Kristin returns to her hometown. There, no one speaks about the end of her engagement. They treat her as they did before. Erlend has made tentative inquiries about a marriage through Kristin’s uncle. Ragnfrid, however, reveals to Kristin that Lavrans is not happy about the end of her engagement to Simon. Ragnfrid assures Kristin that Lavrans loves his daughter and that she does, too.

Kristin turns 17. Her former fiancée, Simon Darre, is now betrothed to a wealthy older widow. Lavrans wishes that his daughter would give up her love for Erlend, and he tries to explain to her why he refused her request to marry such a dishonorable, impetuous man. Ragnfrid sides with her daughter, hinting to her husband that Kristin may choose love over honor and give herself to Erlend regardless of any marriage, causing a “great misfortune” for the family. As evidence, she tells him about her love for someone else, someone whom she met before she married Lavrans. Ragnfrid then prays for her husband, her daughter, and herself, while reconfirming her love for Lavrans.