was in the wash-house, up to the elbows in
lather and foam, in no state for company. All the girls stopped work,
and one said, "A wooer for Gudrid," and another, "Thorstan has found
his voice." But they all helped her to make herself tidy, and wished
her joy. She went out with all her colours flying. Her father was by
the fire in the hall; Eric Red with him; and another man was standing
there, tall and heavily made, in a red cloak. She had not seen him
before. He was a dark-hued man, with bent brows, rather shaggy, and
had a black beard. He kept his head bent, and his hands behind his
back, but looked at her as she came in. So did Eric, in a kindly way.
Thorbeorn only looked at the fire.

She went up to her father and put her hand on his shoulder. There was
a short silence--but not enough time for her to collect her thoughts.
Indeed, she had no thoughts.

"Gudrid," said Thorbeorn, "we think it is time for you to be settled,
and have here an honourable man who has asked for you. He is our
friend, Thore Easterling. He is well-descended and of good estimation
with our host. His family is of Ramfirth in Iceland, and he has a fine
estate here in Ericshaven. He has the new faith which we believe to be
the true faith. Now we think you ought to feel yourself happy, being
sure that you have every reason to be so. It will be a good marriage
for you."

Gudrid said nothing, and kept her eyes fixed on the ground. Presently
she removed her hand from her father's shoulder, let it fall to her
side, and stood alone. It was a painful pause, felt to be so by all
four, and broken presently by Thore himself. "Lady," he said, "I hope
to have your good will in this. I have few pretentions to a lady's
liking, but believe I am an honest and friendly man. If you will
accept of my love and service I am content to trust myself to win
yours."

Gudrid's throat was dry. She had difficulty in speaking. "I shall do
my duty," she said. And then, "I shall obey my father in all things,
as I ought."

Eric went over to her and took her hand. "I won't deny I shall be
sorry to see you leave Brattalithe," he said. "I tell Thore here that
if my Leif had been at home there's no saying what might have
happened--but as it is, he's the lucky one. He will have a sweet wife,
and owe it to us that she is as happy as she is good." She gave him a
swift and searching look, a flash of gratitude in it for his humanity,
but resumed her sea