Eric Brighteyes by H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
page 30 of 408 (07%)
page 30 of 408 (07%)
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hearth, and, having finished her service, Gudruda came and sat by Eric,
so that her sleeve might touch his. They spoke no word, but there they sat and were happy. Swanhild saw and bit her lip. Now, she was seated by Asmund and Björn his son. "Look, foster-father," she said; "yonder sit a pretty pair!" "That cannot be denied," answered Asmund. "One may ride many days to see such another man as Eric Brighteyes, and no such maid as Gudruda flowers between Middalhof and London town, unless it be thou, Swanhild. Well, so her mother said that it should be, and without doubt she was foresighted at her death." "Nay, name me not with Gudruda, foster-father; I am but a grey goose by thy white swan. But these shall be well wed and that will be a good match for Eric." "Let not thy tongue run on so fast," said Asmund sharply. "Who told thee that Eric should have Gudruda?" "None told me, but in truth, having eyes and ears, I grew certain of it," said Swanhild. "Look at them now: surely lovers wear such faces." Now it chanced that Gudruda had rested her chin on her hand, and was gazing into Eric's eyes beneath the shadow of her hair. "Methinks my sister will look higher than to wed a simple yeoman, though he is large as two other men," said Björn with a sneer. Now Björn was jealous of Eric's strength and beauty, and did not love him. |
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