Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/308



Then has he atoned for the slaying of Vegard.

'Twas not therefore that my noble husband took the Cross.

Not therefore?

No; it was my sin he took upon his strong, loving shoulders; 'twas that he went to wash away in Jordan stream; 'twas for that he bled.

[Softly.] Then he knew all.

From the first. And Bishop Nicholas knew it, for to him I confessed. And there was one other man that came to know it, though how I cannot guess.

Who?

Vegard Væradal.

Vegard!

He whispered a mocking word of me into my husband's ear; and thereupon Andres Skialdarband drew his sword, and slew him on the spot.

He kept ward over her whom I betrayed and forgot.—And wherefore seek you me now?