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.] It was she!  No—­no!

GUDMUND.

[To himself, as he catches sight of her.] Margit!  She has heard everything.

KNUT.

Ho, ho!  So this is how it stands?  Nay, Dame Margit, ’tis needless to put on such an air of wonder; now I understand everything.

MARGIT.

[To SIGNE.] But not a moment ago you said—? [Suddenly grasping the situation.] ’Twas Gudmund you meant!