Now, early in the morning Asmund rose, and, going to the hall, awoke
Eric, who slept by the centre hearth, saying that he would talk with him
without. Then Eric followed him to the back of the hall.

"Say now, Eric," he said, when they stood in the grey light outside the
house, "who was it taught thee that kisses keep out the cold on snowy
days?"

Now Eric reddened to his yellow hair, but he answered: "Who was it told
thee, lord, that I tried this medicine?"

"The snow hides much, but there are eyes that can pierce the snow. Nay,
more, thou wast seen, and there's an end. Now know this--I like thee
well, but Gudruda is not for thee; she is far above thee, who art but a
deedless yeoman."

"Then I love to no end," said Eric; "I long for one thing only, and that
is Gudruda. It was in my mind to ask her in marriage of thee to-day."

"Then, lad, thou hast thy answer before thou askest. Be sure of one
thing: if but once again I find thee alone with Gudruda, it is my axe
shall kiss thee and not her lips."

"That may yet be put to the proof, lord," said Eric, and turned to seek
his horse, when suddenly Gudruda came and stood between them, and his
heart leapt at the sight of her.

"Listen, Gudruda," Eric said. "This is thy father's word: that we two
speak together no more."