[_To_ LADY INGER _with a show of great friendliness:_ And meanwhile we might learn what part Lady Inger Gyldenlöve purposes to take in our design? LADY INGER. I?—None. NILS LYKKE AND OLAF SKAKTAVL. None! LADY INGER. Can ye marvel, noble Sirs, that I venture not on a game wherein loss would mean loss of all? And that, too, when none of my allies dare trust me fully. NILS LYKKE. That reproach touches not me. I trust you blindly; I pray you be assured of that. OLAF SKAKTAVL. Who should believe in you, if not your countrymen? LADY INGER. Truly,—this confidence rejoices me. [_Goes to a cupboard in the back wall and fills two goblets with wine._ NILS LYKKE. [_Aside._] Curse her, will she slip out of the noose? LADY INGER. [_Hands a goblet to each._] And since so it is, I offer you a cup of welcome to Östråt. Drink, noble knights! Pledge me to the last drop! [_Looks from one to the other after they have drunk, and says gravely_: But now I must tell you—one goblet held a welcome for my friend; the other—death for my enemy! NILS LYKKE. [_Throws down the goblet._] Ah, I am poisoned! OLAF SKAKTAVL. [_At the same time, clutches his sword._] Death and hell, have you murdered me? LADY INGER. [_To_ OLAF SKAKTAVL, _pointing to_ NILS LYKKE.] You see the Danes’ confidence in Inger Gyldenlöve—— [_To_ NILS LYKKE, _pointing to_ OLAF SKAKTAVL.] ——and likewise my countrymen’s faith in me! [_To both of them._ Yet you would have me place myself in your power? Gently, noble Sirs—gently! The Lady of Östråt is not yet in her dotage. [ELINA GYLDENLÖVE _enters by the door on the left._ ELINA. I heard loud voices—. What is amiss? LADY INGER. [_To_ NILS LYKKE.] My daughter Elina. NILS LYKKE. [_Softly._] Elina! I had not pictured her thus. [ELINA _catches sight of_ NILS LYKKE, _and stands still, as in surprise, gazing at him._ LADY INGER. [_Touches her arm._] My child—this knight is—— ELINA.