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Eric Brighteyes by H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
page 30 of 408 (07%)
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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