was wise and strong of soul; and the vikings spoke of her between themselves, and never had they seen a fairer woman, so deemed they both.
Hiördis.
[In suspense.] Both? Wilt thou mock me?
Sigurd.
Gunnar thought of her night and day, and that did Sigurd no less; but both held their peace, and no man could say from her bearing whether Gunnar found favour in her eyes; but that Sigurd found none, that was easy to discern.
Hiördis.
[Breathlessly.] Go on, go on!
Sigurd.
Yet ever the more must Sigurd dream of her; but of that wist no man. Now it befell one evening that there was a drinking-feast; and there did that proud woman vow that no man should possess her save he who wrought a mighty deed, which she named. Then high beat Sigurd's heart for joy; for he felt within him the strength to do that deed. But Gunnar took him apart and told him of his love;—Sigurd said nought of his, but went to the
Hiördis.
[Vehemently.] Sigurd, Sigurd! [Controlling herself.] And this saga—is it true?
Sigurd.
True it is. One of us had to yield; Gunnar was my friend; I could do nought else. So
