I got that news on the shortest day of the
year. I watched the twilight darken into night until the very
blackness swam before my eyes in blood-red spots. It was then I
made up my mind to go.
INGOLF. Yes, you came in the autumn.
HADDA PADDA. And it was not before December, at a meeting of the
Icelandic Society--we sat alone, in an outer room. Then I placed
my fate in your hand.
INGOLF. Then you placed your hand in mine.
HADDA PADDA. Then I placed my life in your hand. I willed all my
power into my hand and placed it in yours. That instant, nothing
but my hand lived. Had you thrust it away, I would not now be
living.
INGOLF. How silently happiness steals upon us. We sat alone in the
room, far from the din of the dance. Then it came. I heard its
tread in the quiver of your breath. ... Then I felt it in my hand.
HADDA PADDA. And yet you sat there immovable, and made the very
seconds fight for my life. When I held your hand, I was afraid
lest a single finger tremble--till you closed your hand around my
wrist, and drew me to you. [She leans toward him.]
INGOLF. Do you know what attracted me most to you?
HADDA PADDA.
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