THOROLF. True enough, Hiordis--for there thy father's axe and shield
have hung this many a year.
HIORDIS (mastering herself). That Ornulf slew my father,--that deed
is ever on thy tongue; but if report speak true, it was scarce so
honourable a deed as thou deemest.
THOROLF. Of what report dost thou speak?
HIORDIS. I dare not name it, for it would make thee wroth.
THOROLF. Then hold thy peace--I ask no better.
(Turns from her.)
HIORDIS. Nay, why should I not tell it? Is it true, Thorolf, that
for three nights thy father sat in woman's weed, doing sorceries with
the witch of Smalserhorn, ere he dared face Jokul in fight.
(All rise; violent excitement among the guests.)
GUNNAR, SIGURD, AND DAGNY. Hiordis!
THOROLF (bitterly exasperated). So base a lie has no man spoken of
Ornulf of the Fiords! Thou thyself hast made it, for no one less
venomous than thou could dream of such a thing. The blackest crime
a man can do hast thou laid at my father's door. (Throwing the sword
away.) There, Gunnar, take thy gift again; I can take nought from the
house wherein my father is reviled.
GUNNAR. Thorolf, hear me----!
THOROLF. Let me go! But beware both thou and Hiordis; for my father
has now in his power one whom ye hold dearest of all!
HIORDIS (starting). Thy father has----!
GUNNAR (with a cry).
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