LADY INGER. The secret? NILS STENSSON. Even so; yours and mine! LADY INGER. Merciful Heaven—you know it? NILS STENSSON. From first to last. And now when ’tis life or death—Where is Nils Lykke? LADY INGER. Fled. NILS STENSSON. Fled? Then God help me; for he alone can unseal my lips.—But what is a promise against a life! When the Swedish captain comes—— LADY INGER. What then? What will you do? NILS STENSSON. Purchase life and freedom;—tell him all. LADY INGER. Oh no, no;—be merciful! NILS STENSSON. Nought else can save me. When I have told him what I know—— LADY INGER. [_Looks at him with suppressed agitation._] You will be safe? NILS STENSSON. Ay, safe! Nils Lykke will speak for me. You see, ’tis the last resource. LADY INGER. [_Composedly, with emphasis._] The last resource? Right, right—the last resource all are free to try. [_Points to the left._] See, meanwhile you can hide in there. NILS STENSSON. [_In a low voice._] Trust me—you will never repent of this. LADY INGER. [_Half to herself._] God grant that you speak the truth! [NILS STENSSON _goes out hastily by the furthest door on the left._ OLAF SKAKTAVL _is following; but Lady Inger detains him._ LADY INGER. Did you understand his meaning? OLAF SKAKTAVL. The dastard! He would betray your secret. He would sacrifice your son to save himself. LADY INGER. When life is at stake, he said, we must try the last resource.—’Tis well, Olaf Skaktavl,—let it be as he has said! OLAF SKAKTAVL. What mean you? LADY INGER. Life against life! One of them must perish. OLAF SKAKTAVL. Ah—you would——? LADY INGER.