.. I have no
enemy but her. The blood that flows in her veins deceives. It
understands the secrets of kinship, and knows what weapons can
beat me. ... She was but a little girl when I saw the smile of the
conqueror in her look, if she felt that young men who called on us
paid her greater attentions than me. But it did not touch me. I
was no rival. In my heart, there was only place for you. Don't you
see what life would be for me, should she triumph now, too.
INGOLF [keeps silent.]
HADDA PADDA [kneels down, grasping his knee]. Ingolf, for nine
years have I run up the stairs at home, just as you did, on the
day you went away--two steps at a time.
INGOLF. Get up, Hrafnhild. [He moves a step nearer to the door.
Hadda is dragged along on her knees.]
HADDA PADDA [strokes her hand over his knee]. Ingolf, Ingolf,--
INGOLF [takes a step back]. Get up, Hrafnhild.
HADDA PADDA. Ingolf, I laid bare my love, to clothe yours. I did
it, so that no one could take you from me. Do you remember when I
gave you all a woman can give? The past closed behind me, and I
was a different being. I took your head in both my hands.
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