The time? I had forgotten it——You go to Denmark? Said you not so NILS LYKKE. I go to Denmark. ELINA. Can I look towards Denmark from this hall? NILS LYKKE. [_Points to the window on the left._] Ay, from this window. Denmark lies there, to the south. ELINA. And is it far from here? More than a hundred leagues? NILS LYKKE. Much more. The sea lies between you and Denmark. ELINA. [_To herself._] The sea? Thought has seagulls’ wings. The sea cannot stay it. [_Goes out to the left._ NILS LYKKE. [_Looks after her awhile; then says:_] If I could but spare two days now—or even one—I would have her in my power, even as the others. And yet is there rare stuff in this maiden. She is proud. Might I not after all——? No; rather humble her—— [_Paces the room._ Verily, I believe she has set my blood afire. Who would have thought it possible after all these years?—Enough of this! I must get out of the tangle I have here thrust myself into. [_Sits in a chair on the right._ What is the meaning of it? Both Olaf Skaktavl and Inger Gyldenlöve seem blind to the mistrust ’twill waken, when ’tis rumoured that I am in their league.—Or can Lady Inger have seen through my purpose? Can she have seen that all my promises were but designed to lure Nils Sture forth from his hiding-place? [_Springs up._ Damnation! Is it I that have been fooled? ’Tis like enough that Count Sture is not at Östråt at all. It may be the rumour of his flight was but a feint. He may be safe and sound among his friends in Sweden, while I—— [_Walks restlessly up and down._ And to think I was so sure of success! If I should effect nothing? If Lady Inger should penetrate all my designs—and publish my discomfiture—-. To be a laughing-stock both here and in Denmark! To have sought to lure Lady Inger into a trap—and given her cause the help it most needed—strengthened her in the people’s favour——! Ah, I could well-nigh sell myself to the Evil One, would he but help me to lay hands on Count Sture. [_The window in the background is pushed open._ NILS STENSSON _appears outside._ NILS LYKKE. [_Clutches at his sword._] Who is there? NILS STENSSON.