et--all, all seems changed since----
(To herself.) Now I understand why they said that Nils Lykke was
unlike all other.

NILS LYKKE. There is one thing in the world that might drive
a man to madness, but to think of it; and that is the thought of
what might have been if things had fallen out in this way or that.
Had I met you on my path while the tree of my life was yet green
and budding, at this hour, mayhap, you had been---- ----
But forgive me, noble lady! Our speech of these past few moments
has made me forget how we stand one to another. 'Twas as though a
secret voice had told me from the first that to you I could speak
openly, without flattery or dissimulation.

ELINA. That can you.

NILS LYKKE. 'Tis well;--and it may be that this openness has
already in part reconciled us. Ay--my hope is yet bolder. The time
may yet come when you will think of the stranger knight without hate
or bitterness in your soul. Nay,--mistake me not! I mean not now--
but some time, in the days to come. And that this may be the less
hard for you--and as I have begun once for all to speak to you
plainly and openly--let me tell you----

ELINA. Sir Knight----!

NILS LYKKE (smiling). Ah, I see the thought of my letter still
affrights you. Fear nought on that score. I would from my heart
it were unwritten, for--I know 'twill concern you little enough,
so I may even say it right out--for I love you not, and shall never
come to you. Fear nothing, therefore, as I said before; I shall
in no wise seek to---- ---- But what ails you----?

ELINA. Me? Nothing, nothing.--Tell me but one thing. Why do
you still wear those flowers? What would you with them?

NILS LYKKE. These? Are they not a gage of battle you have
thrown down to the wicked Nils Lykke on behalf of all womankind?
What could I do but take it up?
You asked what I would with them. (Softly.) When I stand again
amidst the fair ladies of Denmark--when the music of the strings
is hushed and there is silence in the hall--then will I bring forth
these flowers and tell a tale of a young maiden sitting alone in
a gloomy black-beamed hall, far to the north in Norway----
(Breaks off and bows respectfully.)
But I fear I keep the noble daughter of the house too long. We
shall meet no more; for before day-break I shall be gone. So now
I bid you farewell.

ELINA. Fare you well, Sir Knight!

(A short silence.)

NILS LYKKE. Again you