NILS LYKKE. [_Lets the lantern fall._] Ah! too late——! [BIÖRN _enters hurriedly from the right, carrying a light._ ELINA. [_Goes towards him._] What is amiss, Biörn? What is it? BIÖRN. An ambuscade! Count Sture—— ELINA. Count Sture? What of him? NILS LYKKE. Have they killed him? BIÖRN. [_To Elina._] Where is your mother? TWO RETAINERS. [_Rushing in from the right._] Lady Inger! Lady Inger! [LADY INGER GYLDENLÖVE _enters by the furthest back door on the left, with a branch-candlestick, lighted, in her hand, and says quickly:_ LADY INGER. I know all. Down with you to the courtyard! Keep the gate open for our friends, but closed against all others! [_Puts down the candlestick on the table to the left._ BIÖRN _and the two_ RETAINERS _go out again to the right._ LADY INGER. [_To_ NILS LYKKE.] So _that_ was the trap, Sir Councillor! NILS LYKKE. Inger Gyldenlöve, believe me——! LADY INGER. An ambuscade that was to snap him up as soon as you had secured the promise that should destroy me! NILS LYKKE. [_Takes out the paper and tears it to pieces._] There is your promise. I keep nothing that can bear witness against you. LADY INGER. What is this? NILS LYKKE. From this hour will I put your thoughts of me to shame. If I have sinned against you,—by Heaven I will strive to repair my crime. But now I _must_ out, if I have to hew my way through the gate!—Elina—tell your mother all!—And you, Lady Inger, let our reckoning be forgotten! Be generous—and silent! Trust me, ere dawn of day you shall owe me a life’s gratitude. [_Goes out quickly to the right._ LADY INGER. [_Looks after him with exultation._] ’Tis well! I understand him. [_Turns to_ ELINA. Nils Lykke—? Well——? ELINA. He knocked upon my door, and set this ring upon my finger. LADY INGER. And from his soul he holds you dear? ELINA. He has said so, and I believe him. LADY INGER.