Hagbart. But you know that it is not! Leonarda. I don't know. Let me have time to think! I am afraid, and my fear revives forgotten memories. More than that--I am afraid of the immensity of my love for you, afraid of dragging you with me into a whirlpool of disaster!--No, don't answer! Don't touch me!--Hagbart, do you love me? Hagbart. Can you ask that? Leonarda. Then help me! Go away!--Be generous. Let my heart know this triumph and see you in its glorious rays! Other women do not need that, perhaps--but I need it--go! Hagbart. Leonarda! Leonarda. Wait till you hear from me. It will not be long. Whatever happens, be patient--and remember, I love you!--No, don't say anything! I have neither courage nor strength for anything more. (Her voice sinks to a whisper.) Go! (He turns to go.) Hagbart! (He stops.) What you have said to me to-day has given me the greatest happiness of my life. But your going away now without a word will be more to me than all you have sail. (He goes out.) Leonarda (stands for some moments in a kind of ecstasy, moves, and stands still again. Suddenly she calls out): Aagot! Aagot (from without). Are you there? Leonarda. My dear child! (Goes out, and cones in again with AAGOT in her arms.) Did you walk? Aagot. The whole way! (She is carrying her hat in her hand, appears hot and sunburnt, and bears evident signs of laving made a long journey on foot. She takes off a knapsack which she has been carrying on her back.) I washed in a brook to-day and used it as a looking-glass as well! Leonarda. Have you been walking all night? Aagot. No; I slept for a little while at Opsal, but I was out by sunrise. It was lovely! Leonarda. And I have just been arranging to send and fetch you. Aagot. Really? Well, they can fetch my things. I could not wait any longer. Leonarda. You look so well. Aagot. Oh, that is because I am so sunburnt. Leonarda. You are feeling all right again, then--now? Aagot. Splendid, aunt! All that is over, now.--I have had a letter from grandmother. Leonarda. Was that letter from her that I sent on to you? I could not make out whom it was from. Aagot. Yes, it was from her. Here it is. You must hear it. Leonarda. Yes. Aagot (reads). "My dear child. I have not written a letter for many years, so I do not know what this will be like. But Hagbart is away, so I must tell you myself. Do not be distressed any longer. As soon as you are married, I will come and live with you." Isn't that glorious, aunt? (She is trembling with happiness, and throws her arms round LEONARDA'S neck.) Leonarda. But-- Aagot. But what? There is no more "but" about it, don't you see! It is on your account. Leonarda. On my account? Yes, but--what about you? How do you stand--with Hagbart?