LADY KIRSTEN. I know, Alfhild. I know
what he has said.
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aside.] He has mentioned to her his
wedding, I see.
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aloud.] This very night it is to
be held.
ALFHILD. What is to be held?
LADY KIRSTEN. The wedding!
ALFHILD. [Eagerly.] Oh, yes, that I know!
LADY KIRSTEN. You know it and do not take it
more to your heart than this?
ALFHILD. No. Why should I take it to heart?
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aside.] There is something she is
meditating,—I see that clearly.
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aloud.] Well, so much the better
for all of us.
But tell me, when the wedding is over, what then will
you do?
ALFHILD. I? I have little thought of that.
LADY KIRSTEN. I mean, have you in mind to remain
here or to go home?
ALFHILD. [Looks at her, surprised.] I have in mind
to remain!
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aside.] There we have it; she thinks
to hold him in her wiles even after he is wed.
Well, we shall see about that.
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aloud.] Alfhild! I wish you
every possible good, and if you dared rely on my—
ALFHILD. Yes, that I certainly dare!
LADY KIRSTEN. Well and good; then you will let
me take upon myself your happiness. I shall
take charge of you as best I know how, and if you
but give me your word you shall this very night go
to the church as a bride.
ALFHILD. Yes, I know that.
LADY KIRSTEN. [Surprised.] You know that!
Who has told you?
ALFHILD. Olaf himself said so.
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aside.] Has Olaf—? Yes,
forsooth, he has had the same idea that I had, to
marry her off in order to be rid of her. Or
perhaps in order to—well, no matter,—when
she is finally married, when Olaf on his side is a
married man, then—
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aloud.] Well and good, Alfhild!
If Olaf has told you our intention for you, then
it is not necessary for me to—But do you
now hasten, go in there in the store house; there
you will find my own wedding gown; that you shall wear!
ALFHILD. [With childlike joy.] Shall I! Your
own wedding gown!
LADY KIRSTEN. Do as I say. Go in there
and dress yourself as splendidly as you please.
ALFHILD. And do I also get a bridal crown?
LADY KIRSTEN. Certainly! A bridal crown
and silver rings and golden bracelet. You will
find plenty of them in the coffers and chests.
ALFHILD. Silver rings and golden bracelets!
LADY KIRSTEN. Go, go, and hurry as fast as you
can.
ALFHILD. O, I shall not be long about it.
[Claps her hands.]
ALFHILD. I shall have silver rings and golden
bracelets!
[She runs out to the left.]
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