NILS LYKKE. Even so. NILS STENSSON. And it was you—? ’Tis strange. How come you——? NILS LYKKE. ——to be receiving missives from Peter Kanzler? You marvel at that? NILS STENSSON. I cannot deny it. He has ever named you as our bitterest foe—— NILS LYKKE. And therefore you mistrust me? NILS STENSSON. Nay, not wholly that; but—well, the devil take musing! NILS LYKKE. Well said. Go but your own way, and you are as sure of the halter as you are of a Count’s title and a chain of gold if you trust to me. NILS STENSSON. That will I. My hand upon it, dear Sir! Do you but help me with good counsel as long as there is need; when counsel gives place to blows, I shall look to myself. NILS LYKKE. ’Tis well. Come with me now into yonder chamber, and I will tell you how all these matters stand, and what you have still to do. [_Goes out to the right._ NILS STENSSON. [_With a glance at the picture._] _I_ Sten Sture’s son! Oh, marvellous as a dream——! [_Goes out after_ NILS LYKKE. ACT FOURTH _The Banquet Hall, as before, but without the supper-table._ BIÖRN, _the majordomo, enters carrying a lighted branch-candlestick, and lighting in_ LADY INGER _and_ OLAF SKAKTAVL _by the second door on the left._ LADY INGER _has a bundle of papers in her hand._ LADY INGER. [_To_ BIÖRN.] And you are sure my daughter had speech with the knight, here in the hall? BIÖRN. [_Putting down the branch-candlestick on the table on the left_.] Sure as may be. I met her even as she stepped into the passage. LADY INGER. And she seemed greatly moved? Said you not so? BIÖRN. She looked all pale and disturbed. I asked if she were sick; she answered not, but said: “Go to my mother and tell her the knight sets forth from here ere daybreak; if she have letters or messages for him, beg her not to delay him needlessly.” And then she added somewhat that I heard not rightly. LADY INGER. Did you not hear it at all? BIÖRN.