More I dare not tell you.

SIGNE.

Then will I be more open-hearted than you. But first answer me
one question. [Bashfully, with hesitation.] Is there no one who
has told you anything concerning me?

MARGIT.

Concerning you? Nay, what should that be?

SIGNE.

[As before, looking downwards.] You said to me this morning: if
a wooer came riding hither--?

MARGIT.

That is true. [To herself.] Knut Gesling--has he already--?
[Eagerly to SIGNE.] Well? What then?

SIGNE.

[Softly, but with exultation.] The wooer has come! He has come,
Margit! I knew not then whom you meant; but now--!

MARGIT.

And what have you answered him?

SIGNE.

Oh, how should I know? [Flinging her arms round her sister's
neck.] But the world seems to me so rich and beautiful since the
moment when he told me that he held me dear.

MARGIT.

Why, Signe, Signe, I cannot understand that you should so quickly--!
You scarce knew him before to-day.

SIGNE.

Oh, 'tis but little I yet know of love; but this I know that what
the song says is true:
Full swiftly 'tis sown; ere a moment speeds by,
Deep, deep in the heart love is rooted for aye--

MARGIT.

So be it; and since so it is, I need no longer hold aught concealed
from you. Ah--

[She stops suddenly, as she sees KNUT and GUDMUND approaching.

KNUT.

[In a tone of satisfaction.] Ha, this is as I would have it,
Gudmund. Here is my hand!

MARGIT.

[To herself.] What is this?

GUDMUND.

[To KNUT.] And here is mine!

[They shake hands.

KNUT.

But now we must each of us name who it is--

GUDMUND.

Good. Here at Solhoug, among so many fair women, I have found
her whom--

KNUT.

I too. And I will bear her home this very night, if it be needful.

MARGIT.

[Who has approached unobserved.] All saints in heaven!

GUDMUND.

[Nods to KNUT.] The same is my intent.

SIGNE.

[Who has also been listening.] Gudmund!

GUDMUND AND KNUT.

[Whispering to each other, as they both point at Signe.] There
she is!

GUDMUND.

[Starting.] Aye, mine.

KNUT.

[Likewise.] No, mine!

MARGIT.

[Softly, half bewildered.] Signe!

GUDMUND.

[As before, to KNUT.] What mean you by that?

KNUT.

I mean that 'tis Signe whom I--

GUDMUND.

Signe! Signe is my betrothed in the sight of God.

MARGIT.

[With a cry.] I