And 'tis well I find thee alone.
HIORDIS. If thou comest to mock me, it would sure be no hindrance
to thee though the hall were full of men and women.
SIGURD. Ay, ay, well I know what thoughts thou hast of me.
HIORDIS (bitterly). I do thee wrong mayhap! Nay, nay, Sigurd, thou
hast been as a poison to all my days. Bethink thee who it was that
wrought that shameful guile; who it was that lay by my side in the
bower, feigning love with the laugh of cunning in his heart; who it
was that flung me forth to Gunnar, since for him I was good enough,
forsooth--and then sailed away with the woman he held dear!
SIGURD. Man's will can do this and that; but fate rules in the deeds
that shape our lives--so has it gone with us twain.
HIORDIS. True enough; evil Norns hold sway over the world; but their
might is little if they find not helpers in our own heart. Happy is
he who has strength to battle with the Norn--and it is that I have
now in hand.
SIGURD. What mean'st thou?
HIORDIS. I will essay a trial of strength against those--those who
are over me. But let us not talk more of this; I have much to do to-
day. (She seats herself at the table.)
SIGURD (after a pause). Thou makest good weapons for Gunnar.
HIORDIS (with a quiet smile). Not for Gunnar, but against thee.
SIGURD. Most like it is the same thing.
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