ck talking to each other.

GUDMUND.

[Softly as he follows them with his eyes.] Aye, so it were wisest.
Both Signe and I must away from Solhoug. Knut Gesling has shown
himself my friend; he will help me.

KNUT.

[Softly, to ERIK.] Yes, yes, I say, Gudmund is her kinsman; he
can best plead my cause.

ERIK.

Well, as you will.

[He goes into the house.

KNUT.

[Approaching.] Listen, Gudmund--

GUDMUND.

[Smiling.] Come you to tell me that you dare no longer let me
go free.

KNUT.

Dare! Be at your ease as to that. Knut Gesling dares whatever
he will. No, 'tis another matter. You know that here in the
district, I am held to be a wild, unruly companion--

GUDMUND.

Aye, and if rumour lies not--

KNUT.

Why no, much that it reports may be true enough. But now, I must
tell you--

[They go, conversing, up towards the back.

SIGNE.

[To MARGIT, as they come forward beside the house.] I understand
you not. You speak as though an unlooked-for happiness had befallen
you. What is in your mind?

MARGIT.

Signe--you are still a child; you know not what it means to have
ever in your heart the dread of-- [Suddenly breaking off.] Think,
Signe, what it must be to wither and die without ever having lived.

SIGNE.

[Looks at her in astonishment, and shakes her head.] Nay, but,
Margit--?

MARGIT.

Aye, aye, you do not understand, but none the less--

[They go up again, talking to each other. GUDMUND and KNUT
come down on the other side.

GUDMUND.

Well, if so it be--if this wild life no longer contents you--
then I will give you the best counsel that ever friend gave to
friend: take to wife an honourable maiden.

KNUT.

Say you so? And if I now told you that 'tis even that I have
in mind?

GUDMUND.

Good luck and happiness to you then, Knut Gesling! And now you
must know that I too--

KNUT.

You? Are you, too, so purposed?

GUDMUND.

Aye truly. But the King's wrath--I am a banished man--

KNUT.

Nay, to that you need give but little thought. As yet there is
no one here, save Dame Margit, that knows aught of the matter;
and so long as I am your friend, you have one in whom you can
trust securely. Now I must tell you--

[He proceeds in a whisper as they go up again.

SIGNE.

[As she and MARGIT again advance.] But tell me then Margit--!

MARGIT.