Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/171

 trymen in bygone years. Be not offended, then, if my trust in your fair promises needs to be somewhat strengthened ere I can place my whole welfare in your hands.

A longer stay at Östråt would scarce help towards that end; since I purpose not to make any further effort to shake your resolve.

Then must I pity you from my heart. Ay, Sir Councillor—'tis true I stand here an unfriended widow; yet may you trust my word when I foretell that this visit to Östråt will strew your future path with thorns.

[With a smile.] Is that your forecast, Lady Inger?

Truly it is! What can one say, dear Sir? 'Tis an age of tattling tongues. Many a scurril knave will make jeering rhymes at your expense. Ere half a year is out, you will be all men's fable; people will stop and gaze after you on the high roads; 'twill be: "Look, look; there rides Sir Nils Lykke, that fared north to Östråt to trap Inger Gyldenlöve, and was caught in his own nets."—Softly, softly, Sir Knight, why so impatient! 'Tis not that I think so; I do but forecast the thoughts of the malicious and evil-minded; and of them, alas! there are many.—