?

NILS LYKKE. Even now.

OLAF SKAKTAVL. How now?

LADY INGER. What say you?

NILS LYKKE. In one word, Count Sture is in Ostrat.

OLAF SKAKTAVL. Here?

NILS LYKKE (to LADY INGER). You have doubtless been told that
another rode through the gate along with me? The Count was my
attendant.

LADY INGER (softly). I am in his power. I have no longer any
choice.
(Looks at him and says:)
'Tis well, Sir Councillor--I will assure you of my support.

NILS LYKKE. In writing?

LADY INGER. As you will.

(Goes to the table on the left, sits down, and takes writing
materials from the drawer.)

NILS LYKKE (aside, standing by the table on the right). At last,
then, I win!

LADY INGER (after a moment's thought, turns suddenly in her chair
to OLAF SKAKTAVL and whispers). Olaf Skaktavl--I am certain of it
now--Nils Lykke is a traitor!

OLAF SKAKTAVL (softly). What? You think----?

LADY INGER. He has treachery in his heart

(Lays the paper before her and dips the pen in the ink.)

OLAF SKAKTAVL. And yet you would give him a written promise
that may be your ruin?

LADY INGER. Hush; leave me to act. Nay, wait and listen
first----

(Talks with him in a whisper.)

NILS LYKKE (softly, watching them). Ah, take counsel together
as much as ye list! All danger is over now. With her written
consent in my pocket, I can denounce her when I please. A secret
message to Jens Bielke this very night.--I tell him but the truth--
that the young Count Sture is not at Ostrat. And then to-morrow,
when the road is open--to Trondhiem with my young friend, and
thence by ship to Copenhagen with him as my prisoner. Once we
have him safe in the castle-tower, we can dictate to Lady Inger
what terms we will. And I----? Methinks after this the King will
scarce place the French mission in other hands than mine.

LADY INGER (still whispering to OLAF SKAKTAVL). Well, you
understand me?

OLAF SKAKTAVL. Ay, fully. Let us risk it.

(Goes out by the back, to the right. NILS STENSSON comes in
by the first door on the right, unseen by LADY INGER, who
has begun to write.)

NILS STENSSON (in a low voice). Sir Knight,--Sir Knight!

NILS LYKKE (moves towards him). Rash boy! What would you here?
Said I not you were to wait within until I called you?

NILS STENSSON. How could I? Now you have told me that Inger
Gyldenlove is my mother,