ort pause, SIGURD and DAGNY enter from the boat-house,
where a wood fire is burning.)

DAGNY (in a low voice). There sits he still. (Holding SIGURD back.)
Nay, speak not to him!

SIGURD. Thou say'st well; it is too soon; best leave him!

DAGNY (goes over to the right, and gazes at her father in quiet
sorrow). So strong was he yesterday when he bore Thorolf's body on
his back; strong was he as he helped to heap the grave-mound; but
when they were all laid to rest, and earth and stones piled over
them--then the sorrow seized him; then seemed it of a sudden as
though his fire were quenched. (Dries her tears.) Tell me, Sigurd,
when thinkest thou to fare homeward to Iceland?

SIGURD. So soon as the storm abates, and my quarrel with Gunnar
is ended.

DAGNY. And then wilt thou buy land and build thee a homestead, and
go a-viking no more?

SIGURD. Yes, yes,--that have I promised.

DAGNY. And I may believe without doubt that Hiordis spoke falsely
when she said that I was unworthy to be thy wife?

SIGURD. Yes yes, Dagny, trust thou to my word.

DAGNY. Then am I glad again, and will try to forget all the evil
that here has been wrought. In the long winter evenings we will talk
together of Gunnar and Hiordis, and----

SIGURD. Nay, Dagny, wouldst thou have things go well with us, do
thou never speak Hiordis' name when we sit together in Iceland.

DAGNY (mildly upbraiding him). Unjust is thy hatred towards her.
Sigurd, Sigurd, it is unlike thee.

ONE OF THE MEN (approaching). There now, the mound is finished.

ORNULF (as if awaking). The mound? Is it--ay, ay----

SIGURD. Now speak to him, Dagny.

DAGNY (approaching). Father, it is cold out here; a storm is
gathering to-night.

ORNULF. Hm; heed it not; the mound is close-heaped and crannyless;
they lie warm in there.

DAGNY. Ay, but thou----

ORNULF. I? I am not cold.

DAGNY. Nought hast thou eaten today; wilt thou not go in? The
supper-board stands ready.

ORNULF. Let the supper-board stand; I have no hunger.

DAGNY. But to sit here so still--trust me, thou wilt take hurt of
it; thou art ever wont to be stirring.

ORNULF. True, true; there is somewhat that crushes my breast; I
cannot draw breath.

(He hides his face in his hands. A pause. DAGNY seats herself
beside him.)

DAGNY. To-morrow wilt thou make ready thy ship and set forth for
Iceland?

ORNULF (without looking up). What should I