curtained window. ’Tis there that Inger Gyldenlöve is wont to stand gazing out over the road, as though looking for one that never comes. In there—[_looks towards the door on the left_]—somewhere in there is Sister Elina’s chamber. Elina? Ay, Elina is her name. Can it be that she is so rare a being—so wise and so brave as Lucia fancied her? Fair, too, they say. But for a wedded wife—? I should not have written so plainly.—— [_Lost in thought, he is on the point of sitting down by the table, but stands up again._ How will Lady Inger receive me?—She will scarce burn the castle over our heads, or slip me through a trap-door. A stab from behind—? No, not that way either—— [_Listens towards the hall._ Aha! [LADY INGER GYLDENLÖVE _enters from the hall._ LADY INGER. [_Coldly._] My greeting to you, Sir Councillor—— NILS LYKKE. [_Bows deeply._] Ah—the Lady of Östråt! LADY INGER. ——and my thanks that you have forewarned me of your visit. NILS LYKKE. I could do no less. I had reason to think that my coming might surprise you—— LADY INGER. Truly, Sir Councillor, therein you judged aright. Nils Lykke was indeed the last guest I looked to see at Östråt. NILS LYKKE. And still less, mayhap, did you think to see him come as a friend? LADY INGER. As a friend? You add mockery to all the shame and sorrow you have heaped upon my house? After bringing my child to the grave, you still dare—— NILS LYKKE.