The man says that he was. Then Gunnar went in, and Hauskuld and
Hrut made him welcome. He sat down between them, and no one
could find out from their talk that there had ever been any
misunderstanding between them. At last Gunnar’s speech turned
thither; how these brothers would answer if he asked for
Hallgerda?
“Well,” says Hauskuld, “if that is indeed thy mind.”
Gunnar says that he is in earnest, “but we so parted last time,
that many would think it unlikely that we should ever be bound
together.”
“How thinkest thou, kinsman Hrut?” says Hauskuld.
Hrut answered, “Methinks this is no even match.”
“How dost thou make that out?” says Gunnar.
Hrut spoke, “In this wise will I answer thee about this matter,
as is the very truth. Thou art a brisk brave man well to do, and
unblemished; but she is much mixed up with ill report, and I will
not cheat thee in anything.”
“Good go with thee for thy words,” says Gunnar, “but still I
shall hold that for true, that the old feud weighs with ye, if ye
will not let me make this match.”
“Not so,” says Hrut, “‘t is more because I see that thou art
unable to help thyself; but though we make no bargain, we would
still be thy friends.”
“I have talked to her about it,” says Gunnar, “and it is not far
from her mind.”
Hrut says, “I know that you have both set your hearts on this
match; and, besides, ye two are those who run the most risk as to
how it turns out.”
Hrut told Gunnar unasked all about Hallgerda’s temper, and Gunnar
at first thought that there was more than enough that was
wanting; but at last it came about that they struck a bargain.
Then Hallgerda was sent for, and they talked over the business
when she was by, and now, as before, they made her betroth
herself. The bridal feast was to be at Lithend, and at first
they were to set about it secretly; but the end after all was
that every one knew of it.
Gunnar rode home from the Thing, and came to Bergthorsknoll, and
told Njal of the bargain he had made. He took it heavily.
Gunnar asks Njal why he thought this so unwise?
“Because from her,” says Njal, “will arise all kind of ill if
she comes hither east.”
“Never shall she spoil our friendship,” says Gunnar.
“Ah! but yet that may come very near,” says Njal; “and, besides,
thou wilt have always to make atonement for her.”
Gunnar asked Njal to the wedding, and all those as well whom he
wished should be at it from Njal’s house.
Njal promised to go; and after that Gunnar rode home, and then
rode about the district to bid men to his wedding.
34. OF THRAIN SIGFUS’ SON
