Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/318



Hark to me, Margit. For one thing you may thank Heaven, and that is, that I made you my wife before Gudmund Alfson came back.

[Stops at the door.] Why so?

Why, say you? Am not I ten times the richer man? And certain I am that he would have sought you for his wife, had you not been the mistress of Solhoug.

[Drawing nearer and glancing at the goblet.] Say you so?

I could take my oath upon it. Bengt Gauteson has two sharp eyes in his head. But he may still have Signë.

And you think he will—?

Take her? Aye, since he cannot have you. But had you been free,—then—Ha, ha, ha! Gudmund is like the rest. He envies me my wife. That is why I set such store by you, Margit. Here with the goblet again. And let it be full to the brim!